Shock absorber replacement cost – how much will you have to pay? | RAC Drive (2024)

A suspension system is an integral part of keeping a vehicle safe and road legal – and shock absorbers are vital components within it.

Vehicle control and ride comfort should be consistent whenever someone is behind the wheel, so ensuring that the suspension is in the best condition possible is important for all drivers.

Although there are many parts that are used to make up the suspension, the shock absorber controls the ‘up and down’ movement of the wheels – and looks like a large spring.

This guide looks at how much it will cost to replace one – and best practices for keeping them in great working order.

According to WhoCanFixMyCar, the average cost to replace a pair of shock absorbers is £397.92 – with the average price for the front pair at £416.91, and the rear set at £327.47.

When it comes to the average cost per make, here are the costs to replace a shock absorber (average for two pair of front and back shock absorbers).

A car shock absorber is a part of a vehicle's suspension system and softens the impact and oscillation caused by road irregularities, such as bumps, cracks, and potholes.

This helps to provide a smoother ride and maintain better control of the vehicle – creating a safer journey for the driver and surrounding road users.

In summary, when a car drives over a rough surface, the wheels move up and down. The shock absorbers control this movement by absorbing and dissipating the energy from these movements, preventing the car from bouncing excessively.

By controlling the motion of the wheels, shock absorbers ensure that the tyres remain in contact with the road surface as much as possible – improving safety and ride comfort.

The shock absorbers increase the longevity of vehicle by protecting the tyres and internal components.

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Shock absorbers work by dampening the impact of an uneven surface when the car is travelling on a road.

The various components within it play a crucial role.

Inside the shock absorber, a piston is attached to a rod. The piston moves within a sealed tube that is filled with hydraulic fluid.

As the piston moves, it forces the hydraulic fluid through small tubes, which creates resistance and slows down the piston’s movement.

The valves control the flow of the fluid, allowing for precise damping adjustments.

Common problems you will notice if you have a problem with your shock absorbers include poor handling, large vibrations, increased stopping distance, sagging vehicle with reduced ground clearance, and leaking hydraulic fluid.

There are several reasons why you may have problems with your shock absorbers – they include:

• Damaged seals or worn-out components: This will result in leaking fluid and poor handling.
• Large noises and vibrations: Lack of fluid and damaged components.
• Damaged tyres: Increased wear and tear over time caused by lack of dampened impact when driving on uneven surfaces.
• Rust and corrosion: Over time when they are exposed to the elements, they can become weak – leading to common symptoms of a damaged shock absorber.

You may also see one or more dashboard warning lights if there is an issue with your shock absorbers.

Regular car maintenance is something all drivers should be doing – and can help extend the lifespan of your shock absorbers.

If you are unsure on what the issue is, or how to fix it, then call a mobile mechanic or visit your trusted local garage.

In a car, there are four shock absorbers – one per wheel.

Each absorber has a ‘strut’ that connects the absorber to the rest of the suspension system.

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Shock absorbers in your car should last up to 100,000 miles – however, this can vary depending on many factors including make, model, age of vehicle, quality of the components, quality and consistency of maintenance, and where the vehicle is stored when not in use.

All parts of the suspension system will be checked during the annual MOT. Regular servicing of your car will also help prolong the absorbers.

Regularly checking your shock absorbers will ensure that you’ll notice and rust, corrosion, or leaks – but there are other helpful tips you can use to keep them in great condition.

By also monitoring tyre wear and overall ride quality, you can pre-empt any more serious issues with them and get to a garage as soon as possible.

A yearly service can help with this.

It is also advisable to alter your driving habits by using smoother driving – avoiding sudden stops and rapid acceleration. This puts extra stain on the components.

If possible, avoid rough terrain and uneven road surfaces.

It is important to remember that if you are looking to replace a shock absorber, you should always do it in pairs (both front or both back – or all four at the same time).

This increases consistency in the suspension system.

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