Shock Absorber Repair Cost Guide
Standard Twin-Tube Shock Absorber
Labor Time: 1-1.5 hours per shock
Labor Cost: $125-$187.50
Parts Cost: $40-$100 per shock
Total Cost Per Shock: $165-$287.50
Gas-Charged Shock Absorber
Labor Time: 1-1.5 hours per shock
Labor Cost: $125-$187.50
Parts Cost: $75-$150 per shock
Total Cost Per Shock: $200-$337.50
Strut Assembly
Labor Time: 2-3 hours per strut
Labor Cost: $250-$375
Parts Cost: $150-$300 per strut
Total Cost Per Strut: $400-$675
Air Shock Absorber
Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours per shock
Labor Cost: $187.50-$250
Parts Cost: $200-$500 per shock
Total Cost Per Shock: $387.50-$750
Magnetic Ride Control Shock
Labor Time: 1.5-2 hours per shock
Labor Cost: $187.50-$250
Parts Cost: $300-$1000 per shock
Total Cost Per Shock: $487.50-$1,250
*Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make/model and local market conditions. Additional costs may apply for diagnostic work or related repairs.
Replacement Procedures
When replacing or repairing a shock absorber, several components and steps are typically involved to ensure the vehicle's suspension system functions properly. Here's what is generally included:1. Shock Absorber Unit:The primary component being replaced is the shock absorber itself. This is the part that dampens the vibrations and impacts from the road, providing a smoother ride.
2. Mounting Hardware:This includes bolts, nuts, and washers that secure the shock absorber to the vehicle. We replace these components if they show signs of wear or damage.
3. Bushings:These are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion the connection points of the shock absorber. We replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
4. Bump Stops:These are rubber components that prevent the shock absorber from compressing too much. Our technicians inspect and replace them if necessary.
5. Dust Boots:These protect the shock absorber's piston rod from dirt and debris. We replace them if they are torn or damaged to prevent premature wear of the shock absorber.
6. Alignment Check:After replacing shock absorbers, we perform a wheel alignment check. This ensures that the suspension geometry is correct and helps prevent uneven tire wear.
7. Inspection of Related Components:During the replacement, our mechanics thoroughly inspect related suspension components such as control arms, ball joints, and sway bar links for wear or damage.
8. Test Drive:After installation, we perform a test drive to ensure the new shock absorbers are functioning correctly and the vehicle handles properly.
9. Labor:Our experienced technicians carefully remove the old shock absorbers and install the new ones, ensuring quality workmanship throughout the process. These components and steps ensure that the shock absorber replacement or repair is thorough and that your vehicle's suspension system continues to operate effectively.
What is a Shock Absorber and what does it do
A shock absorber, also known as a damper, is a component of a vehicle's suspension system. Its primary function is to absorb and dampen the impact and vibrations from the road surface, ensuring a smoother ride and maintaining tire contact with the road. This is essential for vehicle stability, handling, and comfort.Here's how a shock absorber works and its key components:
1. Piston and Cylinder:The shock absorber consists of a piston that moves up and down inside a sealed, oil-filled cylinder. As the vehicle encounters bumps or dips, the piston moves, forcing the hydraulic fluid through small orifices or valves in the piston.
2. Hydraulic Fluid:The movement of the piston through the hydraulic fluid creates resistance, which slows down the motion of the suspension springs. This resistance is what dampens the vibrations and absorbs the shock from the road.
3. Valves:The valves in the piston control the flow of hydraulic fluid, allowing the shock absorber to adjust to different road conditions and driving dynamics. Some shock absorbers have adjustable valves, allowing for changes in damping characteristics.
4. Spring:While not part of the shock absorber itself, the spring works in conjunction with it. The spring supports the vehicle's weight and absorbs larger impacts, while the shock absorber controls the spring's oscillations.
5. Mounts:Shock absorbers are connected to the vehicle's frame and suspension components through mounts. These mounts can also include rubber bushings to further reduce noise and vibrations.Overall, shock absorbers play a vital role in ensuring a vehicle's safety and comfort by controlling the movement of the suspension and maintaining optimal tire contact with the road.
How do I know I need to replace my Shock Absorber
Signs of Shock Absorber Failure
1. Vehicle Bouncing Excessively
If your vehicle continues to bounce several times after hitting a bump, this is a clear indication your shock absorbers are worn and need replacement.
2. Nose Diving During Braking
When the front of your vehicle dips dramatically during braking, it's often due to worn shock absorbers failing to maintain proper weight distribution.
3. Uneven Tire Wear
Failing shock absorbers can cause tires to bounce and lose contact with the road, resulting in cupped or scalloped tire wear patterns.
4. Fluid Leaks
If you notice oily fluid on the exterior of the shock absorber, this indicates a seal has failed and the unit needs replacement.
5. Vehicle Swaying During Lane Changes
Excessive body roll or swaying during cornering or lane changes suggests your shocks are no longer providing adequate stability.
Typical Service Schedule
General Guidelines:
- Inspect shock absorbers every 12,000 miles (19,000 km)
- Replace shock absorbers every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km)
- Replace sooner if vehicle is frequently driven on rough roads
- Professional inspection recommended during annual service
Factors Affecting Service Intervals:
- Driving conditions (city vs. highway)
- Road quality
- Vehicle weight and load
- Climate conditions
- Driving style
Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific recommendations, as service intervals can vary by make and model.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
