Worn struts and shocks are easy to ignore because they fail gradually. The ride gets soft, the steering feels vague, and the tires start cupping. Replacement restores the original feel and significantly improves stopping distance and emergency handling. Here is what the work actually costs and what is included.
Typical Cost Range
Strut or shock replacement at Perry's Quality Auto in Simi Valley typically runs $480 to $1,400. The variation depends on whether you are replacing front struts, rear shocks, or both axles, and on the vehicle. A pair of front struts on a Honda Accord runs around $480 to $680 including alignment. A full four-corner job on a luxury SUV can hit $1,400 or more.
The cost includes the parts (struts or shocks themselves), labor to install, alignment after the work, and any related parts that should be replaced at the same time (more on that below).
Struts vs Shocks
A strut is a structural part of the suspension. It holds the wheel in place and acts as a damper. Replacing a strut requires an alignment afterward because the geometry can shift. Most front suspensions on FWD and many AWD vehicles use struts.
A shock absorber is purely a damper. It does not hold the wheel in place. Replacing a shock does not always require an alignment, though we check the alignment anyway. Most truck and SUV rear suspensions and many independent rear suspensions use shocks.
The same vehicle may have struts up front and shocks in the rear, which is the most common configuration. Replacement cost differs because struts are more complex assemblies.
Quick-Strut vs Complete Strut Assembly
A complete or quick-strut assembly comes preassembled with the strut, spring, top mount, and bearing. It costs more in parts but saves significant labor because the spring does not need to be compressed off the old strut. We default to complete assemblies for most replacements because the top mounts and bearings are worn at the same interval as the strut itself.
If only the strut cartridge is being replaced and the spring and mount are reused, that approach is cheaper but does not always make sense. Mounts and bearings wear, and replacing them later means doing the strut job over.
Symptoms of Worn Struts and Shocks
Excessive body roll in corners, nose-dive under braking, and bounce after going over a bump are the most common symptoms. A worn shock allows the body to oscillate more than once after a bump (one or two bounces is normal, three or more means worn).
Other signs include uneven tire wear, especially cupping in concentric rings on the tire surface, leaking oil on the shock or strut body, clunking noises over bumps, and a vehicle that feels twitchy or loose at highway speed. Stopping distance also increases as struts and shocks wear, because the tires lose grip during compression cycles.
How Long Struts and Shocks Last
Most struts and shocks last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Performance vehicles and trucks that haul or tow may need replacement earlier. Driving conditions matter (Simi Valley pothole-filled roads age suspension faster than smooth highway driving).
A standardized bounce test, performed by pushing down hard on each corner of the vehicle and letting it rebound, is a useful rough check. If the vehicle bounces more than once or twice and settles, the dampers are worn.
What Else Should Be Replaced at the Same Time
Strut mounts and bearings often wear at the same time as the strut itself. These are included in quick-strut assemblies. Stabilizer bar end links, which are right next to the struts, often need replacement at the same interval and are worth replacing while the area is open. Sway bar bushings are similar. Total cost for end links is usually $80 to $180 for a pair plus minimal additional labor.
We inspect the rest of the suspension during the strut job and tell you what we find. Tie rod ends, ball joints, and control arm bushings sometimes need attention. If they do, you decide what to do based on a written estimate.
Alignment Requirement
After any strut replacement, the vehicle should be aligned. This is included in our pricing on strut jobs. Failure to align after strut work causes premature tire wear and incorrect handling.
Shocks alone do not always require alignment, but we always check.
Why Choose Perry's for Suspension Work
Perry's Quality Auto has been doing suspension work in Simi Valley since 1997. Our ASE Certified technicians use OEM-quality struts and shocks (KYB, Bilstein, Monroe, or factory parts depending on application), proper spring compressors when needed, and include a four-wheel alignment with every strut job.
Every suspension service is backed by our 2-Year/24,000-Mile warranty. We are AAA Approved and family-owned, at 2180 First Street, Suite C-10 in Simi Valley. Call (805) 522-5769 for a written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace struts and shocks in Simi Valley?
$480 to $1,400 depending on vehicle and number of corners. We include alignment in strut pricing.
How often should struts and shocks be replaced?
Most last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Driving conditions and vehicle type affect lifespan.
Do I need an alignment after strut replacement?
Yes, always. We include alignment in our strut replacement pricing.
Can I replace just one strut?
Replace in pairs (both fronts or both rears). Replacing just one creates handling imbalance.
Do you warranty strut and shock replacement?
Every suspension service includes our 2-Year/24,000-Mile warranty on parts and labor.
Schedule service at Perry's Quality Auto in Simi Valley
Family-owned since 1997. ASE Certified technicians. 2-Year/24,000-Mile warranty on all repairs. Call (805) 522-5769 or book online below.
2180 First Street, Suite C-10, Simi Valley, CA 93065 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM