Common Suspension Repair Costs
Shock/Strut Replacement
Labor: 2-3 hours per pair ($250-375)
Parts: $50-200 per shock/strut
Total Cost Range: $350-775 for a pair
Ball Joint Replacement
Labor: 2-4 hours ($250-500)
Parts: $40-150 per joint
Total Cost Range: $290-650 per side
Control Arm Replacement
Labor: 1.5-3 hours ($187-375)
Parts: $75-300 per arm
Total Cost Range: $262-675 per side
Tie Rod End Replacement
Labor: 1-2 hours ($125-250)
Parts: $30-100 per tie rod
Total Cost Range: $155-350 per side
Sway Bar Link Replacement
Labor: 1 hour ($125)
Parts: $20-75 per link
Total Cost Range: $145-200 per side
Coil Spring Replacement
Labor: 2-3 hours ($250-375)
Parts: $75-250 per spring
Total Cost Range: $325-625 per pair
Wheel Bearing Replacement
Labor: 1.5-2.5 hours ($187-312)
Parts: $100-300 per bearing
Total Cost Range: $287-612 per side
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make/model and parts quality. Additional costs may apply if related components need replacement. All repairs include a thorough inspection of surrounding components.
Four-Wheel Alignment
Labor: 1 hour ($125)
Total Cost: $125
Recommended after most suspension repairs
Common Suspension Repair Procedures
Shock/Strut Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle on lift or jack stands
- Remove wheel assembly
- Disconnect brake line brackets and ABS sensors if present
- Remove strut mounting bolts from steering knuckle
- Remove upper strut mount bolts from vehicle body
- Remove old strut assembly
- Install new strut assembly
- Torque all mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications
- Reinstall wheel assembly
- Perform wheel alignment
Ball Joint Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Remove cotter pin and castle nut
- Separate ball joint from steering knuckle using ball joint separator
- Remove old ball joint using specialized press tool
- Install new ball joint
- Connect to steering knuckle
- Install new castle nut and cotter pin
- Reinstall wheel
- Perform alignment check
Control Arm Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Disconnect ball joint from steering knuckle
- Remove control arm mounting bolts
- Remove old control arm
- Install new control arm
- Torque mounting bolts to specification
- Reconnect ball joint
- Reinstall wheel
- Perform wheel alignment
Sway Bar Link Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel if necessary
- Remove upper and lower mounting nuts
- Remove old sway bar link
- Install new sway bar link
- Torque mounting nuts to specification
- Reinstall wheel if removed
Coil Spring Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Support lower control arm
- Remove strut assembly if necessary
- Use spring compressor to safely compress coil spring
- Remove old spring
- Install new spring using spring compressor
- Reinstall strut assembly if removed
- Reinstall wheel
- Perform alignment check
Tie Rod End Replacement
Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Remove cotter pin and castle nut
- Count and mark threads for proper alignment
- Remove old tie rod end
- Install new tie rod end to marked position
- Install castle nut and new cotter pin
- Reinstall wheel
- Perform wheel alignment
Note:All procedures should be performed by qualified technicians using proper tools and safety equipment. Torque specifications and exact procedures may vary by vehicle make and model.
Common Suspension Repairs
Shock Absorber Replacement
What it is:Shock absorbers are hydraulic devices that control the movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension.
What it does:Helps maintain tire contact with the road, prevents excessive bouncing, and provides a smooth, controlled ride. When replaced, it restores proper handling, reduces vehicle sway, and improves overall driving safety.
Strut Replacement
What it is:Struts are structural parts that combine shock absorbers with spring support for your vehicle's suspension.
What it does:Supports vehicle weight, maintains proper alignment angles, and dampens spring movement. Replacement ensures proper steering, handling, and brake effectiveness while reducing tire wear.
Ball Joint Replacement
What it is:Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles.
What it does:Allows for smooth movement of the steering system while maintaining proper wheel alignment. Replacement prevents excessive tire wear and ensures safe steering control.
Control Arm Replacement
What it is:Control arms are hinged suspension components that connect the frame of the vehicle to the steering knuckle.
What it does:Allows wheels to move up and down while maintaining proper alignment. Replacement ensures proper wheel movement and prevents uneven tire wear.
Sway Bar Link Replacement
What it is:Sway bar links connect the sway bar to the suspension components.
What it does:Reduces body roll during cornering and keeps the vehicle level. Replacement improves handling stability and reduces lean during turns.
Spring Replacement
What it is:Springs (coil, leaf, or air) support the vehicle's weight and absorb road impacts.
What it does:Maintains proper ride height and helps absorb road shock. Replacement restores proper vehicle height and ensures comfortable ride quality.
Bushing Replacement
What it is:Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion suspension parts.
What it does:Reduces noise, vibration, and harshness while allowing controlled movement of suspension components. Replacement eliminates clunking noises and improves overall suspension performance.
Tie Rod End Replacement
What it is:Tie rod ends are threaded fasteners that connect the steering system to the wheels.
What it does:Enables proper steering and wheel alignment. Replacement ensures accurate steering response and prevents wandering or pulling.
Air Suspension Repair
What it is:Air suspension systems use air-filled bags instead of conventional springs.
What it does:Provides adjustable ride height and comfort. Repair or replacement restores proper leveling and ride comfort while maintaining vehicle stability.
Wheel Bearing Replacement
What it is:Wheel bearings are sets of steel balls held together in a metal ring, called a race.
What it does:Allows wheels to rotate smoothly with minimal friction. Replacement eliminates grinding noise, ensures proper wheel rotation, and maintains safe vehicle operation.
Signs of Suspension System Failure: Symptoms That Indicate Your Vehicle Needs Repair
Common Suspension Repair Signs & Service Intervals
Shock Absorbers
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle continues bouncing after hitting bumps
- Nose diving when braking
- Excessive body roll during turns
- Fluid leaking from shock body
- Uneven tire wear
Service Schedule: Typically need replacement every 50,000-100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and vehicle use.
Struts
Signs of Failure:
- Knocking noise when driving over bumps
- Poor steering response
- Uneven or premature tire wear
- Vehicle sitting lower on one side
- Rough or bumpy ride
Service Schedule: Generally should be replaced every 50,000-100,000 miles, often along with strut mounts.
Ball Joints
Signs of Failure:
- Clunking noise when going over bumps
- Loose or wandering steering
- Uneven tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Squeaking noise when turning
Service Schedule: Inspect every 50,000 miles; replace when wear is detected.
Control Arms
Signs of Failure:
- Clunking or banging noises
- Steering wheel vibration
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear
Service Schedule: Inspect bushings and joints every 50,000 miles; replace when wear is detected.
Sway Bar Links
Signs of Failure:
- Rattling noise when driving over bumps
- Excessive body roll during turns
- Clunking sound when turning
- Unstable handling
Service Schedule: Inspect every 50,000 miles; replace when wear or looseness is detected.
Coil Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle sitting lower on one side
- Squeaking noise when going over bumps
- Rough or bouncy ride
- Uneven tire wear
Service Schedule: No specific replacement interval; replace when broken or sagged.
Leaf Springs
Signs of Failure:
- Vehicle leaning to one side
- Rough ride quality
- Visible cracks or breaks
- Sagging rear end
Service Schedule: Inspect annually; replace when cracked, broken, or severely sagged.
Note: All service intervals are general guidelines. Actual replacement needs may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle usage, and manufacturer 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.
