What to check before you buy
Check for adaptive dampers
Electronically adjustable dampers cost several times more and will throw a suspension fault if you fit passive units without a bypass.
Complete strut assemblies save labour
A pre-assembled strut with spring and top mount removes the spring-compressor step and often pays for itself in labour hours.
Always buy in axle pairs
A new damper on one side and a worn one on the other makes the car handle worse, not better.
Budget an alignment
Any job that disturbs a strut, control arm or tie rod needs a four-wheel alignment afterwards.
What the related jobs cost
| Job | Parts (US) | Total (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorber replacement | $90–$620 | $235–$1,280 |
| Wheel bearing replacement | $60–$380 | $155–$875 |
| Wheel alignment | $0–$25 | $65–$275 |
When people buy suspension & steering
- Bouncy or floaty ride
- Clunk over speed bumps
- Uneven or cupped tyre wear
- Lift kits and load-carrying upgrades
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know a shock absorber is worn?
- Look for oil film on the damper body, more than one rebound after a bounce test, nose dive under braking, and cupped tyre wear.
- Do I need an alignment after replacing shocks?
- Yes for struts, which carry camber. Rear shock-only jobs on a beam axle usually do not change geometry.