How much does car suspension repair cost?

To provide smooth riding, the car suspension must be in place. It’s made up of several components, all of which could need repair or replacement at some point. How much will car suspension repair costs?

The cost of repairs or replacements can vary depending on which part is being replaced. You can save a lot of money if you own the tools and the expertise. 

We will be covering the costs associated with common repairs to car suspensions. We will also discuss symptoms of suspension problems that need attention. 

Most Common Suspension Repairs + Cost

1. Wheel alignment

Most suspension needs are for alignment of the wheels. It’s typically performed every 6,000 miles or whenever the vehicle starts pulling to one side. This might be necessary if the tires are worn unevenly.

The good news is that the wheel alignment doesn’t cost a lot. A 2-wheel alignment will cost you anywhere from $45 to $100 on average. 

READ MORE: Average Wheel Alignment Cost (Front, Rear & 4-Wheel)

Check the shocks or struts every 50,000 to 60.000 miles. These parts can cause a decrease in ride quality and loss of control.

You could spend anywhere from $500 up to $1,500 on all four parts depending on what car you have and how costly they are. Most people don't have the skills to repair these parts. 

READ MORE: Average Shock Replacement Cost (Front & Rear) – By Model

3. Spring Replacement

If the springs are worn out, the car will bounce more and have less stability. To ensure safety, it can be difficult to replace the springs.

This means that you could spend anywhere from $225 to $500 on each spring replacement. You may not have to replace four coil springs all at once but it's a good idea at the very least to swap them out in pairs. 

RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Broken Coil Spring (& Replacement Cost)

4. Replacement for the Ball Joint

The ball joints are responsible for connecting the car’s wheel and tire to the rest of the suspension. There are some cars that only have front ball joints. Others may also include rear ones. 

One ball joint replacement can cost as little as $150-300. The cost to replace four ball joints could be anywhere from $600 to $1200. 

5. Replace Control Arm

The hinges that hold the control arms to the car frame are the control arm hinges. The lower control arm bushings of front-wheel-drive cars are more susceptible to damage.

If the control arms have been damaged or bent you may hear unusual rattles and creaking. On average, this repair will cost between $500 and $750. 

READ MORE: 5 Signs of a Bad Control Arm Bushing (& Replacement Cost)

6. Complete Overhaul

Most repairs only concern one part of the suspension. However, it is possible to replace the whole suspension. If you’ve been in a serious accident and the structural integrity has been compromised or you want to upgrade the suspension, these overhauls become a reality. 

You'll spend twice the amount if all your vital components are replaced. This is why the cost of an overhaul may easily exceed $3,500, especially if your vehicle has performance components. 

Will Car Insurance pay for suspension repair?

You might consider other ways of paying your bill, as suspension repairs and replacements can cost a lot. You should consider whether or not your insurance company will pay the majority of what you have to face. Sadly, there aren’t many instances where car insurance will pay these bills. 

Most suspension problems are due to normal wear and tear. Even if the problems are due to neglect, these concerns aren’t paid for by the insurance providers. Policies that include both collision and comprehensive coverage still won’t pay for these problems.

On the other hand, if the suspension was damaged because of an accident, there’s a good chance you can file a claim through your provider. Your comprehensive plan would cover theft or vandalism. You will only be responsible for the deductible. You will also be responsible for the deductible. Your premiums could go up as a consequence of the claim. But, at least it is possible to spread out payments over time. 

The Signs and symptoms of suspension problems

1. It's rough riding

You will begin to feel the vehicle's normal feeling as you drive it. The steering and handling become your companion.

When the ride becomes rough suddenly, even on smooth roads you will know that something is seriously wrong. Every bump and every pothole will be felt as soon as your suspension stops working. 

2. Get More Bouncing

It is designed to absorb bumps and prevent the car from moving around. Even if you are on a rough road, it shouldn’t be felt much through the cabin.

It becomes harder for suspension components to absorb road imperfections as they age and wear. Every bump the car encounters, it will bounce harder and more. 

3. It is more difficult to control

You might have difficulty controlling the car due to the extra vibration and bounce through the steering wheel. This problem could become more apparent when turning.

It can seem scary to have no stability. It should not be a reason to panic. 

4. Strange Sounds

As the suspension fails, it’s going to start making a lot of unusual sounds. You might initially hear squeaking when the suspension is pushed over bumps.

If the environment becomes more difficult, it is possible for the sound to change. It might even turn into a clunking noise or grinding sound, depending on which parts are failing. 

5. Uneven Tire Wear

You can check the treads of your tires to determine how well the suspension runs. The tread should be evenly worn if everything is in good condition. 

If the tread begins to wear unevenly it is a sign that there are problems with the suspension. It is important to fix the problem immediately and rotate the tires in order not to have them replaced prematurely. 

What if my suspension is broken?

You don’t want to ever drive your car with a broken suspension part. For starters, the ride isn’t going to be comfortable and you aren’t going to enjoy the ride. Safety issues are another important consideration.

The suspension can become more severe and you may lose control. This can make it impossible to turn and brake. Not only that, but you are risking other people’s lives on the road, and they don’t have a choice in the matter.

Repairing suspension parts can be costly. What about the loss of life and total car damage? There’s no comparison.