When should I replace my suspension?

Generally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster.

How do I know if my suspension needs replacing?

How long does suspension usually last?

That answer varies. However, a general rule to go by is between 60k - 100k miles for average usage. While this is a loose mileage range, it can last significantly longer. It can last much shorter as well, depending on the habits of the driver and the type of usage the car undergoes.

How many miles should you replace suspension?

That depends. “Driving on rough or unpaved roads, towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, can shorten their functional life,” says Reina. “With heavy use, you could be looking to replace them at 40,000 or 50,000 miles or sooner. Under normal conditions, 75,000 to 90,000 miles might be reasonable.”

How often should you replace suspension parts?

Under both normal and adverse conditions, just about any suspension part can be damaged and wear out, but most should last 50,000 to 80,000 miles before repairs are required, says Doug Taylor, product marketing manager for Arnott Inc.

Top Ten Signs of Worn Shocks and Struts

Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it's even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace suspension in car?

Replacing a suspension system typically costs between $1,000 to $5,000, but the price can vary depending on the type of vehicle, price of replacement parts, and the complexity of the replacement.

How long do factory shocks last?

Ask a Mechanic How Long Do Shocks and Struts Last

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.

How often should you check your suspension?

Your sway bar's bolts that connect the sway bar to the vehicle should also be occasionally checked to determine their condition. Even if you do not encounter any of these common issues, experts say that you should have your vehicle's suspension system checked every year or every 12,000 miles.

Will new shocks improve my ride?

A thorough inspection should uncover what parts, if any, actually need replacement. The springs in your vehicle's suspension do most of the shock damping. The shocks and struts improve the ride and reduce the bouncing caused by springs compressing and releasing so you don't go boing-boing down the road.

How long do suspension springs last?

1. How Long Do Coil Springs Last? There really is no set timeframe at which coil springs expire. A lot of coils last for the life of a vehicle, while others break down sooner.

How long should car shocks last?

On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about 10 years. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.

What are common suspension problems?

Some common signs that your suspension system needs a little TLC are: Continued bouncing after hitting bumps or a dipping when braking. A drifting or pulling to one side when turning corners. One side of the parked car sitting lower than the other side.

Why is my car so bouncy when I drive?

This can cause swaying and bouncing. To summarize, the four main reasons for your car bouncing or swaying are wheels that are not aligned, excessive or uneven wear on the tires, damaged struts and worn shock absorbers, or a loose steering linkage.

What does suspension problems sound like?

The first indication of any trouble with suspension will probably come from an unusual noise. There'll be a knocking, creaking or clanking from under the car. In extreme cases, your car might not want to drive in a straight line without you constantly making adjustments with the steering wheel.

How long do spring coils last?

The industry standard for these springs is a life cycle of about 10,000-15,000 uses or a spring life of about 5 years on average. You can choose to increase the spring wire by several sizes and increase spring life to over 100,000 cycles with extra long life springs.

How much do shocks cost?

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.

When should I replace my shocks and struts?

Experts say that shocks and struts should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, that's just a general recommendation. The life span of shocks and struts will depend on your driving patterns.

How can you tell if your suspension is bad?

What happens if you don't fix your suspension?

With a failing suspension system, you'll often feel the vehicle "drift" or "pull" when you're turning. This basically means the shocks are no longer keeping the vehicle body stable against the centrifugal force of a turn, increasing your risk of a rollover.

What causes suspension damage?

The main components of the suspensions system include the springs, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and more. Being exposed on the bottom of your vehicle, these parts are constantly exposed to debris, rocks, speed bumps, potholes, and other driving occurrences which can potentially damage components.

What are 3 types of suspension?

There are three basic types of suspension components: linkages, springs, and shock absorbers. The linkages are the bars and brackets that support the wheels, springs and shock absorbers.

How do you maintain suspension?