Your car’s suspension system absorbs shocks, keeps your ride smooth, and ensures your tires stay firmly gripped to the road.
But when it starts to fail — think nose-diving stops, uneven tire wear, or steering that feels more like guesswork — it’s time to take action.
Wondering how much will a suspension replacement cost?
We’ll break down the cost of replacing the suspension and the warning signs to help you catch issues early. We’ll also explore ways to save on repairs and make the suspension system last longer.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Suspension System Replacement Cost?
- Can You Drive With a Bad Suspension System?
- 7 Signs You Need a New Suspension System
- How Long Does a Suspension System Last?
- How to Reduce Your Suspension System Replacement Costs
How Much Does a Suspension System Replacement Cost?
This is what you might have to spend for a new suspension system:
A. Range
Replacing your car’s suspension system usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000. However, the price can be much lower if you replace individual damaged components instead of the whole system.
Here’s an average cost estimate for replacing each suspension component:
| Suspension System Part | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Strut replacement | $50 to $900 |
| Sway bar end links replacement | $75 to $305 |
| Sway bar bushings replacement | $80 to $270 |
| Wheel alignment replacement | $100 to $200 |
| Ball joint replacement | $180 to $550 |
| Shock absorber replacement | $200 to $1,500 |
| Tie rods replacement | $350 to $1,200 |
| Coil spring replacement | $550 to $700 |
| Control arm replacement | $670 to $760 |
B. Factors Affecting Cost
From labor costs to aftermarket parts, here are a few factors that impact the average cost of replacements:
- The complexity of the suspension system: Independent car suspension systems are expensive to replace because they have more moving parts, like a control arm and ball joint, on each wheel. This can result in additional fees. On the other hand, the common MacPherson strut system is simpler, quicker to repair, and more budget-friendly.
- Type of vehicle: Compact cars or sedans usually have simpler, less expensive components. Meanwhile, trucks and commercial vehicles use heavy-duty suspensions to handle more load and wear, making their replacement parts and labor costs pricier. Luxury or sports cars tend to use advanced systems with proprietary parts, which increases both the labor cost and the price of the parts.
- Part’s quality: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) alternatives are usually more expensive than aftermarket parts but offer better quality and durability.
- Labor cost: Labor rates in big cities are higher than in rural areas. Similarly, dealerships charge more for labor and OEM parts than independent repair shops.
- Car insurance and warranties: Standard auto insurance usually won’t cover a suspension repair from everyday wear and tear. However, if the damage is caused by a collision or hitting a pothole, your car insurance may cover the repair minus your deductible.
Can You Drive With a Bad Suspension System?
No, driving with a bad car suspension isn’t safe.
It can cause the car to bounce under braking, take longer to stop, and feel unstable around corners, raising the risk of accidents or even rollovers.
A bad suspension also reduces tire traction, causing your car to skid on wet or uneven roads. Left unchecked, it can damage other systems, such as steering components or wheel bearings, turning safety hazards into costly repairs.
7 Signs You Need a New Suspension System
Contact an automobile expert immediately if you spot any of these signs of a suspension issue:
- The car pulls to one side
- Excessive bouncing on bumps
- Clunking or creaking sounds when driving over bumps or rough surfaces
- The front end of your vehicle leans forward when braking
- Difficulty when steering
- Uneven tire wear
- Oil leak from the suspension system
How Long Does a Suspension System Last?
The longevity of a suspension component depends on factors such as driving conditions, vehicle type, and component quality.
Here’s the expected lifespan of each component:
- Control arms: 90,000 to 100,000 miles
- Shock absorbers or struts: 50,000 to 100,000 miles
- Bushings: 50,000 to 150,000 miles
- Ball joints: 70,000 to 150,000 miles
- Coil springs: Can last the lifetime of the vehicle
Can You Replace the Suspension System Yourself?
Swapping out a suspension system on your own can lead to costly mistakes, especially if you lack automotive knowledge and specialized tools. There are also chances of misdiagnosing the suspension problem. For example, you might perform a strut replacement instead of swapping worn shocks.
That’s why it’s best to leave the job to a seasoned mechanic instead of attempting DIY repairs.
Here’s how they’ll deal with a suspension system replacement:
- Lift the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and securely place it on jack stands.
- Remove the wheels to expose the suspension components.
- Remove the worn suspension components by loosening bolts and disconnecting parts such as shocks, struts, or springs. Use penetrating oil for stubborn or rusted bolts.
- Use a spring compressor when replacing coil springs or struts, as they are under tension and can be dangerous without the proper tool. For instance, a tightly wound spring may snap.
- Install the new suspension parts in the reverse order of removal, making sure all hardware is tightened to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
- Reattach the wheels and lower the vehicle slowly once all parts are securely in place.
- Perform a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling, tire wear, and overall safety after any major suspension work.
- Test drive the vehicle at low speeds to check for smooth ride quality and ensure there isn’t any suspension problem.
How to Reduce Your Suspension System Replacement Costs
Follow these tips to prevent a suspension issue:
- Check your shocks and struts regularly for leaks or damage.
- Rotate your tires and check tire pressure to reduce uneven wear.
- Get wheel alignments as recommended or if you notice pulling or uneven tire wear.
- Avoid potholes, rough roads, and curbs when possible.
- Inspect bushings, ball joints, and control arms during routine maintenance.
- Replace worn components promptly to prevent damage to other parts.
- Keep your vehicle clean to prevent dirt and rust from damaging suspension parts.
- Don’t overload your vehicle beyond its weight capacity.
- Have your suspension professionally inspected at least once a year.
Get Quick Suspension Replacements Without the Hassle
Putting off a suspension replacement might seem like a money-saver, but it’ll quickly result in rough rides, risky handling, and worn-out tires. If your car’s feeling every bump, it’s time to act.
Can’t drive to an auto shop?
AutoNation Mobile Service will bring mobile auto repair and maintenance services to your driveway whether you need a control arm or struts replacement.
Our technicians are available seven days a week, and our services are backed by a 12-month, 12,000-mile auto repair warranty.
Contact us, and we’ll help your suspension bounce back, so you don’t have to.