Quick answer: replacing struts usually costs $300 to $700 per front strut and $220 to $580 per rear strut, parts and labor included (J.D. Power). Because struts are replaced in pairs, most drivers pay about $600 to $1,400 for the front pair. Car Talk says to budget around $1,000 for a pair of shocks or struts on a mainstream car, and more on luxury models.
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Strut Replacement Cost at a Glance
| Job | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One front strut | $300–$700 | J.D. Power |
| One rear strut | $220–$580 | J.D. Power |
| Labor per strut | Over $200 (about 2–3 hours of work) | J.D. Power |
| Pair of shocks or struts | $500–$2,500 (about $1,000 on a mainstream car) | Car Talk (Aug 2025) |
| Front struts with alignment | Often over $1,000 | Car Talk |
| Dealer with OEM parts | 25% to 50% more than an independent shop | Car Talk |
Prices exclude tax and vary by city. Luxury cars and trucks with air or electronic suspension can cost double or more.
Cost for Front, Rear or All Four
| What you replace | Estimated total |
|---|---|
| Front pair of struts | $600–$1,400 |
| Rear pair of struts | $440–$1,160 |
| All four struts | $1,040–$2,560 |
Our totals, based on J.D. Power’s per-strut prices. Add a wheel alignment after front struts.
Shocks vs Struts: Why Struts Cost More
Both control bouncing, but they are different parts. A shock only dampens movement. A strut is part of the suspension structure, often holds the coil spring and can affect steering, so it takes more work to replace. That is why a strut job usually costs more than a shock job, and why Car Talk says you always need an alignment after replacing front struts.
What Affects the Price
- Complete strut assembly vs bare strut. A complete assembly (often called a “quick strut”) comes with the spring and mount already installed. The part costs more, but labor is faster and safer.
- OEM vs aftermarket parts. Dealer parts cost more; quality aftermarket struts are common at independent shops.
- Your vehicle. Trucks, luxury cars and cars with adaptive or air suspension cost much more.
- Alignment. Needed after front strut replacement and usually charged separately.
- Extra parts. Worn mounts, bearings or sway bar links are often replaced at the same time.
Signs Your Struts Are Worn
- A bouncy or rough ride, especially over bumps.
- The nose dives when you brake hard, or the car sways in turns.
- Oily fluid leaking down the outside of the strut.
- Uneven, “cupped” tire wear.
- Clunking or knocking over bumps.
Struts usually need replacing somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on your roads and driving (J.D. Power, Car Talk).
Can You Drive With Bad Struts?
For a short time, yes, but it is not safe to put off for long. Worn struts make the car take longer to stop, reduce control in sudden turns and wear out your tires faster. If a strut is leaking heavily or you hear loud clunks, have it checked soon.
Can You Replace Struts Yourself?
With complete strut assemblies, many experienced DIYers can do it with basic tools, a jack and jack stands. Do not take apart a strut and spring without a proper spring compressor, because the spring is under high tension and can cause serious injury. You will still need a professional alignment afterward.
How to Avoid Overpaying
- Ask whether the quote is for one strut, a pair or all four, and whether alignment is included.
- Ask if the shop uses complete assemblies or bare struts, and what brand.
- Get a second quote from an independent shop if the first is from a dealer.
- Only replace the rear struts if they are actually worn; the fronts often wear first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace front struts?
Usually $300 to $700 per strut, so about $600 to $1,400 for the front pair, plus a wheel alignment. Luxury cars and trucks cost more.
How much do shocks and struts cost to replace?
Car Talk puts a pair of shocks or struts at $500 to $2,500, with about $1,000 a reasonable budget for a mainstream car.
Do struts have to be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Replace both front or both rear struts together so the car handles evenly from side to side.
Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
After front struts, yes. Replacing them changes the suspension geometry, so the wheels must be realigned to avoid uneven tire wear.
How long do struts last?
Usually 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on road conditions and how you drive.
How long does strut replacement take?
About 1 to 3 hours for a pair on most cars, longer if parts are rusted or the car has a complex suspension.
Deciding if an older car is worth fixing? Check its value with our car depreciation calculator. See also brake pads and rotors cost and starter replacement cost.
Prices are estimates for general information only, compiled from the sources below in September 2026. Your price depends on your vehicle, location and shop. Always get a written quote before work begins.
Last updated: September 2026
Sources and further reading
- J.D. Power — How much does it cost to replace the struts on a car
- Car Talk — How much does it cost to replace your shocks or struts
- AutoZone — How to replace struts on most cars
This article was researched and fact-checked by the AutoExpertsHub editorial team against the sources above. Learn how we work in our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Let us know.
