Jerry can also help compare local shop estimates so you pay a fair, out-the-door price—not the parts number alone.
Real customers Jerry helped
While factors like location, parts used, and exact vehicle affect price points, Jerry uses real customer experiences to remove the guesswork. Here are some examples of what customers are paying right now:
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: why the price varies
Every suspension is a little different, which is why quotes swing. Here are the main factors that Jerry customers are seeing move the needle and how much they can change the total.
Vehicle and suspension type.
Economy sedans with simple rear shocks sit at the low end—from $250 to $500 per pair installed. Crossovers and trucks with heavier-duty shocks add $100 to $300 per pair. Electronic adaptive shocks (Magnetic Ride, ADS) or air suspension add $600 to $1,500 per pair in parts alone.
Front vs. rear shock absorbers.
Rear shocks are usually simpler and cheaper, so front and rear shock costs can differ by 0.5 to 1.5 hours of labor per side. If struts are involved, costs jump into a different category.
Brand and quality level.
Aftermarket OE-equivalent shocks are typically $60 to $150 each. Premium monotubes or towing/performance options can be 1.5 to 3 times that.
Regional labor rates.
Shop rates vary widely—from $90 to $180 per hour in most markets.
Condition and corrosion.
Seized bolts or rust-belt vehicles can add 0.5 to 2.0 labor hours. Some shops also replace hardware, bump stops, and dust boots—usually $20 to $60 in parts.
What is a shock absorber?
Shock absorbers (often just called “shocks”) help control how your car’s suspension moves after you hit a bump. They keep your tires planted on the road, reduce bouncing, and help your vehicle feel stable when braking, turning, or driving over rough pavement.
Worn shocks can cause extra bouncing, nose-diving when you brake, longer stopping distances, and uneven tire wear. A shop will inspect for leaks and weak damping, then replace shocks (often in pairs on the same axle) and recheck ride height and handling.
Symptoms of failing shock absorber
Know the signs of a failing shock absorber. Based on helping real drivers diagnose their cars, here’s what Jerry has learned you should watch for:
- Bouncy ride: The car keeps bouncing after bumps instead of settling quickly.
- Nose-dive or squat: The front dips hard when braking, or the rear squats a lot when accelerating.
- Sway and body roll: The car leans more than usual in turns or feels “floaty” on curves.
- Longer stopping distance: It takes more room to stop because the tires don’t stay planted as well.
- Uneven tire wear: Tires show “cupping” or scalloped wear patterns.
- Leaking shocks/struts: You see oily fluid on the shock/strut body near the wheel.
Your action plan: how to save money
This is where having a guide in your corner helps. Do three things to keep cash in your pocket without compromising safety.
Confirm what you actually need.
Ask the shop to show the leak or play in the mount. If a quote mentions struts, expect higher pricing and an alignment. The Jerry app’s diagnostic tool can help you make sense of your symptoms and be more informed.
Choose the right part tier—not the cheapest.
For daily driving, OE-equivalent shocks from reputable brands are the sweet spot. The right middle-tier choice often saves $100 to $300 per pair vs. OEM while preserving ride quality.
Bundle wisely.
Replace in pairs on the same axle to avoid a second alignment or labor bill later. If you need tires soon, schedule shocks first and follow with tires and alignment—one trip, one alignment. You can consult with the shop for other bundling possibilities based on region and vehicle. The Jerry app can give real quotes from nearby shops for multiple services at once.
Finally, use Jerry to compare quotes from multiple shops to save on costs without sacrificing quality.
DIY vs. pro: Can you do this yourself?
For some vehicles, DIY shock replacement on basic rear shocks is a straightforward driveway job. For others, the job is more involved. Jerry offers pricing insight into parts and labor for a clearer decision as well. Use this quick gut-check before diving in.
Related repairs
Shock and strut jobs frequently intersect with other wear items. Here’s what Jerry customers are typically adding on.
- Strut replacement. If your “front shocks” are actually struts, that is a different job entirely. Expect from $450 to $1,000 or more per pair with an alignment.
- Shock/strut mounts and boots. Rubber mounts and dust boots crack with age. Adding them while the assembly is out prevents noise later. Expect $30 to $150 per side in parts.
- Sway bar links and bushings. Worn links cause clunks over bumps. When they sit next to the shock, it is efficient to swap them. Parts are typically $20 to $80 each; labor is minimal if done during shock service.
- Control arms and ball joints. Excess play affects alignment and tire wear. Prices vary, but many fall in the $200 to $600 per side installed range.
- Coil springs. If a spring is broken or sagging, replace in pairs. Add $150 to $400 per pair in parts on many vehicles, more on trucks and SUVs.
Wheel alignment. After any work that changes ride height or front-end geometry, expect $90 to $180.
What our customers are asking
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Do I have to replace shocks in pairs?
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How long do shocks last?
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Do I need an alignment after replacing shocks?
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Can I drive with a leaking shock?
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Are shocks and struts the same thing?
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Is “rebuilding” a cheaper option?
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What else should I replace while I am there?
Steve Kaleff began working on cars at the very young age of nine years old, when his dad actually let him make fixes on the family car. Fast forward to the beginning of a professional career working at independent repair shops and then transitioning to new car dealerships. His experience was with Mercedes-Benz, where Steve was a technician for ten years, four of those years solving problems that no one could or wanted to fix. He moved up to shop foreman and then service manager for 15 years. There have been tremendous changes in automotive technology since Steve started his professional career, so here’s looking forward to an electric future!
Nick Wilson is an editor, writer, and instructor across various subjects. His past experience includes writing and editorial projects in technical, popular, and academic settings, and he has taught humanities courses to countless students in the college classroom. In his free time, he pursues academic research, works on his own writing projects, and enjoys the ordered chaos of life with his wife and kids.
