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Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take To Change Shocks And Struts

In most cases, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to get back on the road again. If you’re interested in replacing shocks and struts on your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re discussing the difference between the two and how to replace them so you can save some money.

How long does it take to replace 4 shocks?

It will take about 30 minutes if you’re learning as you go. If you know what you’re doing, it will probably take about 20 minutes.

How much does it cost to replace all shocks and struts?

A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.

Do you replace struts and shocks at the same time?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced at the same time. Unlike some steering and suspension components, the left and right shocks/struts tend to wear down at the same rate. If the left shock or strut is damaged, there’s a good chance the right side also needs to be replaced.

Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.

Is it hard to change struts?

Installing the new strut is the reverse of the removal, but it’s very tricky and sometimes impossible to get it into place and hold it there while you get the nuts started. So enlist the help of a friend for the actual installation. Once it’s in place, torque the strut mount nuts to spec.

How much is it to replace front struts?

On average, expect to pay somewhere between $450 and $900 to replace a pair of struts. An individual strut assembly will cost about $150 to $300 so you’re looking at around $300 to $600 for parts alone. Labor alone will set you back about $150 to $300 for the pair.

Do car’s have both shocks and struts?

First of all, it is important to note that not all vehicles have both shocks and struts. Shocks are part of the overall suspension, and a strut is a complete suspension assembly. The shocks and/or struts in your car perform two functions. They dampen spring oscillation, and secondly, they aid in ride control.

How long do struts last on a car?

On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.

Is a strut and a shock the same thing?

However, shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions. While both can help with your vehicle’s ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.

Is it OK to drive with a leaking strut?

If you continue driving with worn-out struts it will make your ride continually unstable and seriously dangerous. What’s worse, the damage doesn’t stay isolated to just your struts either, it doesn’t take long for your tires to start wearing out unevenly or having a harder time keeping contact with the road.

Can you replace just front shocks?

It’s not necessary, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. If you replace only one shock absorber, it may create “unevenness” from side to side when driving over bumps.

Should I replace front or rear shocks first?

Just like replacing your brakes or tires, you should replace your shocks in pairs. However, you don’t need to replace the front and rear shocks at the same time. As long as you replace both fronts or both rears at the same time, you’ll be fine.

Will new shocks improve my ride?

Shocks and struts help keep the vehicle stable during acceleration and braking. The customer may think that new shocks and struts will simply make their ride smoother, but the truth is that new shocks and struts can do a whole lot more. New shocks and struts can make a vehicle corner and brake like when it was new.

Can you run shocks front and rear?

Yes, you can use two different shocks on your car or truck, as long as you follow a couple simple rules: As long as you have a reason for installing different shocks front and rear you can do so safely. Never Install Used Shocks – You should never install used shocks on your car or truck.

How many struts are on a car?

The majority of cars and SUVs on the road today have struts on the front wheels and shocks in the back. It’s possible that your vehicle has 4-wheel struts or, if it’s a very old vehicle, it could have four shocks, but this isn’t as common.

How long does it take to replace front shock absorbers?

Replacing a single set of shocks, for example takes between 2-3 hours, as does either side’s control arms. Lesser work such as replacing a spring or shock absorber will take less.