Cost to replace strut mounts

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Originally Posted by syncro

One of my front mounts is making quite a bit of noise. The vehicle has only covered approximately 12,000 kilometers since it was brand new, and the dealer seems disinterested in replacing them under warranty.

Experiencing a rough and uncomfortable ride in your vehicle? This could indicate that your shocks and struts are worn out and in need of replacement. Although struts are built to last, they can wear down and eventually fail for several reasons. If you are considering replacing your suspension system and are curious about the cost of a complete strut assembly replacement, this guide will provide you with the necessary information.

In this article:

• 1. What Is A Strut Assembly And How Does It Work?
• 2. What Is The Cost Of Replacing Complete Strut Assembly?
• 3. Should I Replace A Strut Or The Complete Strut Assembly (Loaded vs Unloaded Strut)?
• 4. How Does A Strut Assembly Fail?
• 5. What Are The Signs Of A Bad Strut Assembly?
• 6. How To Replace A Car's Strut Assembly?
• 7. Tips To Remember During Strut Assembly Replacement
• 8. FAQs

1. What Is A Strut Assembly And How Does It Work?

The strut assembly is a crucial component in modern independent suspension systems used in vehicles today. With the rise of small and front-wheel-drive cars, older suspension methods became less feasible due to limited underhood space. Consequently, strut suspensions, often referred to as MacPherson struts, were developed. This assembly primarily consists of a coil spring and a shock absorber that work together to absorb shocks and reduce vibrations from uneven road surfaces. The MacPherson strut is the most prevalent type of strut assembly found in both the front and rear suspensions of vehicles.

2. What Is The Cost Of Replacing Complete Strut Assembly?

The total cost of replacing a complete strut assembly comprises several factors, including the price of the new strut assembly, labor fees, and any additional parts that may need to be replaced. On average, a strut assembly can cost between $250 to $600, varying by the make and model of your vehicle. For some models, an OEM strut assembly may involve higher costs. Labor charges typically range from $150 to $300, depending on how many assemblies need replacing and the specific repair shop. In total, you can expect to pay approximately $500 to $900 to replace a pair of struts. When opting for a car dealership, the costs could exceed $1,000 for a standard front strut replacement. To save money, consider using high-quality aftermarket parts and having a reputable mechanic perform the replacement.

Below are some estimates for replacing strut assemblies on various popular car models, noting that these prices are subject to change and do not encompass taxes or diagnostic fees.

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In addition to the aforementioned costs related to strut assembly replacement, there could be further expenses for other necessary replacement parts such as nuts and bushes, along with wheel alignment, which can range from $100 to $150. The overall cost can also vary based on the particular make and model of your car. For example, the strut assembly replacement cost for a GMC Sierra may reach $800 or more, in stark contrast to approximately $350 to $400 for a Toyota Corolla.

3. Should I Replace A Strut Or The Complete Strut Assembly (Loaded vs Unloaded Strut)?

When replacing struts, you may face a choice between a loaded or unloaded strut. A loaded strut comprises a complete strut assembly that includes the strut, coil spring, and strut mounts, all pre-installed. Conversely, an unloaded strut only includes the strut and is generally less expensive than a loaded strut.

Opting for loaded struts is more convenient since they are easier to install. When dealing with an unloaded strut, the assembly needs to be disassembled using a special shock and strut spring compressor tool, requiring a certain level of technical skill and being a time-consuming process. It’s advisable to purchase the complete strut assembly to ensure that all worn-out components, including the spring and strut mounts, are replaced simultaneously.

Hiring a professional for strut replacement can result in costs equivalent to purchasing a new strut assembly, so undertaking the replacement of the complete strut assembly yourself can provide a significant cost-saving benefit.

4. How Does A Strut Assembly Fail?

The lifespan of a strut assembly typically ranges from 80,000 to 160,000 kilometers. Despite being durable, wear and tear over time can necessitate replacement after about 5 to 10 years. Major contributing factors to premature strut failure include poor road conditions and driving habits. While strut assemblies are designed for strength, impacts from potholes or curbs can bend or damage them. Continuous driving on rough roads leads to quicker wear, meaning the struts lose their ability to support the vehicle. Additionally, seal wear can result in suspension fluid leaks that compromise the dampening capabilities, causing an uncomfortable ride.

5. What Are The Signs Of A Bad Strut Assembly?

Faulty strut assemblies can cause multiple symptoms that signal it's time for a replacement. Some common signs to look out for include:

• A. Bouncy Ride: Worn or damaged struts may lead to a bouncy and unstable ride on uneven surfaces, causing the wheels to lose contact with the road.
• B. Front End Dives or Rear End Squats: If the struts are not capable of handling the vehicle's weight, the front will dive during braking, and the rear will squat during acceleration.
• C. Increase In Body Roll: Damage to struts can contribute to increased body roll during cornering, making it dangerous and leading to potential accidents.
• D. Uneven Tire Wear: Bad struts can affect tire contact, leading to uneven wear and potentially causing cupping or scalloping on the tires.
• E. Unusual Noises: As components wear out, you may hear knocking or clunking sounds, especially when driving over bumps.

6. How To Replace A Car's Strut Assembly?

Replacing your strut assembly is relatively straightforward with the right tools and technical knowledge. Before starting, ensure you have purchased the appropriate strut assembly for your vehicle.

Tools Required

• Car Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Torque Wrench
• Complete Strut Assembly
• Ratchet

Step 1: Removing The Damaged Strut Assembly

1. Start by parking your car on a flat surface and securing the wheels with wheel chocks. Engage the parking brakes.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel without fully removing them.
3. Use a jack to elevate the vehicle and place jack stands underneath for safety. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct jack placement.
4. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
5. With the wheel off, loosen the bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle using a ratchet.
6. Disconnect the strut from the knuckle by removing the bolts from the assembly. Use rust loosening spray if needed.
7. If applicable, drop the sway bar or anti-roll bar to access the strut assembly more easily.
8. Locate and remove the strut tower bolts from under the hood. Ensure to keep the center nut attached to prevent the spring from disassembling unexpectedly.

Step 2: Installing The New Strut Assembly

1. Insert the new strut assembly and attach it to the steering knuckle.
2. Align it with the strut tower and hand-tighten the top bolts. Utilize new strut tower bolts as needed.
3. Secure the knuckle bolts using a torque wrench according to manufacturer specifications.
4. Reattach the sway bar and tighten any brake line supports.
5. Reinstall the wheel, hand-tightening the lug nuts.
6. Lower the vehicle and securely tighten the lug nuts and strut tower bolts.
7. Perform a check drive to ensure the installation is successful. If pulling occurs, align the wheels.

7. Tips To Remember During Strut Assembly Replacement

• Always use jack stands alongside jacks for safety; only use jacks for lifting purposes.
• If you are skilled, you may opt to only replace the damaged strut or spring to lower costs.
• Grease the nuts before reinstalling them to make future removal simpler.
• Post-replacement, some vehicles might require a wheel alignment, so refrain from driving until it's aligned.

8. FAQs

How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?

The price for replacing shocks and struts differs significantly based on your vehicle's make, model, selected parts, and whether you employ a professional mechanic or tackle it as a DIY. Expect to spend around $400 to $900 for front strut replacement and $300 to $800 for rear struts.

How long does it take to replace a strut?

Most professionals can replace struts in about one to two hours. With some basic mechanical skills, you might achieve this in the same timeframe.

Why are struts so expensive?

Struts comprise many intricate components which must be manufactured with precise tolerances, plus they must support significant weight, thus driving up costs.

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