Strut Assembly Replacement Cost Estimate

Concerned about potentially overpaying for your strut assembly replacement? Use MyMechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for your strut assembly replacement.

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How much does it cost to replace a strut assembly?

The average strut replacement cost can vary significantly. Your actual total cost depends on factors such as your vehicle, location, and the type of struts you purchase.

How long does it take to replace struts?

Exact replacement durations can differ from vehicle to vehicle. However, typically, a skilled mechanic will require between one and two hours per strut—keep in mind that struts should always be replaced in pairs, so the entire task could take two to four hours.

How did we estimate these prices?

My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.

What parts do I need for my strut assembly replacement, and how much do those parts cost?

You should refer to your owner’s manual and a vehicle repair guide for model-specific repair information, but here is a general overview of what you may need:

  • Strut assemblies: The only parts you should have to buy for your replacement are the new strut assemblies. A strut assembly typically includes the coil spring, strut mount, bearing plate, shock absorber, a bellow or dust boot, a bump stop, and a jounce stop.

You can purchase strut assembly parts for your car from various auto parts stores and online retailers. The best brands for your replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

For many automotive repairs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are often considered the top choice.

Your car’s manufacturer designs and produces OEM parts specifically to fit your make and model accurately. They typically come with a robust warranty and are crafted from high-quality materials. However, OEM parts can be expensive and may be challenging to source for certain vehicles.

Aftermarket parts are manufactured by third-party companies and are compatible with a broader range of vehicles. They generally come at a lower cost compared to OEM parts and are available in budget, premium, and performance variations. Aftermarket parts are a great option for older vehicles, individuals seeking cost savings, and those aiming to enhance their vehicles.

Aftermarket parts are available at most auto parts stores and online retailers. OEM parts can be found at your local dealership or an authorized parts supplier.

Where can I get my strut assembly replaced?

It’s not always easy to find a trustworthy auto repair shop. Luckily, MyMechanic allows you to compare repair estimates and hourly rates from thousands of shops around Malaysia.

MyMechanic uses real hourly rates from shops in your neighborhood to generate fair price estimates. Use MyMechanic to budget for future maintenance work, learn about diagnostic fees, and find shops in your area with the best reviews.

How did we vet these shops?

My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.

How will a mechanic replace my strut assemblies?

The exact replacement process can vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, here are the general steps your mechanic will likely follow to replace your struts:

  • Open the hood and lift the car off the ground. If you’re replacing the front struts, you’ll access the upper mounting bolts from under the hood. If replacing the rear struts, you may need to remove the back seats or access the mounting bolts from inside the trunk, depending on the car.
  • Remove the wheels.
  • Disconnect any brake lines and ABS wires from the strut and steering knuckle assembly.
  • Remove the lower mounting bolts attached to the steering knuckle assembly.
  • Disconnect the sway bar link from the strut assembly.
  • Use a hammer or pry bar to separate the steering knuckle assembly from the strut.
  • Remove the upper strut mount bolts.
  • Remove the old strut.
  • Compare the new strut assembly to the old one to confirm that no parts need to be transferred over to the new part.
  • Clean the area of the steering knuckle where the strut attaches to it.
  • Position the new strut assembly and install the upper mounting bolts.
  • Use a jack to raise the steering knuckle into position and ensure that the bolt holes on the strut and knuckle align.
  • Install the lower bolts.
  • Torque the lower bolts to the appropriate specification.
  • Replace the sway bar end links and torque them appropriately.
  • Reconnect the ABS and brake lines.
  • Tighten the upper mounting bolts and torque them to the manufacturer’s recommended specification.

What happens if I don’t replace my strut assemblies?

If you have faulty struts and opt not to replace them, you may experience the following problems:

    • Reduced ride comfort, handling, and stability:Worn-out struts will absorb fewer shocks and vibrations, resulting in diminished vehicle handling, increased body roll, less responsive steering, and overall poor ride quality.
    • Increased braking distance:Faulty struts can compromise your vehicle's stability when braking, potentially extending stopping distances and elevating the likelihood of a collision.
    • Uneven tire wear: As struts lose their damping ability, tires may experience increased bouncing, resulting in irregular tire wear and the need for more frequent tire changes.
    • Damage to other suspension componentsDefective shocks can harm your vehicle's suspension setup, potentially accelerating the deterioration of critical components such as control arms, ball joints, bushings, and tie rods over time.
    • Safety risks:Deteriorated struts can diminish your car's handling, stability, and braking capabilities, creating hazardous driving conditions.

What is a strut assembly?

The strut assembly serves as a vital component in numerous suspension systems, functioning as a unified shock absorber-coil spring unit engineered to uphold your vehicle's weight, mitigate shocks and vibrations, and uphold stability.

When should I replace the strut assemblies on my car?

While there isn't a fixed replacement schedule for strut assemblies, they typically show signs of wear between 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Struts may require replacement upon failure or for performance enhancement. Key indicators of worn-out struts encompass the following:

      • Noises when driving over bumps:If you detect clunking or knocking sounds when traversing bumps or potholes, it might indicate a necessity for fresh strut assemblies.
      • Poor ride quality:A prevalent indication of faulty struts is experiencing a rough, uncomfortable ride. While encountering occasional bumps on uneven roads is typical, if you sense every crack and irregularity, or if your journey feels jerky and harsh, it could signal the requirement for new strut assemblies.
      • The car pulls to one side:If your vehicle veers to one side, it could indicate misalignment, yet it also points to potential issues with worn-out struts. Given their crucial role in front-end alignment, a noticeable pull to one side may implicate the struts as a contributing factor.
      • Uneven tire wear:As struts deteriorate, their ability to absorb shocks diminishes, resulting in inadequate shock absorption. Consequently, your tires may intermittently lose contact with the road surface, resulting in irregular tire wear.

How often should I replace my strut assemblies?

There's typically no specific predetermined replacement interval for strut assemblies, though consulting your owner's manual is advisable. Struts commonly exhibit wear after approximately 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Replacement becomes necessary upon encountering symptoms of strut failure, such as clunking noises, ride discomfort, and uneven tire wear.

Can I replace my strut assemblies myself?

Replacing a strut assembly is typically considered a mid-to-advanced-level repair task. While it can serve as an engaging DIY endeavor for skilled hobbyists and proficient home mechanics, it might pose considerable complexity for beginners.

If you lack confidence in handling your vehicle's suspension system, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional mechanic.

FAQs

Continuing to drive with faulty struts can result in the following:

  • Diminished handling and vehicle control
  • Extended braking distances
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Decreased ride comfort
  • Potential damage to the suspension system
  • Elevated risk of accidents
  • Potential issues with vehicle alignment

The lifespan of struts can fluctuate depending on driving behaviors, the specific type of struts utilized, and the make and model of your vehicle. Typically, struts endure between 50,000 to 100,000 miles before necessitating replacement.