Signs of worn struts and what to expect from a professional repair.
Struts are a major part of your vehicle’s suspension system and play an important role in how your vehicle handles. They help you and your family stay safe on the road by keeping your vehicle stable during braking and turning, absorbing bumps (including those lovely potholes on the I-17), and keeping your tires planted firmly on the ground. When struts wear out, they can affect the surrounding suspension components and compromise overall vehicle safety.
What are Struts?
Struts combine a shock absorber and coil spring in one assembly to dampen movement, support the weight of the vehicle, and control how the suspension responds while driving. When struts start wearing out, surrounding components (like ball joints, control arms, sway bars, and tires) often start wearing out faster too, which leads to higher repair costs if ignored.
Signs Your Struts Need Replacement
Think it may be time or worried the symptoms your experiencing may be pointing to strut replacement? Some key indicators your struts need replacement include:
- Excess bouncing or “floaty” feeling
- Nose-diving during braking
- Uneven or cupped tire wear
- More body roll in corners
- Clunking or rattling over bumps
- Pulling or alignment issues
- Fluid leaking from the strut
If your mechanic is suggesting a strut replacement, here’s what to expect:
Strut Inspection and Diagnosis
Strut replacement typically starts with a full suspension inspection. During this inspection, your technician will:
- Test drive your vehicle
- Check tires for uneven wear
- Inspect for leaks around the strut housing
- Look over bushings, mounts, and control arms
- Review ride height and bounce test
If the struts are showing signs of wear and tear, it is important to get them replaced. Waiting too long can be hazardous as it can cause poor steering response, increased stopping times, and in the worst-case scenario – loss of control. Ignoring these issues can lead to bigger repair bills down the road.
The Replacement Procedure
Once it is determined that your vehicles struts need to be replaced, it’s time for the actual replacement. Replacing these pieces are a bit more involved than just swapping basic suspension parts. Here’s how that process works:
- Safely lifting the vehicle
- Removing wheels for access
- Disconnecting sway bars, ABS clips, or brake line brackets
- Unbolting the strut assembly from the steering knuckle
- Removing the strut assembly from the vehicle
- Installing the new strut assembly
- Reattaching and torquing all components
After replacement, the vehicle will most likely be in need of a wheel alignment to ensure steering is centered, tire wear is even, and the vehicle is driving straight on the road. This also gives the technician a chance to confirm there are no noises, pulling, or vibrations.
The Job Expectations
TIME
The time it takes to replace struts varies from vehicle to vehicle, and is impacted by parts needed, how many need to be replaced, and the overall condition of the vehicle. Typically, your local shop will estimate around 2-3 hours for a front or rear pair, or 4-6 hours for all four struts. On top of that, it is best to estimate an additional hour for an alignment. Since this job does require significant time, it is best to leave your vehicle with the technician and plan to pick it up at a later date.
COST
While cost also varies by vehicle, parts, and how many need to be replaced, most can expect a range of $600-$1200 for a front or rear pair, or $1200-$2400+ for all four. In addition, the alignment typically runs $100-$200 depending on the vehicle. Because worn struts can affect other suspension components, replacing them at the first signs of wear can help avoid additional, and more expensive, repairs down the road.
How Precision Tire and Auto Center can Help
Think you may be due for a strut replacement? Our ASE-certified technicians have got you covered! We are experienced in strut diagnosis and replacements, so getting this job done is a breeze. Give us a call at 623-582-4545 to schedule your strut replacement today!
