Whether you’re driving to work, going off roading or whizzing around a racetrack, you want excellent handling and a smooth ride from your vehicle. Your vehicle’s suspension system is in charge of providing just that.
The suspension is a group of springs and energy-absorbing dampeners designed to keep the cabin ride smooth, at the same time also increasing friction between the tires and the road. Healthy suspension keeps the cabin from springing, reducing wear and tear on your vehicle’s body, guarantees correct steering and brake operation and keeps your tires wearing equally.
Whereas vehicle suspension repair expenses can be high—particularly if you have an expensive vehicle or require new shocks—repairing your suspension sooner than later can keep the issue from growing.
How much does it cost to repair a vehicle’s suspension?
The average cost to repair a vehicle’s suspension system can range between $1,000 to $5,000. However, when only specific parts need to be replaced, you could end up spending less than that.
Common vehicle suspension components and their repair costs
Think of your suspension system as a cushion between the road and the car’s cabin. To stop potholes or bumps from vibrating passengers and the car’s body, the suspension takes in energy. It also enables the cabin and the tires to move relative to one another. This way, your tires stay in contact with the road, at the same time the cabin maintains a somewhat smooth ride.
To do that, the suspension system utilizes shock absorbers, springs, joints, bars and other parts. Tires are a part of the suspension, also.
The following is a break down some of the more common suspension parts, why they might be required to be repaired, and the cost you can expect to pay.
Shock absorbers and struts
Average repair cost: $810-900
Shock absorbers, more commonly referred to as shocks, are hydraulic, oil-filled cylinders that decrease bouncing by absorbing impacts. Struts are comparable; however, they combine the cylinder and coil spring into one part. Generally, older vehicles have shocks and present ones have struts; many have both. However, the duty is the same: to keep the tires contacting the road and absorb impacts from hitting the vehicle’s cabin.
Indications of trouble: Because shocks and struts are under continual strain, they are usually the initial part of the suspension system to malfunction. When your shocks and struts not working correctly, you could notice:
- A bouncy feel to your vehicle
- Less control when turning corners
- Noises when you go over bumps or when turning
- Leaking oil out of the cylinders
Coil springs
Average repair cost: $580-$650
Coil springs maintain the weight of the car’s body, basically connecting it to the suspension system. A lot of cars have 4 coil springs—one by each wheel. The springs enable the tires to move up or down over bumps without impacting the cabin. It’s uncommon for coil springs to malfunction, but you may need to replace them following a vehicle accident or other serious damage. Many people also replace their coil springs to customize their vehicle by lifting or lowering it.
Indications of trouble: When a coil spring fails, you’ll notice right away. Indications include:
- The vehicle sagging in one corner
- Terrible handling
- Excessively bouncy ride
- Rattling and noises
- Irregular tire wear
Control arm bushings
Average repair cost: $250-$300
Control arms link the front tires to the frame of the vehicle and enables tires to move up and down over uneven spots in the road. A lot of vehicles come with lower and upper control arms on individual front wheels; when you have rear independent suspension, you are going to have control arms in the back, also. Bushings are part of the control arm intended to absorb vibrations and allow the wheel to pivot.
Indications of trouble: Bushings are wear and tear parts, so you can expect to replace them after a while. In many vehicles, the bushings are attached directly to the control bar, so you are going to have to replace the whole bar, making for a more costly fix. Indications that bushings require a replacement include:
- Squeaking when going over bumps
- Metal-on-metal sound when hitting bumps
- Irregular tire wear
- Vehicle pulling to one side
Ball joints
Average repair cost: $250-$340
Ball joints are vital since they hold the entire front suspension together. They attach your suspension to the steering, providing you with control over the vehicle at the same time letting the suspension articulate for absorbing bumps. Ball joints comprise of a metal ball in a vessel (known as a boot) filled with fluid.
Indications of trouble: Get ball joints fixed fast since you can’t steer if they completely fail. Indications that your ball joints could be failing include:
- Knocking or clunky sound when making turns or going over bumps
- Vibrations in your floorboard from those sounds
- Wear on the edges of the tire
- Fluid leaking out of the ball joint boot
Sway bar end links and bushings
Average repair cost: $100-$140
A sway bar, also called a stabilization bar, decreases a vehicle’s body roll when making turns by distributing the vehicle’s weight to all 4 of your wheels. That’s very vital since it can decrease the risk of your car rolling over. A lot of cars have front sway bars, and some may also have rear ones. Whereas the bar itself doesn’t typically need repair, you might be required to replace the end links or bushings that help the bar operate.
Indications of trouble: Sway bar problems can easily be confused with other suspension issues. Nevertheless, it’s easy for a mechanic to visually examine a sway bar and establish whether the bar needs addressing. Some indications of trouble include:
- Noise when going over bumps
- More body roll when turning
Tie rods
Average repair cost: $150-$210
Tie rods connect the steering part inside the cabin (such as your steering wheel) to the mechanisms that manage the wheels. Tie rods enable you to control your steering, so they’re vital.
Indications of trouble: When your tie rods are loose or require replacing, you might observe:
- Lesser control and responsiveness in the steering wheel
- Irregular tire wear
- Noises including clunks from the front wheels when turning
Factors affecting the repair cost
As with any repair, there’s a lot of differences in car suspension repair expenses. Below are a couple of factors that can affect how much you are going to spend.
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Lavish cars and larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs are typically more costly to repair.
- Intricacy of the car’s suspension system
All suspensions aren’t designed the same. Typical suspension systems are somewhat simple and thus more budget friendly to repair. Independent suspensions, typically found on luxury cars, are more complex and therefore more costly.
Replacement parts quality
Replacing suspension parts with OEM parts is usually the costliest since these parts are of the highest quality. Aftermarket parts are typically more cost friendly, but they might not be the same quality or an ideal fit for your car.
Labor expenses in your area
Expect a lump of what you are going to pay for car suspension repairs to go to labor. This differs widely by area and by repair shop. Due to that, you should get a hold of two or three repair shops to inquire about their labor charges.
Extent of the job
When you’re replacing more than one part of your suspension system, you are going to pay more for parts, however, could save on labor in a future date since the mechanic is already working under your car. Added services, such as replacing worn out tires or getting an alignment because of a faulty suspension system, can also be added to your invoice.
Heath’s Auto Service In Prescott, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, we take pride in being your one-stop destination for full-service auto and truck repair in Prescott, AZ. Our team of skilled technicians possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, allowing us to confidently handle domestic, Asian, and European vehicles with precision and expertise. Contact our team today!
