Suspension Spring Repair Cost Guide
Coil Spring Replacement
Labor time: 1-2 hours per side
Parts cost: $50-200 per spring
Total estimated cost: $250-450 per side
Note: Both sides are often recommended for even wear
Leaf Spring Replacement
Labor time: 2-3 hours per side
Parts cost: $150-400 per leaf spring assembly
Total estimated cost: $400-775 per side
Note: Common on trucks and larger vehicles
Air Spring Replacement
Labor time: 1-2 hours per side
Parts cost: $200-500 per air spring
Total estimated cost: $325-750 per side
Note: Often includes electronic component diagnostics
Torsion Bar Adjustment
Labor time: 0.5-1 hour per side
Total estimated cost: $62-125 per side
Torsion Bar Replacement
Labor time: 2-3 hours per side
Parts cost: $100-300 per bar
Total estimated cost: $350-675 per side
*All prices are estimates based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and condition. Additional parts or repairs may be necessary after inspection.
Coil Spring Replacement Procedure
Step 1: Vehicle Preparation
• Raise and secure vehicle on lift or jack stands
• Remove wheels from affected corners
• Disconnect any sensors or brake lines attached to suspension
Step 2: Strut/Spring Removal
• Support lower control arm with jack
• Remove lower strut mounting bolts
• Remove upper strut mount nuts from engine bay
• Carefully lower jack and remove strut assembly
Step 3: Spring Replacement
• Use spring compressor to safely compress coil spring
• Remove strut mount and upper spring seat
• Remove old spring and replace with new one
• Reassemble in reverse order, ensuring proper alignment
Step 4: Reinstallation
• Mount strut assembly back into vehicle
• Torque all bolts to manufacturer specifications
• Reconnect sensors and brake lines
• Install wheels and lower vehicle
Leaf Spring Replacement Procedure
Step 1: Preparation
• Raise and support vehicle securely
• Remove wheels if necessary
• Support axle with jack stands
Step 2: Removal
• Remove U-bolt nuts and plates
• Lower axle carefully
• Remove shackle and front mounting bolts
• Remove old leaf spring assembly
Step 3: Installation
• Install new leaf spring assembly
• Attach front mount and shackle loosely
• Raise axle and align spring center bolt
• Install new U-bolts and plates
Step 4: Completion
• Torque all hardware to specifications
• Install wheels if removed
• Lower vehicle and test operation
Air Spring Replacement Procedure
Step 1: Initial Setup
• Disable air suspension system
• Raise and secure vehicle
• Remove wheels if necessary
Step 2: Air System Preparation
• Release air pressure from system
• Disconnect air lines and electrical connections
• Support suspension components
Step 3: Replacement
• Remove mounting hardware
• Remove old air spring
• Install new air spring
• Reconnect air lines and electrical connections
Step 4: Finalization
• Check all connections for proper fit
• Reactivate air suspension system
• Test system operation
• Check for leaks
Important Safety Notes:
• Always refer to vehicle-specific service manual
• Use proper safety equipment
• Ensure correct torque specifications are followed
• Perform alignment after any suspension work
Types of Suspension Springs
Coil Springs
What they are:Coil springs are helical-shaped springs made from hardened steel that compress and expand vertically. They're the most common type of suspension spring found in modern vehicles.
What they do:Coil springs support the vehicle's weight while absorbing road impacts and maintaining proper ride height. They work with shock absorbers to control the vehicle's bounce and rebound, providing a comfortable ride and maintaining tire contact with the road.
Leaf Springs
What they are:Leaf springs consist of several layers of curved steel plates (leaves) stacked together and secured with metal clips and a center bolt.
What they do:Commonly used in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, leaf springs support vehicle weight, absorb road shock, and help maintain axle position. They're particularly effective at handling heavy loads and providing stability during payload changes.
Torsion Bars
What they are:Torsion bars are straight steel bars that twist along their axis to provide spring action, anchored at one end with the other end connected to the suspension.
What they do:They resist twisting forces to support vehicle weight and absorb road impacts. Torsion bars are space-efficient and allow for easy ride height adjustment, making them popular in some trucks and SUVs.
Air Springs
What they are:Air springs are reinforced rubber bags or bellows filled with compressed air, supported by an onboard air compressor system.
What they do:They provide adjustable ride height and comfort, particularly useful in luxury vehicles and heavy-duty applications. Air springs can automatically or manually adjust to changing load conditions and road surfaces, offering superior ride quality and load-leveling capabilities.
Progressive Rate Springs
What they are:Progressive rate springs are coil springs with variable coil spacing or diameter, resulting in a non-linear spring rate.
What they do:They provide softer initial compression for comfort during normal driving but become progressively stiffer as compression increases. This design offers both comfort and improved handling during aggressive maneuvers or when carrying heavy loads.
Common Failure Symptoms of Suspension Springs
Signs of Suspension Spring Failure & Maintenance Guide
Coil Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle sitting lower on one side
- Uneven tire wear
- Visible cracks or breaks in the spring
- Clunking noise when driving over bumps
- Vehicle bouncing excessively after bumps
Service Schedule: Typically last the lifetime of the vehicle unless damaged. Inspection recommended during regular maintenance visits (every 50,000 miles).
Leaf Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Visible cracks or breaks in individual leaves
- Sagging vehicle rear end
- Squeaking sounds during movement
- Misaligned or shifted leaves
- Excessive sway during turns
Service Schedule: Inspect every 30,000 miles. Lubrication of leaves recommended every 20,000 miles for optimal performance.
Air Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Air leaks (audible hissing)
- Vehicle not maintaining proper ride height
- Compressor running more frequently than usual
- Uneven vehicle stance
- Harsh or bouncy ride
Service Schedule: Inspect air lines and fittings every 15,000 miles. Replace air springs every 50,000-70,000 miles depending on usage.
Torsion Bars
Signs of Failure:
- Uneven vehicle height
- Excessive noise when driving over bumps
- Vehicle leaning to one side
- Decreased ride comfort
- Visible wear or damage at mounting points
Service Schedule: Inspect mounting points and adjusters every 30,000 miles. Generally last the lifetime of vehicle unless damaged.
Note: These are general guidelines. Actual service intervals may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle usage, and manufacturer recommendations. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
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.
