Why Is a Shock Absorber Repair Important?

Shock absorbers are an integral part of any suspension system. They ensure a comfortable and safe drive by cushioning your vehicle's constant bouncing caused by the road surface. This means that there are enormous demands placed upon your shock absorbers and you will certainly feel the effects on your handling and steering if they're worn.

Shock absorbers directly impact your safety, so you must look out for any signs of a faulty part and book a free check with a suspension specialist as soon as you notice a problem.

What Are the Signs That a Car Needs a Shock Absorber Repair or Replacement?

There are plenty of common warning signs that can indicate a suspension problem. These include:

• The pattern of tyre wear looks like cups or is “scalloping". This is when the tread looks wavy, because the tyre isn’t able to stay firmly on the road.
• Your car behaves differently on a familiar road.
• Your stopping distance is up to 20% further than usual.
• You notice your car bouncing more than it normally would while driving over bumps.
• Your car swings up and down like a boat.
• Your car swerves and dips when the brakes are used.
• Squealing tyres when you turn a corner.
• Squeaking suspension.

Shock absorbers wear naturally over time but neglect can also cause them to fail suddenly. To maximise their lifespan, we recommend driving sensibly and booking regular car maintenance.

Why Use BookMyGarage For Your Suspension Check & Repair?

We have helped over 5 million drivers compare and save on their MOT, servicing and repair costs at local garages. In fact, when you compare suspension specialists near you through our online comparison site, you can save up to 70% when you choose one of the lower-cost options!

As one of the UK’s leading MOT and service comparison sites, we’re dedicated to helping drivers save money on their car maintenance. Here are just some of the ways we keep you in control of booking your suspension repair or replacement:

No Upfront Payment. You never enter any payment details when you book your free suspension check. We never charge you any fees to use our site and you always pay the garage directly after the appointment.

Filter Garages Your Way. Whether you want to book the cheapest shock absorber replacement near you or care more about the garage’s reviews, we’ve got you covered. You can filter your search results by price, reviews & ratings, distance, availability and additional services to find the best deal for your needs.

24/7 Online Booking. When you need an appointment, you want to book it as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait around for the garage to open so you can call up and get it sorted - and with BookMyGarage, you don’t have to. We allow you to make your appointment day or night, even when the garage is closed.

Easy 3-Step Booking Process. There’s no upfront registration and no faff. You just provide your vehicle’s details, choose the best deal and provide a suitable date and time for your suspension check. That gives you more time to do the things you care about.

Enter your reg and postcode to compare labour rates from specialists near you and book a FREE visual inspection for your shock absorber repair or replacement in seconds. After the inspection, your chosen garage will provide a no-obligation estimate for the repair work. You always pay this bill to the garage directly and only ever after they've completed all the work.

How to Book Your FREE Suspension Check

1. Enter your vehicle reg and postcode.
2. Compare deals. You can sort garages in your area by whatever best suits your needs: price, distance, reviews and ratings or availability.
3. Pick a date and time for your appointment.

After you book your FREE visual inspection, we send you a confirmation email with a summary of your booking. We also inform the garage and they may also be in touch to confirm the appointment or to ask for extra details.

You can change or cancel your booking for free until the day of your appointment.

FAQs

What Do Shock Absorbers Do?

When a car is moving over rough or uneven surfaces, shock absorbers absorb the energy from the springs. This helps to stop the car from bouncing or vibrating too much. It also ensures that the tyres are always in contact with the road surface.

How Do Shock Absorbers Work?

Shock absorbers act like oil pumps to control the unwanted motions of a moving vehicle. They contain hydraulic fluid which is driven by a piston to slow down the movement of the spring.

Shock absorbers are also 'velocity sensitive'. This means the faster the suspension system moves, the more resistance they provide to absorb all the vibrations caused by the road surface. 

How Long Does a Shock Absorber Repair Take?

On average, a shock absorber replacement takes between 1 1/2 and 4 hours. This depends on the type of suspension system your vehicle uses and how many shock absorbers need changing.

A standalone shock absorber is relatively simple to repair or replace as it is easy to remove. However, a strut shock absorber is more complicated and harder to change.

Once a technician has inspected your vehicle, they can provide a more accurate time estimate.

How Much Does a Shock Absorber Replacement Cost?

The average UK shock absorber replacement costs around £350 - £400, but prices can range from £200 to £600. This depends on your vehicle's make and model.

If your suspension mounts also need replacing, which is quite likely, the repair cost will be a little more expensive.

What Causes Common Suspension Problems?

Your suspension works hard while you're driving along, so it can easily suffer damage. Natural wear and tear is one cause of shock absorber problems, but they can also be damaged by the following:

• Collisions with potholes or curbs
• An accident.
• Broken springs or struts
• Leaking hydraulic fluid

If you have noticed a problem with your car and think your shock absorbers are to blame, book a free suspension check with a local specialist.

Do You Need to Replace Shock Absorbers in Pairs?

Yes, you often need to replace shock absorbers in pairs. Doing so prevents them from wearing unevenly and ensures your car doesn't suffer from a lack of performance.

For this reason, many garages will recommend replacing both shock absorbers even if only one is worn.