{"id":21140,"date":"2024-11-18T04:59:46","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T12:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"\/wp-site\/?post_type=car-repair&#038;p=21140"},"modified":"2025-01-09T13:56:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T21:56:22","slug":"shock-absorber-replacement","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/estimates\/shock-absorber-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Shock Absorber Replacement Cost Estimate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On average, replacing your shock absorbers, or shocks, costs around $200 to $400 per side for smaller vehicles, but that cost can be much higher if your vehicle requires premium or heavy-duty shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll typically need to replace all of your shocks at the same time. Some cars have shocks on all four wheels, and some have four struts, but most modern vehicles have two shock absorbers and two struts. If your vehicle has struts, it\u2019s a good idea to replace the shock absorbers inside the strut assemblies (sometimes called a strut cartridge) at the same time as your standalone shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-affects-cost-of-shock-absorber-replacement\">What affects the cost of a shock absorber replacement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of factors that can impact your shock absorber replacement cost:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Type of shocks: <\/strong>If you drive a large SUV or a heavy truck, you\u2019ll likely need heavier, more expensive shocks. Shocks may cost more for luxury vehicles as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost of labor:<\/strong> A shock absorber replacement usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour per side. If you live somewhere with higher hourly labor costs or if rust and corrosion make it difficult to remove your old shocks, you could pay more for a replacement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Replacing all shocks and struts:<\/strong> You should always replace shocks in pairs, but it\u2019s also generally a good idea to replace all of your strut cartridges and shocks at the same time. Strut inserts and front shocks may cost more than rear shocks, which could impact your final cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Whether you need an alignment: <\/strong>You don\u2019t always need an alignment after replacing your shock absorbers, but if you replace the strut cartridges, you should have one done. This will add $150-$200 to your total cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Additional components needed: <\/strong>In some cases, you may need to replace additional parts that have suffered wear and tear, like your coil springs. This could add $50-$150 per part to your repair bill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-shock-absorber-do\">What does a shock absorber do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shock absorbers improve ride quality by cushioning your vehicle from bumps in the road, uneven surfaces, potholes and more. This creates a smoother experience while you\u2019re driving. Shocks also help keep your vehicle more stable and help keep the tires firmly connected to the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Struts work similarly to shocks, but they may be attached to the steering system, and they include a spring. Shocks are not connected to the steering system and do not have springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-jerry-key-takeaway border-primary flex flex-col rounded bg-gray-50 p-6 border-l-4\"><div class=\"flex flex-col md:block md:space-x-1\"><span class=\"has-primary-color text-lg font-semibold\">Did you know?<\/span><span class=\"text-gray-900 text-base\">Shocks and struts are also called <em>dampers<\/em> because of the way they dampen bumps and vibrations while you\u2019re driving.<\/span><\/div><div class=\"jerry-block-content\" contentclassname=\"text-gray-900 text-base\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should I replace my shock absorbers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Shock absorbers are generally expected to last around 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, they may wear out sooner in certain conditions, including if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drive a heavy vehicle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive on bumpy roads or you frequently go off-road<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change lanes frequently or otherwise drive aggressively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use shocks that are too light for your vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the signs I need new shock absorbers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may need to replace your shocks if you notice any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An especially bumpy or bouncy ride<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor handling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rattling, knocking or clunking sounds while you drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The front of your car gets lower under braking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The rear of your car gets lower when you accelerate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The body of your car rolls or sways when you turn or go over bumps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leaking hydraulic fluid or oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uneven tire wear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if I don\u2019t replace my shock absorbers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the changes from worn shocks can occur gradually, it\u2019s pretty common for drivers to need new shocks without realizing it, but once you become aware that you need new shock absorbers, you shouldn\u2019t put off the repair for too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only will you have to endure a less comfortable ride, but your tires will wear more quickly, which could cost you more in the long run. You\u2019ll also experience decreased handling ability, potentially putting you in a dangerous situation if you need your vehicle to react quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-i-replace-shock-absorbers\">Can I replace shock absorbers myself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have some automotive experience, replacing your shock absorbers at home is doable. However, if you need new strut cartridges at the same time, it\u2019s better to have that done by a professional, because working with springs under tension can be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jerry-meet-experts\" data-wp-interactive=\"jerry\/meet-experts\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;modalVisible&quot;:false}\">\n  <div class=\"font-circular text-2xl font-extrabold text-slate-900\">Expert-driven. 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All\n      insights drawn from Jerry\u2019s proprietary, aggregated customer auto insurance quotes data provide unique, real-world\n      guidance.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"text-base font-semibold text-gray-900\">Our experts<\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"my-8 flex flex-col gap-8 items-center justify-center\">\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Amy-Bobinger-1.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Amy-Bobinger-1.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Amy-Bobinger-1-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Amy-Bobinger-1-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Amy-Bobinger-1-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Amy Bobinger            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry\u2019s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n          <div\n        class=\"meet-experts-item group relative flex h-auto w-full flex-none flex-col justify-between overflow-hidden rounded-3xl py-9 text-sm shadow-variant-card\"\n        data-expand=\"false\"\n        data-wp-init=\"callbacks.onItemInit\"\n      >\n        <div class=\"grid h-full w-full grid-cols-1 overflow-hidden px-8 md:grid-cols-4\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Phil-Metzger.png\" class=\"size-16 rounded-full md:size-32 col-span-1 md:ml-4\" alt=\"meet-experts-thumbnail\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Phil-Metzger.png 250w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Phil-Metzger-150x150.png 150w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Phil-Metzger-56x56.png 56w, \/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Phil-Metzger-120x120.png 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 346px) 260px, (max-width: 576px) 432px, (max-width: 720px) 540px, (min-width: 720px) 250px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"low\"\/>\n          <div class=\"col-span-3\">\n            <div class=\"my-4 flex-1 content-center font-circular text-lg font-medium text-slate-900 md:mt-0\">\n              Phil Metzger            <\/div>\n\n            \n            <div class=\"text-slate-500 mt-2 leading-6\">\n              <p>Phil Metzger is a personal finance editor and writer with more than 30 years of experience editing and writing content across a variety of industries. In writing and editing for Jerry, Phil\u2019s mission is to help car owners better understand their vehicles and the costs associated with car ownership. Before joining Jerry, Phil worked as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, television radio and online news. His work has appeared in many major publications and websites over the years, including a series he edited that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize.<\/p>            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"absolute hidden group-data-[expand=true]:flex bottom-0 w-full h-24 bg-gradient-to-t from-white from-30% to-transparent to-100% items-end justify-center\">\n          <div\n            class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-row items-center gap-2 my-4 font-circular text-primary\"\n            data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.onItemExpandClick\"\n          >\n            <span class=\"text-sm\">See more<\/span>\n            <span class=\"iconify i--chevron-down text-xs\"><\/span>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A shock absorber replacement costs about $200 to $400 per side for a small to midsize vehicle, but you\u2019ll typically need to replace both sides at the same time.   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":49153,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jerry_authors":"[{\"id\":\"4\",\"type\":\"main-author\"},{\"id\":\"254\",\"type\":\"main-author\"}]","jerry_author_ids":[4,254],"jerry_idx_page_label":"","jerry_meta_desc":"Worried you might overpay for your shock absorber replacement? Use Jerry\u2019s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your shock absorber replacement.","jerry_related_posts":"[29799,6079,5177]","jerry_summary":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[516],"tags":[112,120],"class_list":["post-21140","car-repair","type-car-repair","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-estimates","tag-car-maintenance","tag-car-repair"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/21140","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/car-repair"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21140"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/21140\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49154,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/car-repair\/21140\/revisions\/49154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21140"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21140"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21140"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}