Can I replace struts myself?
These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours
. You’ll have to get an alignment done afterward (about $100), but you’ll still save about $300 by doing the job yourself. You’ll need rust penetrant, wrenches, a pin punch or large screwdriver, and a thin piece of plywood.
Are struts worth replacing?
Struts don’t need to be replaced unless your vehicle is bouncing like it’s on a pogo stick or bottoms out in potholes and over railroad tracks
— or unless a mechanic finds that they’re leaking fluid or have been damaged. In some climates, they can also rust.
How long does it take to change struts?
Typically, it takes around
one to two hours
to change struts, according to most professional mechanics. Even if you decide to replace them on your own, the estimated time is the same as long as you have previous mechanical skills and follow the process correctly.
How much does it normally cost to replace struts?
A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere
between $450 and $1,100
on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.
Can you replace the struts on a car?
Do you need an alignment after replacing struts?
To sum it up, here are the answers to the question—do you need an alignment after replacing shocks and struts?
Yes, if the vehicle manufacturer recommends an alignment after replacement
. Yes, if you did any suspension modifications that do not follow manufacturer recommendations.
When replacing struts What else should be replaced?
Getting Your Shocks & Struts Replaced
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle)
, and it’s even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
Do I need a spring compressor to change struts?
The shocks and struts on many vehicles are integrated with springs that can pop off and injure you or damage your vehicle if not removed properly. In such cases,
you’ll need a spring compressor in order to take everything apart safely
.
How do I know if my struts are bad?
Is a strut and a shock the same thing?
However,
shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions
. While both can help with your vehicle’s ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.
How many miles do struts last?
On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or
50,000-100,000 miles
under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.
How long do struts last?
On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about
10 years
. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.
Are struts in the front or back?
Struts are
typically installed in conjunction with the front wheels, but depending on a vehicle’s setup and driveline, they can also be mounted at the rear wheels
. Just as there are different types of cars, there are different types of struts.
Do struts affect steering?
While shocks and struts wear out gradually, your vehicle may give you some signs that there is something wrong with its ride control components.
Worn shocks and struts can have a detrimental effect on steering
, stopping and the stability of your vehicle.
How often should you replace your front struts?
Like all other automobile parts and systems, shocks and struts have a specific maintenance schedule. Auto repair experts say that generally they should be replaced
between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles
, depending on the wear and tear they have received.
How do you do an alignment at home?
What tools do I need to replace a strut?
How do you test car struts?
How can I compress my struts at home?
How do you compress struts to install?
How do you remove a spring without a compressor?
What does a worn strut sound like?
Bad strut sounds are usually described as
a hollow clunking or banging type of sound
. You’ll typically hear the noise when the vehicle is traveling over irregularities in the road. Most front strut assemblies also have a bearing at the top.
Can bad struts affect transmission?
Transmission –
If your tires have to absorb extra wear and heat due to weakened struts it means your transmission and axles have more stress on them as well
. This stress leads to premature aging and expensive repairs sooner rather than later.
What causes struts to go bad?
As noted above, the obvious cause is
poor road conditions
. If you drive consistently on roads that are filled with bumps and potholes, your automotive shocks and struts will wear down quicker than driving on a smooth paved road. As the shocks or struts wear, they lose their tension and support capabilities.
How do I know if I need shocks or struts?
One way to test the condition of the shocks and struts of your car is to
push down hard on each corner of a vehicle. If the vehicle continues to bounce after you let go, your shocks need replacing
.
Does a car have both shocks and struts?
They’re not. Every wheel on your vehicle has either a shock or a strut –
never both, never neither
. However, you may have struts on your front wheels and shocks on your rear wheels.
What happens if you drive on bad struts?
Loss of handling and control
– Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind.
How do I know if I need new struts?
Bumpy ride
The most obvious sign of a problem with your shocks or struts is that your car is giving you a much more uncomfortable ride than normal. You’ll feel bumps more, so the ride will feel rough.
How long do struts last?
Can struts last 200 000 miles?
How often:
Shocks and struts can last 80,000 miles or more
, but rough roads and aggressive driving can make them wear out faster.
Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control
. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.
