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Top Mechanics For Shock Absorber Replacement & Repairs

41 Reviews

Garage in Wigan, 17 years of experience

I've worked in the motor trade for around 17 years my services include mot's, tyres, brakes, suspension, diagnostic and servicing

267 Reviews

Garage in Aylesbury , 20 years of experience

We are a small family run business and understand how important it is for you to have a safe vehicle for you to travel to work, school and for personal reasons. We can come to you at home or work at a time ...

1237 Reviews

Garage in Darwen, 14 years of experience

I started my apprenticeship when I left school at the age of 15. I’ve been fully qualified for 11+ years with NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. I’ve been an MOT tester for 10 years. Here at Jamie’s mobile mechanic w...

11 Reviews

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

7 Reviews

Garage in Croydon , 30 years of experience

With 30 years in the industry, we have worked on many makes and models and have delt with all sorts of repairs. We are friendly and always happy to help

15 Reviews

Garage in Woking, 8 years of experience

Mobile mechanic service with 8 years workshop experience. Friendly, polite and knowledgeable in all work carried out. All aspects of work carried out from pre-MOT to clutch and cambelt replacement.

3 Reviews

Garage in London, 17 years of experience

Leonardo auto centre is a local family run garage offering a wide range of vehicle repair services . We provide excellent garage services including MOT testing, car servicing and much more.

12 Reviews

Garage in Carrickfergus , 14 years of experience

Peugeot for 9years Receiving the top award of peugeot master technician Donnelly group 5years 11months This is me looking to build on my aready steady work load and expand my customer base I work...

72 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Chester Le Street, 5 years of experience

I began my career in mechanics as an apprentice at a used car dealership giving me great experience working on a wide range of cars and vans then moved onto a local mot centre , now I have begun my own ventu...

28 Reviews

Garage in Hemel Hampstead , 10 years of experience

Mobile and garage-based mechanic covering the Hemel Hampstead area. Fully qualified with all the relevant diagnostics machines.we provided a pick up and drop off vehicle service whit our tow truck So if ...

10 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Hampshire , 16 years of experience

All aspects of repairs and full/Interim services carried out. Solving all diagnostic problems and causes. Timing belts and chains on certain vehicles. NVQ Level 2. Unable to carry out MOTs

42 Reviews

Garage in Pontefract , 45 years of experience

we carry out general repairs, service, mot repairs, timing belts and chains, diagnostics, tyres, towbars, clutches, and more

172 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Midlothian , 9 years of experience

Hi, I'm Dylan your local mobile mechanic. I have always had a passion for cars from a very young age, hence my career choice. I started out as an apprentice in my local independent garage working on a...

53 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Stirlingshire, 25 years of experience

Started in the industry from a very young age. Gaining a good 10 years experience I then decided to get formal qualifications to consolidate the experience I had gained at the ages of 25. I now have about 30...

7 Reviews

Garage in Truro , 30 years of experience

GMR General Motor Repairs offers a comprehensive range of automotive services as both a mobile mechanic and garage, ensuring convenience and flexibility for their valued customers.

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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