- 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. ...
- Steering problems. ...
- Braking problems. ...
- Fluid leaks. ...
- Unusual tire tread wear. ...
- Mileage.
What are the signs of bad struts?
- Instability at highway speeds. ...
- Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. ...
- The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. ...
- Rear-end squat during acceleration. ...
- Tires bouncing excessively. ...
- Unusual tire wear. ...
- Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
What do bad struts sound like?
Drivers speak of bad strut noises that sound like banging, rattling and even clunking sounds . Generally, you’ll hear the noise when the vehicle is riding or traveling over specific irregularities in the road- such as bumps, potholes objects on the freeway- and more.
What happens if you don’t replace 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 replace struts?
To replace a pair of struts, the total cost on average is between $400 and $1000 , including wheel alignment. An individual strut assembly costs approximately $150 to $350, while the labor cost is $100 to $300 for a pair.
What happens if a strut breaks while driving?
Suspension Damage
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.
How much does it cost to replace a strut top?
Replacing a strut mount will cost you somewhere in the range of $120 to $250 total (parts & labor). The strut mount itself will only cost around $40 to $100 in parts.
How do I know if I have shocks or struts?
If you have your vehicles manual, you could always look in there at the suspension system section . ... Both shocks and suspensions will be located near the tires. Shocks will be vertical and resemble a pneumatic pump. Struts are horizontal and look to be just extensions of the wheels.
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.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 struts?
Strut Replacement Cost
On average, expect to pay somewhere between $450 and $900 to replace a pair of struts. An individual strut assembly will cost about $150 to $300 so you’re looking at around $300 to $600 for parts alone. Labor alone will set you back about $150 to $300 for the pair.
Do I have to get an alignment after replacing struts?
However, your vehicle does have adjustable camber settings and so, yes, the vehicle would have to be aligned if the struts were replaced . Once new struts are installed, if the alignment is roughly within spec., you can wait until you get your new tires to perform the alignment.
How long do struts last?
So how long do shocks and 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.
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 replace one strut?
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to replace struts. The time to get the struts replaced depends on the skill level of who is replacing them and how rusted the bolts and joints are. When you have worn-out struts, you have to replace them because they can cause more damage.
