Suspension Springs Replacement Cost Estimate
Concerned about potentially overpaying for your suspension springs replacement? Utilize MyMechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate.
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How much does a suspension spring replacement cost?
The average total cost for a suspension springs replacement varies depending on your vehicle’s year and model.
The parts cost typically covers the purchase of new suspension springs, though it may also include expenses for replacing control arms, ball joints, and shocks as needed. Regarding labor, a certified mechanic generally spends one to two hours inspecting your vehicle, diagnosing the issue, and completing the suspension coil spring replacement.
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 you need for a suspension springs replacement? How much do they cost?
Your vehicle's suspension system is a sophisticated network of components engineered to mitigate driving disturbances. It prevents metal parts from colliding, enhances performance, and ensures a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Suspension systems come in diverse types, each employing suspension springs in various ways. Costs, replacement challenges, and associated components vary across different suspension systems, but let's keep it brief and straightforward.
Here are the various suspension spring types, their associated costs, and the systems that utilize them:
- Leaf springs :Also referred to as carriage springs, semi-elliptical springs, elliptical springs, or cart springs, these springs are employed in both single and multi-leaf suspension systems. Though their designs may vary, they typically resemble half-arcs or compressed ovals. While prevalent in many older vehicle models, they were still utilized in pickup trucks until the early 2000s.
- Coil springs : Resembling the iconic spring seen in cartoons and clocks, these spiral rods of steel exhibit a bouncing action when compressed. They play a crucial role in supporting the weight of your vehicle and preventing it from crashing onto the axles when traversing uneven terrain.
- Shock absorbers : Absorbing the energy absorbed by the suspension springs, these components ensure that the cabin doesn't experience uncontrollable bouncing. Shock absorbers may contain air, hydraulic fluid, oil, or a combination of oil and gas to effectively dampen the vehicle's motion.
- Struts : Combining a coil spring, damper, and metal support arm into a unified unit, struts are integral components of a vehicle's suspension system. Unlike some suspension parts, struts typically cannot be rebuilt and require complete replacement. Attempting to replace only the suspension spring within a strut assembly could pose safety risks.
Popular suspension spring brands include various options available from both online and local auto retailers.
Remember: Depending on your vehicle's suspension setup, replacing your suspension springs may entail purchasing a new set of leaf springs, coil springs, or struts.
Genuine manufacturer parts (OEM) typically come at a higher price compared to aftermarket alternatives, but they ensure an exact fit for your vehicle model and often come with a warranty. However, certain aftermarket parts boast performance quality and can offer durability comparable to OEM components.
Well-known suspension spring manufacturers encompass a range of options such as those offered by various automotive retailers, dealerships, and online marketplaces. For genuine OEM parts, consider checking your vehicle manufacturer's official website. Always consult your owner's manual to ensure compatibility with your vehicle.
Where can I get my suspension springs replaced?
If there’s an issue with your vehicle suspension system, you and your passengers will likely notice right away. Help put your car back on track with the assistance of your mechanic, your reliable partner for car repairs!
MyMechanic generates fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops across the country. Use MyMechanic to get quotes based on real hourly rates of nearby shops, check out diagnostic fees, and read customer reviews so you can save money without compromising on repair quality.
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 perform a suspension spring replacement?
The method a mechanic employs to replace the suspension springs on your car will vary depending on the model and the type of suspension system it employs. Due to the high tension involved with all springs, the garage will handle them with caution. Here's a general overview of what your mechanic will likely do:
- Raise the car using jack stands or a lift and remove any components obstructing access to the suspension springs. This may involve removing the base plate, brake lines, tie rods, sway bar, control arms, and/or ball joints.
- Inspect the suspension springs and dampers for any signs of damage or wear.
- Remove any bolts, fasteners, nuts, or pins securing the old suspension springs in position and extract them from the assembly.
- Reassemble all the suspension components before mounting your wheels and securing them with the appropriate torque and in the proper pattern.
Can I drive my car with a broken spring?
No, it's not safe to drive your car with a broken spring. Whether it's a broken coil spring, leaf spring, or strut, it can upset the balance of your car and impede your ability to steer, especially in emergency situations.
Ignoring the condition of the springs could also lead to increased stress on your shocks, potentially resulting in their failure. Additionally, it would result in an exceedingly rough and uncomfortable ride for both you and your passengers.
What is a suspension springs replacement?
Replacing suspension springs is a significant service that enhances your vehicle's capacity to uphold the weight of the cabin over the axles. Since a functional suspension system is essential for proper steering, this repair is of paramount importance and should be addressed urgently.
How do I know if my suspension springs are broken?
Functional suspension springs ensure that your car cabin is supported by the axles without grinding against them. Any issues will result in a noticeable change in ride quality. Make sure to visit the garage as soon as possible if you notice:
- Clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps in the road
- Excessive bouncing or jolting sensations within the cabin
- Misalignment and irregular tire wear
- Sagging
How often should you replace the suspension springs on a car?
Suspension springs are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, over time, they may experience wear, sagging, or corrosion. If you reside in a region prone to icy conditions, it's advisable to apply a protective coating to the undercarriage every winter to mitigate the effects of salt spray and prevent corrosion.
Can I change the suspension springs myself?
Replacing the suspension springs on a car is a complex and labor-intensive task best left to professionals. It involves removing the tires and wheels, disassembling the suspension components, and ensuring proper support for the vehicle to prevent any damage to the parts.
If a compressed spring breaks suddenly or becomes dislodged, it can pose a serious risk of injury. Additionally, it's recommended to replace leaf springs, coil springs, or struts in pairs to ensure proper balance and performance, which means you'll need to perform the replacement twice.
FAQs
A broken spring may produce a clunking or knocking sound when you turn your tires. As the broken spring catches on the wheel during rotation, it can create a single, distinct "thud," similar to someone sharply knocking at your door. If you suspect a broken spring, it's advisable to pull over safely, put the car in neutral or park, and have someone turn the wheel while you listen attentively to confirm the issue.
Rust, misalignment, and fluid leaks are all potential causes of broken car springs. Rust is particularly problematic for drivers in northern states, where road salt used to melt ice can lead to corrosive buildup every winter. Misalignment can result in undue stress on specific corners of the vehicle, leading to premature wear and potential spring failure.
Finally, a hydraulic fluid leak, such as from a faulty brake line or shock, can coat your spring with corrosive liquid, accelerating wear and potentially leading to failure.
Mechanics typically advise replacing suspension coils, leaf coils, and struts in pairs. If one component fails, its counterpart is likely to follow suit soon. Additionally, even if the old part isn't broken, it may have lost some of its springiness or height compared to a new component, potentially leading to an uneven ride and irregular wear.
