How long will suspension last?

Asked by: Clint Medhurst  |  Last update: March 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (65 votes)

While the longevity of a suspension system can vary based on many factors, including driving habits or road conditions, it typically lasts for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. For many drivers, it's time to replace the suspension system's shocks or struts after seven or eight years of use.

How long can you drive with bad suspension?

The short answer is no - you should not drive a car with broken suspension. Regardless of whether it's a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber, you cannot drive a vehicle which has any element of the suspension that is broken.

How often should I change my suspension?

Over time, the components of your suspension can sustain damage from these shocks. You might be wondering how you know when your suspension needs to be repaired or replaced. Generally speaking, your suspension will need to be replaced every 80,000 to 160,000kms, depending on your driving conditions.

How do I know if my suspension needs replacing?

How to Know When Your Car's Suspension Needs Attention
  1. Uneven Tire Wear. One of the most noticeable signs of suspension issues is uneven tire wear. ...
  2. Bouncing or Swaying. ...
  3. Knocking or Clunking Noises. ...
  4. Issues With Steering Responsiveness. ...
  5. Visible Fluid Leaks.

Is suspension worth fixing?

A functioning suspension can help keep you comfortable and safe on the road. While car suspension repair can add up quickly, getting your suspension fixed promptly can keep the cost down and prevent other issues, like tires that need to be replaced because they were worn unevenly.

When Should I Replace My Shocks & Struts

15 related questions found

How much does it cost to replace suspension?

The suspension has many components, and, thus, you can expect the check to be around $1,000-$5,000. However, it's important to be aware of the more costly replacements and procedures: Shock absorber replacement: $200-$1,500. Coil spring replacement: $550-$700.

What is the average life of car suspension?

The lifespan of suspension components varies depending on factors such as driving conditions, vehicle type, and quality of components. As a general guideline: - Shock absorbers/struts: 50,000 to 100,000 miles. - Control arms: 90,000 to 100,000 miles.

Can you drive with suspension problems?

When a car's suspension breaks, there are multiple components that could be causing the problem - such as a broken coil spring or a broken shock absorber. However, regardless of what is broken with the car's suspension, you should not drive the vehicle.

Do you need alignment after replacing suspension?

Monroe ® recommends performing an alignment anytime struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Failure to make sure the vehicle's alignment is within factory specifications can lead to problems like premature tire wear and other customer comebacks.

What does a bad suspension sound like?

Common suspension-related noises include clunking, squeaking, rattling, or knocking sounds. Try to identify when the noise occurs, such as during acceleration, braking, or when going over bumps.

Can struts last 200,000 miles?

Shocks and Struts Lifespan

Like most car systems, the lifespan of your vehicle's shocks and struts depends on many variables like road condition, payload, and how fast you drive over speed bumps and potholes. However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

How many miles does car suspension last?

While the longevity of a suspension system can vary based on many factors, including driving habits or road conditions, it typically lasts for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. For many drivers, it's time to replace the suspension system's shocks or struts after seven or eight years of use.

What happens if you don't replace suspension?

Loss of handling and control – Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind.

How many hours does it take to replace suspension?

The time it takes to replace shocks and struts depends on your vehicle's type and the mechanic's experience level. Generally, it takes about two to four hours to replace four shock absorbers, with struts usually taking about an hour longer.

What does a bad suspension feel like?

Feeling every rock, bump and hole means your shock absorbers or struts are probably on the way out. To check, try giving your car the bounce test. To do this, push your entire weight down on your car's bonnet. Release it and then count the number of times the car bounces.

What noise do bad struts make?

When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.

How do I know if I need new suspension?

Signs Your Suspension Is Bad
  1. The Steering Wheel Feels Shaky. When driving, the steering wheel should be steady. ...
  2. Excess Tire Wear. There can be many reasons your tires are worn, but one could be a faulty suspension system. ...
  3. Leaking Around Shocks and Struts. ...
  4. An Uncomfortable Ride. ...
  5. Car Bounces After a Speed Bump. ...
  6. Clunking Sounds.

How much does an alignment cost?

A front-end alignment (or two wheel alignment), which involves only the front two wheels, typically costs anywhere from $50 to $75. While a four wheel alignment costs more, usually $100 to $168. You may find that the answer to “how much is a wheel alignment” is higher for luxury cars.

How long do struts last?

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. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.

How much does it cost to fix a suspension?

Fixing your suspension could cost as little as $150 if you need to replace a simple sway bar. But it could cost more than $1,000 if you need to replace a strut or a shock. You can often save on suspension repairs by collecting quotes from different repair shops.

Can you drive long distance with a bad suspension?

It can be very dangerous to drive on broken suspension components. The vehicle will drive much differently and react unpredictably to uneven surfaces and high-speed maneuvers. Not only that, but bad struts or shocks can significantly increase braking distance.

How much does it cost to replace a full suspension?

The average cost for a Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $984 and $1,102. Labor costs are estimated between $218 and $275 while parts are priced between $766 and $827. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Is replacing suspension worth it?

Enjoy benefits of replacing worn shocks and struts

Replacing these worn components will restore the ride control and handling the vehicle demonstrated when it was new. It also means longer tire wear.

What happens if you keep driving with a bad suspension?

Loss of handling and control – Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind.