No. It needs to be repaired as soon as possible . A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road. ... Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency.
What happens when rear struts break?
When a strut is broken, one area of the vehicle is free to move farther and faster than the others . This increases the wear on the other suspension components and may cause the failure of these components. Damage to other suspension components may greatly increase the cost of needed repairs.
Can you drive without back struts?
Your car’s suspension system wouldn’t exist without struts . Stuts are the part that hold your vehicle off the ground. Without them, it would fall to the pavement. ... The car would still be able to drive if the shocks went out.
Can you drive with a broken rear shock?
Failed or broken shock absorber: A car with one or more of its shock absorbers out of commission will bounce quite a bit and may roll, squat, or dive excessively. ... Never drive a car with a broken shock absorber at highway speeds and avoid sudden turns or stops; in the long run, a broken shock will need to be replaced.
What happens if you don’t fix struts?
Safety: Worn struts result in longer stopping times and/or distances as the vehicle weight can shift (sometimes unexpectedly) during braking. ... Wear on other parts: Driving with bad struts accelerates the wear on tires, as well as other components of the suspension system, such as the springs.
How much does it cost to fix a broken strut?
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.
How much does it cost to replace rear shocks?
On average, replacing rear shocks is going to run you somewhere between $1,000 and $1,130 . And there is very little wiggle room for those looking for a deal. The parts associated with rear shock replacement come in at right around $900 and make up the bulk of the rear shock replacement cost.
How long can I drive with bad rear struts?
How long can you expect your shocks or struts to last? That depends. “Driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, can shorten their functional life,” says Reina. “With heavy use, you could be looking to replace them at 40,000 or 50,000 miles or sooner .
What noise do bad shocks make?
If you experience similar vibrations on smooth roads, your shocks, struts, or steering stabilizer may be worn. Unusual noises – When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound . This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump.
Are struts easy to replace?
Replacing struts used to be a dangerous job for a DIYer. ... But these days you can buy a complete strut assembly that eliminates the strut/spring/mount disassembly process. These assemblies allow you to replace both of your front struts yourself in less than two hours.
Should you replace all 4 struts at once?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four , for even, predictable handling and control. ... Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.
What happens if a strut breaks while driving?
A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road. ... Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency. It can also damage other components in your car.
Can you replace just one strut?
It’s not necessary , but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. ... However, if your car is not very old, replacing only one strut or shock absorber may be enough, since the opposite side is not worn out yet.
What does a broken 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. ... It’s also possible to get a bad strut mount sound—an audible clunking or creaking when turning the steering wheel.
Can I replace shocks myself?
If you need to replace your car’s shock absorbers but don’t want to pay an expensive mechanic’s fee, you can do so on your own with a little effort. Shocks are essential to a car’s performance, giving it a smooth and even ride. Over time, however, the vehicle’s suspensions become worn out.
Do you need alignment after replacing rear shocks?
In general, you don’t need an alignment done after replacing shocks on a vehicle with the older style front suspension typically found on rear wheel drive vehicles. ... Replacing those shocks has nothing to do with the alignment whatsoever unless the spring has lost some of it’s tension.
