How Much Does A Shock Absorber Replacement Cost in the UK?

The suspension in a car is responsible for a comfortable ride, and smooth handling. One of the key components of the suspension system are the shock absorbers. The job of the shock absorber is to dissipate the kinetic energy from the suspension system and reduce the amount of vibration that is felt by the passengers.

Shock absorbers are typically made from a steel or aluminium casing, with a piston inside that is connected to the suspension system. The piston is filled with oil, and as the suspension system moves, the oil is forced through small holes in the piston. This action dissipates the kinetic energy, and reduces the amount of vibration that is felt by the passengers. If your shock absorbers are worn out, it can cause problems with your car's handling and ride quality and would need to be replaced as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers?

The average cost of replacing the front shock absorbers is £300, with prices ranging from £200 and £500 while rear shock absorber replacement costs vary from £150 to £400, with an average of £225. Front shocks are generally more expensive than rear ones and it is recommended to replace shocks in pairs for optimum performance. The exact price of shock absorber replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of shock absorber replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of shock absorber replacement.

Average cost of a shock absorber replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for shock absorber replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for shock absorber replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a shock absorber replacement for your car.

Average cost of a shock absorber replacement by manufacturer

Signs your shock absorbers need to be replaced

• Uneven tyre wear
• Excessive bouncing
• Poor handling
• Bumpy/ rough ride
• Vibrations through steering wheel
• Leaks around the shock absorbers

Uneven or excessive tyre wear

Wear, misalignment, or loose components in your car's suspension system can cause uneven wheel wear. Although worn shocks are not the only cause of cupping, excessive movement of tyres can also create an uneven tyre wear pattern. If this is not addressed, it can worsen the tyre condition and affect vehicle handling which is dangerous in an emergency situation.

The car bounces excessively or makes noises after hitting a bump

The shocks on a car are responsible for absorbing the impact of the road as the car travels. Over time, they can become worn out, which will cause the car to bounce more or cause strange noises especially after going over a bump.

Reduced braking efficiency (nose diving)

Worn shock absorbers cause the vehicle to bounce on the road, which makes the tyres lose contact with the road surface. This increases the braking distance because the tyres have less grip on the road resulting in a serious risk of skidding. In some cases, it can also cause reduced efficiency of Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).

Leaks

Sometimes the seals enclosing the shaft will leak, causing fluid to leak down the side of the shock and run down the ground. Shocks become unable to perform their function as fluid decreases in the chamber, resulting in less fluid to work with.

Frequently asked questions about shock absorbers replacement cost

Can you drive with a damaged shock absorber?

Technically, you can drive with a damaged shock absorber if the vehicle can still be handled safely, however, we strongly advise against doing so. Continuing to drive with a worn-out or damaged shock absorber can be dangerous as it can reduce the overall handling of the vehicle. It will also cause more wear and tear on your tyres, as well as your suspension and steering components damaging them further.

What noise does a broken shock absorber make?

A broken shock absorber may make a rattling or a clunking noise when the vehicle is driven over bumps. It will basically sound like two metals being banged together. This noise is usually accompanied by the vehicle veering or rocking side to side in an unusual manner.

Is it worth changing shock absorbers?

Heavy-duty vehicles usually need replacement shock absorbers sooner than most vehicles, but if you frequently drive on uneven or unpaved roads, your shocks will wear out faster as well. If you notice that your vehicle does not respond as well to bumps in the road as it used to then it’s definitely worth replacing the shock absorbers for better ride quality and ensure the suspension and steering system is in optimum condition. Also, when you notice that your vehicle is not as stable going around turns, this is another sign that your shock absorbers may be worn out and need replacing.

How long does a shock absorber replacement take?

Front shock absorbers replacement on average takes around 2 hours, but can take anywhere from around 1.5 hours to 3 hours. 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.

Can I carry out a shock absorber replacement myself?

Replacing shock absorbers requires advanced automotive repairs skills and special tools such as axle stands, wheel nut wrenches, pry bars, spring compressors, etc.

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 upfront.

What else could be the problem if my shock absorber isn’t broken?

If you're experiencing issues with your vehicle's suspension or handling, but your shock absorbers are not identified as the problem, here are some other possibilities:

• Worn-out or broken spring - if the springs are worn or damaged, they can lead to a rough ride and poor handling.
• Wheel alignment - incorrect wheel alignment can cause your vehicle to pull to one side, resulting in uneven tyre wear
• Bushes - worn out bushes can lead to handling issues and also cause vibrations
• Suspension lower arm - issues such as wobbly suspension, uneven tyre wear or vibrations through the steering wheel are common signs of a faulty lower arm
• Wheel bearing - faulty wheel bearings and shock absorbers have similar signs and symptoms.

What happens during a shock absorber replacement?

• 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 recheck the suspension and test-drive the car.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.