The Average Cost for a Rear Strut Replacement Is $741-$826 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance, such as suspension repair, brake services, steering repair, tire services, and wheel alignment. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a more accurate estimate for your rear strut replacement using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator:
Cost at the Mechanic: $741-$826
- Parts: $545-$578
- Labor: $197-$248
Generally, a professional mechanic may take two to three hours to replace the rear struts on a vehicle. This service should be performed once every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. It’s important to change your rear struts according to the recommended schedule because it can help improve your car’s ride quality and prevent damage to other components.
Cost to DIY: $545-$578
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Parts Needed:
You can save a considerable amount of money if you decide to perform your own rear strut replacement. However, note that the rear struts and springs on many vehicles are integrated, which means the strut and coil spring are attached. If you own such a vehicle, you may need a spring compressor to safely remove the springs. You can rent this tool, but make sure you know how to use it. Some replacement struts come with the coil spring attached, though.
Keep in mind: Rear struts may vary in terms of size, design, spring rate, weight transfer rating, and stroke length. All these factors contribute to building the ideal type of rear struts for your specific car and driving habits. If you decide to replace your rear struts yourself, make sure you purchase the right parts. Refer to your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure what type of struts your car needs.
What Are Rear Struts?
Rear struts are structural components of a rear suspension system that serve as connection points between the rear wheels and the vehicle body. A rear strut assembly comprises two main components: the coil spring and shock absorber. The coil spring plays the important role of supporting the weight of the vehicle, while the shock absorber soaks up surface impacts to ensure a smooth ride. Other components of a rear strut include the spring seats and strut bearing, and if the vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel steering, the strut assembly also has a steering knuckle similar to the struts found on the front of the car.
What Does a Rear Strut Replacement Include?
The process of replacing the rear struts of a vehicle is about the same whether you decide to do it yourself or leave it to a mechanic. The first thing you need to do is to jack up one side of your vehicle. Raise your car until there’s enough space to place a jack stand under the jack point just ahead of the rear wheel.
Taking off the wheel should be easy, but you may have to apply some elbow grease to remove the absorber. If a spring compressor is needed for the job, this is the time to use it. Usually, the bottom of the strut has three bolts holding it in place. You can use a socket wrench to unscrew these bolts. At the top of the strut, you’ll find a large bolt, which you may need an impact wrench to loosen.
After removing the old strut, install the new one and make sure you tighten all the bolts securely. Put the absorber and wheels back on your vehicle, and repeat the same process on the other rear wheel. If you have substantial experience working on cars, you can probably get the job done in two or three hours.
While you’re replacing your rear struts, you should also inspect your wheels and tires to see if they’re in good condition. If they’re worn or damaged, you may want to replace them as well. Also, you should have your wheels professionally aligned immediately after changing your rear struts.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Rear Strut Replacement?
If your rear struts aren’t in good shape, you can still drive your vehicle. However, be prepared for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. Bad rear struts not only affect your vehicle’s handling and ride quality, but they can also increase its stopping distance. If your struts are severely worn or damaged, your car may not be able to remain level around turns, which makes it more likely to roll over. In this case, you shouldn’t drive your car until you get new struts.
Another reason why you shouldn’t drive with faulty rear struts is that they can cause damage to other parts of your vehicle, such as the suspension, steering, brakes, and tires. So, keeping up with your rear strut replacement schedule can also help you save on repairs.
How Often to Get a Rear Strut Replacement
In general, it’s recommended that you get a rear strut replacement once every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. If you want to know the best interval for your specific vehicle, you can either use the free FIXD app or refer to your owner’s manual. Note that you may need new struts sooner if you have a habit of driving aggressively or frequently venture away from the pavement.
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Common Symptoms You Need to Get a Rear Strut Replacement
Below are some of the symptoms that may indicate it’s time to have your rear struts replaced:
- Bumpy ride
- Steering difficulty
- Vehicle lurching forward during sudden braking
- Uneven tire wear
- Strut fluid leaks
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with a rear strut replacement:
- Wheel alignment
- Tire replacement
- Suspension repair
- Brake services
- Steering services
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At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
