™How much does it cost to replace struts or shocks?
Short answer: The national average for a suspension shock or strut replacement is roughly $1,144 to $1,348 before taxes and fees. The usual advice is to replace them in left-and-right pairs and do a four-wheel alignment after struts, so a fair quote usually covers one axle plus an alignment. A quote for all four corners should come with a reason for each.
Fair price range
| Job | Typical total | Labor | Parts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock or strut replacement | $1,144 – $1,348 | $332 – $487 | $812 – $862 | RepairPal |
| Wheel alignment (recommended after struts) | $186 – $273 | $186 – $273 | None (labor only) | RepairPal |
| Strut assembly replacement: mobile-mechanic quotes, 6 example vehicles | $275 – $1,161 | – | – | YourMechanic |
| Shock absorber replacement: mobile-mechanic quotes, 6 example vehicles | $675 – $1,629 | – | – | YourMechanic |
Sources: RepairPal national averages, estimates last updated September 3, 2026 (checked October 23, 2026); YourMechanic figures are its own mobile-mechanic quotes for the example vehicles on its page (checked October 25, 2026), not a national average. Totals exclude taxes and shop fees and don’t reflect your location; your vehicle, region and shop can put you well outside these ranges.
The national average doesn’t say how many corners it covers, so compare your quote per axle. Its vehicle examples range widely: about $790 – $1,003 for a Ford F-150, $831 – $998 for a Toyota Camry and $1,838 – $2,171 for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Shocks (common on the rear of many cars and trucks) are usually a simpler job than struts.
What drives the price
- Struts vs. shocks. A strut is part of the suspension structure and holds the coil spring; a shock is a simpler bolt-in part.
- Complete assembly vs. bare strut. A ready-to-install assembly (strut, spring and mount) costs more as a part but saves the labor of compressing and transferring the old spring.
- Front, rear or all four. Each axle is a pair; all four corners roughly doubles the job.
- Electronic or air suspension. Adaptive dampers and air struts cost far more than conventional parts.
What’s normal, and what’s worth questioning
- Replacing struts or shocks in left-and-right pairs is normal, so both sides match.
- A four-wheel alignment after strut replacement is normal; new struts can change ride height and alignment.
- Clear evidence like a strut leaking oil, a broken spring, a bounce that keeps going after a bump, or a worn mount supports the repair.
- Worth questioning: all four corners quoted on mileage alone with no leak, bounce or wear shown, or labor for mounts and springs billed separately when the quote already uses complete assemblies.
Can I do this myself?
We recommend leaving this one to a qualified shop. Coil springs are stored under heavy pressure, and compressing them without the right tools and training can cause serious injury. This one is best left to a shop. Use the price range above to check your quote instead.
Questions to ask the shop
- What did you find on each corner: leaking, worn mounts, a broken spring, or failed bounce test?
- Is this quote for one axle or all four? What would just the worn pair cost?
- Are these complete strut assemblies or bare struts with my old springs reused?
- Is the alignment included, and will I get the before and after readings?
- Are the parts OEM or aftermarket, and what’s the warranty?
More questions by repair type →
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between struts and shocks?
Both control bouncing. A strut is also a structural part of the suspension that supports the coil spring and affects alignment; a shock absorber only damps movement. Many cars have struts in front and shocks or struts in the rear.
Do I need to replace all four struts?
Not necessarily. The usual advice is to replace them in pairs on the same axle so left and right match. Front and rear wear separately, so all four is only needed if both axles are worn.
What are signs of worn struts or shocks?
The car keeps bouncing after bumps, the nose dives when braking, the body leans a lot in turns, it bottoms out, or you see oil leaking from a strut. Uneven, scalloped tire wear can also be a sign.
Do I need an alignment after new struts?
Usually, yes. A four-wheel alignment is recommended after strut replacement, because new struts can change the ride height and wheel angles.
Related guides
- Wheel alignment cost
- Car pulls to one side
- Suspension questions to ask
- Is this repair quote fair? (free checklist)
Sources
- RepairPal: suspension shock or strut replacement cost
- RepairPal: wheel alignment cost
- YourMechanic: strut assembly replacement pricing for various cars (mobile-mechanic quotes for 6 example vehicles, checked October 25, 2026)
- YourMechanic: shock absorber replacement pricing for various cars (mobile-mechanic quotes for 6 example vehicles, checked October 25, 2026)
- NHTSA: check your vehicle for recalls
Also worth checking: open recalls on your vehicle (NHTSA, above) before paying for a repair. A recall repair is free at a dealer.
General information from someone with automotive sales and service-writer experience, not professional mechanical advice and not a substitute for an inspection by a qualified technician. Cost ranges are national averages from the sources listed and vary by vehicle, region and shop.