The Average Cost to Replace Front Struts is $300-950, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and doesn’t factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related maintenance or repairs, such as wheel alignment and other suspension repairs, may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate of front strut replacement cost based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a more accurate estimate for your front strut replacement cost using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator.
Cost at the Mechanic: $450-$900
- Parts: $300-$600
- Labor: $150-$300
It takes about one to two hours to complete a front strut replacement. If the service also includes a wheel alignment, the additional service might add an hour or two to the total time. Most automotive manufacturers recommend having the front struts replaced every 50,000 to100,000 miles, although driving habits and the quality of the parts used in the vehicle can impact how often to replace them.
Cost to DIY: $150 per assembly, $300 for both front struts
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Parts Needed:
- Two front strut assemblies
- Wrenches
- Large screwdriver or pin punch
- A thin piece of plywood
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You can reduce the cost to replace your front struts by doing this job yourself.
Although it’s slightly cheaper to replace only the struts, rather than the full strut assemblies, you’ll get better results by replacing the front strut assemblies. These include struts that are already assembled around new springs. This makes it much easier and safer to handle this task on your own, as compressing and removing the springs from your old struts and transferring them to your new ones requires spring compressor tools and can be dangerous, as well as time-consuming.
Keep in mind: There are many different types of front struts, and not all struts fit all vehicles. If you plan to replace your front struts yourself, be sure to choose the right parts to fit your vehicle. When in doubt, always refer to your owner’s manual.
What is a Front Strut?
Front struts are dampers and structural components used in the independent suspension systems of many modern vehicles. They consist of a shock absorber and a spring, helping to absorb some of the shocks of bumps in the road to maintain a smooth and comfortable ride. In conventional suspensions, separate shock absorbers are connected to a control arm and the frame or body of the car, but many modern suspensions rely on struts instead of these separate components.
What Does a Front Strut Replacement Include?
Front strut replacement includes removing the existing, worn struts and replacing them with new struts. By performing this service, you can improve the ride quality of your vehicle and protect the suspension system, brake system, and other vital components. When replacing front struts, it’s smart to inspect the sway bar links to determine if they need replacement as well.
Front strut replacement usually requires an alignment service as well, as the camber and toe angles change when the old struts are removed. A wheel alignment returns the wheels to the positions specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Failing to have the wheels aligned after front strut replacement could cause the tires to wear unevenly and shorten their lifespan. It can also cause undesirable handling characteristics, such as steering that feels too twitchy and is difficult to control.
You can expect this service to take at least an hour whether you take it to a shop or DIY. A shop will need to perform the alignment service for you, which could take up to an additional two hours.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Front Strut Replacement Done?
Since the struts are part of the vehicle’s suspension system, failing to replace them regularly can impact the ride and comfort of your vehicle. You might notice that bumps feel more pronounced.
Uneven tire wear is another problem that can occur if you don’t replace your front struts regularly. If your tires show signs of cupping or are wearing out faster than expected, the struts may be worn out and not holding the tires onto the road as well as they should. Rotating or replacing the tires but not the front struts will not fix this problem, only prolong it. Worn struts can also have an impact on other components in the suspension, as well as the related steering system.
It’s important to replace both struts on the front axle at the same time, as mixing old struts with new can cause uneven wear and other issues. Also, if one strut has already failed, the other is likely to fail in the near future.
How Often to Replace Front Struts
Struts can typically last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, although driving habits and the condition of other components in the suspension system can impact those estimates. If you frequently haul or carry heavy loads, this can put more wear on the struts and cause them to wear out faster. It’s recommended to replace both struts on the same axle at a time.
Always check your owner’s manual to reference the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
Common Symptoms You Need to Have Front Struts Replaced
- Excessive bouncing over bumps
- Dipping or nosediving of the vehicle’s front or rear end, especially when braking or accelerating
- Hydraulic fluid leakage
- Significantly uneven tire wear, potentially including scalloping or cupping
- Rattling or shaking
- Loss of control when braking
- Knocking, rattling, or thumping sounds
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with front strut replacement:
- Wheel alignment
- Tire rotation
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