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What is the average life of a strut?

The average life of a strut, a critical component in various mechanical systems, can vary significantly depending on several factors. Struts are designed to provide support, stability, and shock absorption in a wide range of applications, from automotive suspensions to industrial equipment.


Factors Affecting Strut Lifespan


The lifespan of a strut is influenced by a combination of factors, including the quality of the materials used, the load it bears, the environment it operates in, and the maintenance it receives. High-quality struts made with durable materials can typically last for several years, while lower-quality or heavily-used struts may need replacement more frequently.


Automotive Strut Lifespan


In the automotive industry, the average lifespan of a strut can range from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or approximately 5 to 10 years of normal use. However, factors such as driving conditions, vehicle weight, and maintenance can significantly impact the strut's longevity. Drivers who frequently navigate rough roads or carry heavy loads may need to replace their struts more often.


Industrial Strut Lifespan


In industrial applications, the lifespan of a strut can vary widely depending on the specific use case. Struts used in heavy-duty equipment, such as cranes or forklifts, may need to be replaced more frequently due to the high loads they bear. Conversely, struts used in less demanding applications, such as office furniture or shelving systems, can often last for many years with proper maintenance.


Maintaining Strut Lifespan



  • Regularly inspect struts for signs of wear, such as leaks, cracks, or excessive play.

  • Replace struts in pairs to ensure even wear and performance.

  • Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular lubrication and adjustments.

  • Avoid overloading or subjecting struts to extreme conditions that can accelerate wear and tear.


By understanding the factors that influence strut lifespan and following proper maintenance practices, users can maximize the longevity of these critical components and ensure the smooth and reliable operation of their mechanical systems.

How long should a strut last?


50,000 to 100,000 miles
Shocks and Struts Lifespan
However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Refer to your owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.



What are the symptoms of a bad strut?


Read on to learn the signs of worn shocks & struts:

  • Nose dive when braking.
  • Bouncy ride.
  • Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
  • Uneven tire wear.
  • Rear squat during acceleration.
  • Vibration in steering wheel.
  • Unusual noises.
  • Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.



Is it OK to ride with bad struts?


A strut works by absorbing the bounce of your car driving over bumps in the road. Struts on the front-end of your vehicle are also crucial for steering and alignment. Driving with a broken strut will be extremely uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and is unsafe in an emergency.



What is the life expectancy of a strut?


50,000-100,000 miles
So how long do shocks and struts last? On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.



Can struts last 150k miles?


- 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. - Bushings: 50,000 to 150,000 miles.



Should you replace all 4 struts at once?


Finally, replace your struts and shocks in pairs
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.



What is the average cost to replace struts?


between $450 and $1,100
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.



Can struts last 150,000 miles?


- 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. - Bushings: 50,000 to 150,000 miles.



Can struts last 200 000 miles?


Shocks/Struts
Like brakes and tires, the life span of these suspension parts can depend on the quality of the roads where you drive. How often: Shocks and struts can last 80,000 miles or more, but rough roads and aggressive driving can make them wear out faster.



Is it OK to drive with bad struts?


Once the wear starts hampering your vehicle's performance, your service provider will likely recommend replacing the worn part to restore your car's ride and handling. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.