Car Suspension Cost

How Much Does a Car Suspension Cost?

Medium: $1,000-$2,000

A suspension system consists of springs, shock absorbers/struts and linkages (such as ball joints) which connect a vehicle to its wheels. The suspension keeps the wheels in proper contact/friction with the ground despite bumps or other road irregularities. It also smooths the ride for the vehicle's occupants.

Typical costs:

Replacing a suspension system averages about $1,000 -$2,000, and will often cost more than that for rare or luxury cars. A lot depends on the type of suspension system in a particular make, model and year and the amount of wear and rust underneath the vehicle.

What should be included:

The suspension system is part of the chassis, which contains all the important systems located underneath the body of a vehicle. The three main components of a suspension system are springs, dampers/shock absorbers and anti-sway bars. The exact configuration depends on the make, model and year of the vehicle. CarBibles.com provides an extremely detailed explanation of various types of suspensions--front, rear, dependent, independent, etc.
Generally both sides (left and right) of a suspension system should be replaced at the same time, and depending on the wear and tear, often the front and rear systems should be done together, to avoid having new parts add to the stress of old, worn parts. Sometimes individual parts, such as the shock absorbers or ball joints, may wear out and need replacing separately. On other vehicles various parts of the suspension system may all need replacing at once, to avoid the stress of new parts interacting with old ones.

Additional costs:

Some vehicles may require a full alignment after replacing the suspension; this can add $60 -$100 to the total cost. Check the specifications for your car to see if an alignment is needed.
Bose, a company known for its sound systems, had developed a suspension system driven by four electromagnetic motors, giving a higher level of control and comfort. The radical suspension improvements could add $5,000 or more to the cost of a care, according to MSNBC.com.

Shopping for a car suspension:

AutoEducation.com lists tips for choosing a repair shop. Labor usually costs the most, you might pay for more time than it actually takes to do the job, many firms charge a separate diagnostic fee and most repair shops use a higher grade of replacement parts than the cheapest ones available from discount retailers; AA1Car.com gives an overview.
Parts for suspension systems are available through JC Whitney and PartsAmerica.com.
Professional suspension replacement is offered by Meineke and Midas car care centers; by auto dealers; or get referred to a certified local repair shop through the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence.