Strut Assembly Repair Cost Guide
Front Strut Assembly Replacement
Typical labor time: 2-3 hours per side
Labor cost: $250-$375 per side
Parts cost: $150-$400 per strut (varies by vehicle)
Total estimated cost per side: $400-$775
Rear Strut Assembly Replacement
Typical labor time: 1.5-2 hours per side
Labor cost: $187-$250 per side
Parts cost: $125-$350 per strut (varies by vehicle)
Total estimated cost per side: $312-$600
Complete Strut Assembly Replacement (All Four)
Typical labor time: 7-10 hours total
Labor cost: $875-$1,250
Parts cost: $550-$1,500 (varies by vehicle)
Total estimated cost: $1,425-$2,750
*Note: Prices are estimates based on our standard labor rate of $125/hour. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle make, model, year, and parts quality selected. Additional repairs may be necessary based on inspection findings.
Additional Services Often Required:
- Wheel alignment: $89-$129
- Bearing replacement (if needed): $200-$400 per wheel
- Brake inspection and service: $50-$200
Strut Assembly Repair Procedures
Complete Strut Assembly Replacement
This is the most straightforward repair method, replacing the entire unit:
- Vehicle Preparation
- Safely lift and support vehicle
- Remove wheel and tire assembly
- Disconnection
- Detach brake line bracket
- Remove ABS sensor wire (if applicable)
- Disconnect sway bar link
- Remove strut-to-steering knuckle bolts
- Upper Mount Removal
- Access and remove upper strut mounting nuts
- Carefully remove entire strut assembly
- Installation
- Position new strut assembly
- Install upper mounting nuts
- Reconnect all components in reverse order
- Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications
Strut Cartridge Replacement
This method involves replacing just the internal cartridge:
- Removal and Disassembly
- Remove strut assembly from vehicle
- Use spring compressor to safely compress coil spring
- Remove upper mount and spring
- Cartridge Replacement
- Remove old cartridge from housing
- Clean housing thoroughly
- Install new cartridge
- Reassembly
- Reinstall spring and upper mount
- Carefully release spring compressor
- Reinstall complete assembly on vehicle
Spring Replacement
When only the coil spring needs replacement:
- Preparation
- Remove strut assembly from vehicle
- Properly compress spring using appropriate tool
- Spring Exchange
- Remove upper mount
- Remove old spring
- Install new spring
- Verify proper spring orientation
- Completion
- Reassemble upper mount
- Release spring compressor carefully
- Reinstall assembly on vehicle
Important Safety Notes:
- Always use proper spring compression tools
- Follow manufacturer torque specifications
- Perform wheel alignment after any strut work
- Replace both sides when changing struts for even handling
Note: These procedures are general guidelines. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model. Professional installation is recommended for safety and warranty purposes.
Understanding Strut Assemblies
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Common Failure Symptoms of Strut Assemblies
Signs of Strut Assembly Failure & Maintenance Guide
Signs of Strut Failure
Nose Diving During Braking
If your vehicle's front end dips excessively when braking, this indicates worn struts that can't properly manage weight transfer.
Bouncing After Bumps
When your vehicle continues to bounce several times after hitting a bump, this suggests the struts aren't properly dampening movement.
Uneven Tire Wear
Failing struts can cause irregular tire wear patterns, particularly cupping or scalloping of the tire tread.
Fluid Leaks
Visible oil or fluid leaking from the strut body indicates seal failure and requires immediate replacement.
Knocking or Clunking Sounds
These noises, especially when driving over bumps or during turning, often indicate worn strut mounts or bearings.
Typical Maintenance Schedule
Regular Inspection
Visual inspection every 12,000 miles or annually for signs of leakage, damage, or wear.
Replacement Intervals
Most manufacturers recommend replacing struts between 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and vehicle use.
Recommended Paired Replacement
Always replace struts in pairs (both front or both rear) to ensure even handling and wear.
Additional Components
Consider replacing supporting components like:
- Strut mounts
- Bump stops
- Coil springs
- Bearing plates
Post-Installation
Wheel alignment is required after strut replacement to ensure proper vehicle handling and tire wear.
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Specific maintenance schedules may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions. Consult your vehicle's manual or a qualified technician for specific recommendations.
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.
