Can struts last 150k miles?
The short answer is yes, struts can potentially last up to 150,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care. However, the actual lifespan of struts can vary depending on several factors, including driving conditions, vehicle usage, and the quality of the struts themselves.
Understanding Struts and Their Lifespan
Struts are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension system, responsible for absorbing the impact of bumps and providing a smooth ride. They are typically made of a combination of metal, rubber, and other materials, and their lifespan can be affected by a variety of factors.
- Driving Conditions: Vehicles that are driven on rough or uneven roads, or that are frequently used for towing or hauling heavy loads, may experience more wear and tear on their struts, leading to a shorter lifespan.
- Vehicle Usage: Vehicles that are driven primarily in urban areas with frequent stops and starts may also experience more wear on their struts compared to vehicles used primarily for highway driving.
- Strut Quality: The quality of the struts themselves can also play a role in their lifespan. Higher-quality struts made with more durable materials may last longer than lower-quality struts.
With proper maintenance and care, including regular inspections and timely replacement of worn struts, it is possible for struts to last up to 150,000 miles or more.
Maintaining Struts for Maximum Lifespan
To help ensure that your vehicle's struts last as long as possible, it's important to follow these maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections: Have your vehicle's suspension system inspected by a qualified mechanic at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice any signs of wear or damage.
- Timely Replacement: If your struts are showing signs of wear, such as leaking fluid or excessive bouncing, it's important to have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle's suspension system.
- Proper Driving Habits: Avoid driving over potholes, speed bumps, or other obstacles that could put additional stress on your vehicle's struts.
By following these maintenance tips and being proactive about strut replacement, you can help ensure that your vehicle's struts last as long as possible, potentially reaching the 150,000-mile mark or beyond.
What is the life expectancy of a strut?
50,000 to 100,000 miles
Shocks and Struts Lifespan
Like most car systems, the lifespan of your vehicle's shocks and struts depends on many variables, including road condition, payload, and how fast you drive over speed bumps and potholes. However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Can struts last 150,000 miles?
As a general guideline: - Shock absorbers/struts: 50,000 to 100,000 miles. - Control arms: 90,000 to 100,000 miles. - Ball joints: 70,000 to 150,000 miles.
What is the average cost to replace struts?
The average cost to replace struts ranges from $400 to $1,000 per axle, with the total cost including parts and labor. For a full set of four, the cost can be between $800 and $1,500. Factors like vehicle type, whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts, and labor rates in your area can cause the price to fluctuate significantly.
Cost breakdown
- Parts: Strut assemblies typically cost $150 to $350 each. You can save money by using aftermarket parts, while OEM parts are generally more expensive.
- Labor: The cost for labor is often between $150 and $300 per axle.
- Additional costs: A wheel alignment after replacement can add another $100 to $150 to the total cost.
You can watch this video to learn more about the cost of replacing a car strut: 56sStudent LessonYouTube · Jun 7, 2024
How to save money
- Choose aftermarket parts: Opting for high-quality aftermarket struts can be significantly cheaper than OEM parts.
- Shop around: Compare prices between independent mechanics and dealerships, as dealerships are often more expensive.
- Consider DIY: If you are mechanically inclined, you can save on labor costs by replacing the struts yourself, though this may require special tools and can be unsafe to attempt without help.
This video explains how to find the cheapest place to get your shocks and struts replaced: 59sAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 30, 2022
Signs you may need new struts
- Excessive bouncing or swaying while driving
- A "floaty" feeling from the vehicle
- The front end dipping excessively when braking
- Visible leaks or damage to the struts
- Increased stopping distance
- Unusual noises from the suspension
This video discusses when you should replace your shocks and struts: 59sRoyalty Auto ServiceYouTube · Jul 18, 2025
Can struts last 200,000 miles on Reddit?
There is no interval. You replace them when they wear out and any reputable mechanic can tell you when that is if you can't assess it yourself. Have gone anywhere from 120k to well over 200k.
