Getting things started
Your car’s suspension system is one of the most important parts of your car, of any car in-fact, and it keeps your ride as smooth, stable and as safe as can be. From absorbing bumps and potholes, to ensuring tyres are kept in touch with the ground, the suspension gives you ultimate stability when driving. Although, when suspension components begin to wear out, or seriously affect your car’s handling and comfort, that is when you will need to act. When the suspension is in full working order, you will barely notice it, however when it begins to fail, you’ll notice it immediately. Knowing the warning signs and understanding the costs involved can help to save you from much bigger repairs further down the road - leaving the signs alone and ignoring them will put you at risk of being involved in an accident. In this blog, we will be walking you through how to spot when your car needs suspension repair and what you can expect to pay.
What is the suspension and what does it do?
Let’s take a moment before diving into warning signs and costs, it is important the understand the suspension’s role and how it affects you behind the wheel.
Think of the suspension as the connector between the wheels of your car and it’s body - it has a crucial job in keeping the car in perfect working condition. Your vehicle’s suspension will take the brunt of things, facing bumps, curves in the road, potholes and anything in between, all while keeping the tyres in clear contact with the ground. It includes parts like shocks, struts, sprints & control arms - each working together to ensure a smooth, controlled ride.
Other duties your suspension takes on:
- Distribute the car’s weight across all four wheels
- Improve handling and breaking
- Reduce wear & tear
- Maintain proper ride height
- Improve passenger comfort
Common signs your suspension needs repair
- Bumpy or Unstable Ride - If you notice your car feels rougher than usual over bumps or sways excessively around corners, your shocks or struts might be worn out.
- Uneven Tyre Wear - Car suspension problems can cause uneven tyre wear, meaning some tyres may look worse than others. This not only affects ride quality but also safety.
- Nose Diving or Squatting - When braking, if your car dips forward sharply (nose diving), or if it is squats in the rear when accelerating, it’s a clear sign that the suspension may be wearing, or losing its effectiveness.
- Leaking Fluid - Shocks and struts are filled with fluid. Visible leaks on these parts indicate they’re damaged and need replacement.
- Steering Issues - Difficulty steering, wandering, or pulling to one side while driving may point to suspension trouble or misalignment.
- Unusual Noises - Clunking, knocking, or creaking sounds when driving over bumps can mean worn suspension components.
How much does suspension repair cost?
The cost of suspension repair can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and your vehicle type. Let’s break it down below:
- Shock Absorber Replacement - £300-£500 (Average cost)
- Coil Spring Replacement - £175-£250 (Average cost)
- Ball Joint Replacement - £150-£400 (Average cost)
- Control Arm Replacement - £100-£400 (Average cost)
- Complete Suspension Overhaul - £800-£1,000+ (Average cost)
Luxury vehicles and trucks usually cost more - Labour rates in the UK average £70-£120 per hour, which adds up quickly if multiple components need replacing.
When to see a mechanic
If you ever notice any signs of the above, at any point, it is best to have your suspension inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a faulty suspension can compromise your safety and cause further damage to your vehicle.
At Swansway Motor Group, we have an array of expertly trained technicians who can help with any servicing on your car. Like any garage, they are here to help!
How often should suspension be inspected?
Unlike other issues that can arise with your car, and things like oil changes and tyre rotations, suspension doesn’t have a set timeline. Instead, most mechanics recommend having it inspected:
- After every 15,000 - 30,000 miles during routine maintenance
- After any accident (even small ones)
- Whenever you notice signs like drifting, uneven tyres, or rough rides
A quick inspection at your local garage usually costs little to nothing, and it can catch problems before they get expensive.
Tips to manage suspension repair costs
- Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary significantly between garages.
- Consider Aftermarket Parts: They can be more affordable than OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts) are components made by the same company that manufactured the original parts in your used car when it was first built.
- Address Issues Properly: Early repairs can prevent more expensive damage later.
- Check For Warranty: Some repairs may be covered under warranty, especially for newer vehicles.
Final thoughts
Due to your suspension system being a crucial part to the smooth running of your car’s safety and comfort, staying alert to these signs and understanding the potential repair costs can help you make informed decisions and keep your vehicle running smoothly - Don’t ignore those bumps, your car (and your wallet) will thank you!