Thinking of refreshing your suspension? Here’s the lowdown on whether it’s smart to replace struts when you replace shocks.
Understanding Shocks and Struts
Let’s start by breaking down what shocks and struts actually do. While they’re both part of your suspension system and help control your ride, they serve slightly different roles:
- Shocks (shock absorbers) dampen the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle’s springs and suspension.
- Struts combine the shock absorber with other structural components, like the coil spring, into one unit. They play a big part in supporting your vehicle’s weight and maintaining alignment.
To dive deeper into how your suspension affects overall vehicle performance, visit our Suspension & Alignment Services page.
Why Suspension Health Matters
Your suspension system doesn’t just make the ride smoother. It directly affects your handling, braking, and tire wear. So keeping it in top shape is a safety issue as much as it is a comfort thing.
Explore more about maintenance tips to prolong your suspension’s life.
Signs You Need to Replace Shocks or Struts
- Your car bounces excessively after hitting bumps.
- You notice fluid leaks from the shocks or struts.
- It takes longer to stop.
- Uneven tire wear.
- A nose-dive feeling when braking or squatting when accelerating.
More warning signs can be found in our guide to common auto issues.
Should You Replace Struts When You Replace Shocks?
Short answer? It depends.
1. Age and Mileage Matter If your vehicle is over 50,000-100,000 miles and you’re replacing the shocks, chances are the struts are also worn. Replacing both saves time and ensures balanced handling.
2. Matching Performance Mixing old struts with new shocks (or vice versa) can affect your car’s ride consistency. Your suspension works best when all components perform equally.
3. Save on Labor Costs If your mechanic already has the suspension apart to change the shocks, adding struts won’t be much more work. Doing both at once can save you money down the road. Learn about our services at the collision center for bundled repair jobs.
4. Avoid More Wear and Tear Old struts can put extra stress on other parts of your suspension and tires. Replacing them at the same time as shocks can reduce the risk of future problems.
When You Might Not Need to Replace Both
- If your struts are relatively new.
- If only one component is damaged or faulty.
- Budget constraints (though this can be short-term thinking).
For cost-effective advice, check out our article on insurance and claims.
The Ideal Solution: Get a Suspension Inspection
Every car is different. Your best bet is to have a qualified mechanic inspect the whole system. They can check for wear, leaks, and performance issues and give you personalized advice. Visit our mechanic service center for more.
Conclusion
Replacing struts when you replace shocks isn’t always necessary, but it’s often a smart move, especially for older vehicles or high-mileage suspensions. It helps maintain your car’s performance, safety, and comfort while potentially saving money on labor and future repairs.
FAQs
- Can you drive with bad struts?
- Yes, but it’s not ideal. Bad struts can reduce control and increase wear on other parts.
- Do struts last longer than shocks?
- Often, yes. But it depends on the vehicle, road conditions, and driving habits.
- How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?
- It varies. Expect $400-$1,000 for all four parts plus labor.
- Can I replace struts or shocks myself?
- If you’re mechanically inclined, yes. But they require tools and knowledge to do safely.
- What happens if I only replace the rear shocks or front struts?
- You may notice uneven handling or premature wear on the remaining older parts.
- Should I get an alignment after replacing struts?
- Absolutely. Strut replacement can throw off alignment. Learn more on our alignment and safety tips page.
- Will new struts make my car ride better?
- 100%. New struts can dramatically improve ride comfort and control. Find more insights on our auto blog.
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