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Top Mechanics For Shock Absorber Replacement & Repairs

5 Reviews

Garage in Camberley, 10 years of experience

UK Motorzone Camberley: With 8 years of experience serving Camberley and surrounding areas, we specialize in quick vehicle repairs, MOTs, and servicing. Trust us for fast, reliable, and affordable automotive...

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Worked on cars since i left college worked in most of my local garages up until Covid when I got laid off so did the best decision in my life and became a mobile mechanic and things have great since so looki...

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Garage in Winsford, 10 years of experience

Mobile mechanic based in Winsford With over 10 years experience + working on your car at work or home to make your life easier

348 Reviews

Garage in Gloucester , 13 years of experience

Bishop autos a local mobile mechanic business set up in 2012 we are a company specialising in the mobile repair, air con and computer diagnostics of today’s vehicles ❄️🥶 we do air con regas services on ...

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Garage in Nottingham, 25 years of experience

I have 25 years of experience in the mechanics industry. After leaving the Royal Engineers I started my mobile mechanic business, originally in Derby. After 7 years, I decided to move to Australia. While t...

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Mobile mechanic in London , 10 years of experience

I have in this field from last 10 years I worked in Europe and from last 5 years I have been working in UK 🇬🇧 and I know the Japanese car and German cars <a href='https://www.clickmechanic.com/' title='Clic...

ANDY 2nd March 2025

Ford Fiesta • Additional work following previous booking

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Mobile mechanic in Somerset, 19 years of experience

Trained as an apprentice mechanic/auto electrician Joined a Ford Retailer and progressed up to Ford Senior Tech Moved onto JLR dealer where i for progressed up to JLR Master Tech Now have an EV Authoriz...

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Garage in Colchester, 6 years of experience

I personally started Apex Tuning part time nearly 7 years ago and have since worked in a number of garages as well as along side some incredibly knowledgable technicians to become the succesful small busines...

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Garage in Trowbridge , 7 years of experience

Hi, I started my journey in car and mechanics business 6 years ago and have been committed to learn all I can about cars and how they work to better my self and experience to customers. I have been working w...

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Garage in Lincolnshire, 14 years of experience

We are a mobile mechanic based in Lincoln. Our mechanic has worked on lorrys, vans, cars and bikes of all makes and models.

111 Reviews

Garage in Southampton , 7 years of experience

After 𝟳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 in car repair and maintenance, I’ve taken the next step and opened my own business, focused on delivering exceptional service at great value. 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝘀 𝘁𝗼...

Frequently asked questions about shock absorber replacement & repairs

Read our answers to questions about shock absorber replacement costs, symptoms and more.

What does a Shock Absorber do?

The shock absorber is a component of the suspension system that evens out the irregularities of the road surface the car navigates. It is mounted on one side to the car's chassis or body and on the other to one of the wheel's wishbones.

Essentially, the shock absorber consists of a tube filled with gas or oil that is compressed by a piston. It essentially dissipates the kinetic energy generated by the road.

What does a shock absorber replacement involve?

  • The mechanic will test drive the car to establish the possible cause of the problem.
  • The mechanic will inspect the suspension system and shock absorbers in detail.
  • If necessary, the mechanic will replace the worn or broken shock absorber.
  • The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
  • The mechanic will check the suspension again and test drive the car.
  • If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

Can you replace shock absorbers yourself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a shock absorbers replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

How do I know if my shock absorbers are worn and need replacing?

  • When the car bounces on excessively after driving over a hump or similar.
  • When the car feels unstable going through corners or rough services.
  • When the impact of navigating over humps is harder than normal.
  • When there is a puddle of oil-like fluid underneath the car near a wheel.
  • When the tyres lose touch with the ground after a shock absorption.

How long will a shock absorbers replacement take?

A front shock absorbers replacement on average takes around 2 hour, but can take anywhere from around 1.5 hours to 3 hours. A rear shock absorbers replacement takes on average 1 hour, but can range from under 1 hour to 2 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How often should shock absorbers be replaced?

Always service the shock absorbers as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. Should you experience problems with a shock absorber then it is advisable to have the system inspected and, if necessary, have the bad shock absorber replaced.

What happens if you don't replace shock absorbers?

Over time, a shock absorber's condition can deteriorate due to the fact that it is in constant use when the car is driven. Eventually, it can be that fluid or gas starts to leak out of the shock absorber which can, for example, be due to a leaking valve inside. A bad shock absorber will cause an unstable ride, through corners.

Equally, it can be that the car rocks excessively when going over humps or when stopping the car, bouncing for a prolonged period after the actual shock absorption. Issues with the shock absorbers that are not addressed can lead to a variety of other, more expensive, issues; among which is excessive tyre wear. It is therefore important to address issues with the shock absorber timely and professionally to ensure an optimal ride and prevent further damage.

Can you drive a car with a broken shock absorber?

Driving with a broken shock absorber will mean that the vehicle is unable to absorb the shocks from the road as you drive which could furthermore cause damage to other components on the car. Furthermore it could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle as the vehicle will not handle as intended. If you experience any untoward characteristics in the handling of your vehicle, or if you suspect there is any issue with a shock absorber or there are concerns about its age or condition, book a diagnostic inspection with a professional mechanic immediately and do not drive the vehicle. A mechanic can check and advise on next steps.

What causes a shock absorber to fail?

Over time, the seals and components of a shock absorber can degrade, leading to fluid leaks and reduced performance. In some cases, a shock absorber can also become damaged due to a collision or other external forces.

Are shock absorbers checked during an MOT test?

Yes, shock absorbers along with the entire suspension system is checked during an annual MOT test.

If a shock absorber is found to no longer have adequate damping effect, the bush is excessively worn or is not attached securely then it will be categorised as a major fault, which means your vehicle will fail the MOT.

Is a leaking shock absorber an MOT failure?

A leaking shock absorber is not an MOT failure, but it is something that should be fixed as soon as possible. A leaking shock absorber can cause a rough ride and excessive noise from the suspension. Sometimes, if the leak is very obvious and severe, then there is a chance the vehicle could fail an MOT.

Do I need to replace all 4 shocks at once?

It is recommended to replace shock absorbers across the axle at the same time, so both shocks at the front or both at the rear of the vehicle. This will help ensure the vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced. This will ensure that the vehicle rides smoothly and does not experience any uneven wear and tear.

Is it safe to drive with a leaking shock absorber?

It is not safe to drive with a leaking shock absorber. If the fluid leaks out, the shock absorber will not be able to dampen the movement of the suspension, which can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. You should get it checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Is it dangerous to drive with bad struts?

Driving with bad struts can be dangerous as they provide support for the vehicle’s suspension and can affect the alignment of the wheels. This can lead to difficulty steering and increased braking distances.

Can I drive my car with bad shocks?

It is not recommended to drive a car with bad shocks, as they can cause a number of problems. Bad shocks can cause the car to bounce around on the road, making it difficult to control. They can also cause the tires to wear out prematurely and can cause the suspension to wear out as well. It is a safety hazard for the driver so it is recommended to get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the suspension system

Should you replace both front shock absorbers?

If the front shock absorbers are leaking or damaged, it is highly recommended that you replace both of them at the same time. This will help ensure that your vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced.

How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers?

Cost for a front shock absorber replacement is on average £300, with pricing ranging from around £200 to £500. Rear shock absorber replacement costs varies from £150 to £400, with an average of £225. Ultimately, cost depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your shock absorber replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Check out the ClickMechanic price for a shock absorber replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Front shock absorber, Rear shock absorber, Suspension airbag (driver side), Suspension airbag (passenger side), Suspension airbag (driver side) and/or Suspension airbag (passenger side).

Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a shock absorber replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.

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