Replacing struts or shocks typically costs $450 to $1,100 per pair at a shop, since they should be done in pairs. Quick-strut assemblies that come pre-assembled with the spring and mount cost $100 to $350 each and simplify the job considerably.
| Vehicle type | Parts (pair) | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan (shocks) | $150 | $200 | $350 |
| Midsize/SUV (quick-struts) | $350 | $300 | $650 |
| Full-size truck | $450 | $350 | $800 |
| European/luxury | $600 | $400 | $1,000 |
A pair of struts usually runs $450 to $1,100 installed, while a pair of shocks is often less. Loaded quick-strut assemblies that include the coil spring and top mount cost more per part but cut labor and eliminate dangerous spring compressing.
Front struts also require an alignment afterward, which adds to the total. Rear shocks often do not.
Quick-struts are the DIY-friendly choice because they arrive assembled. Bare struts require a spring compressor, which is risky without experience. Labor is one to two hours per pair plus alignment for front struts.
Excessive bouncing after bumps, nose-diving under braking, a rough or floaty ride, uneven or cupped tire wear, and fluid leaking down the strut body all indicate worn dampers.
Loaded quick-struts make this a reasonable DIY job. Never disassemble a bare strut spring without a proper compressor, since compressed springs can cause serious injury. Front struts still need a professional alignment.
Replace in axle pairs for balanced handling, but you do not have to do all four at once. Choose loaded quick-struts to skip spring-compressor risk and labor. Buy quality dampers, since cheap ones ride poorly and wear fast.
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