Car suspension and steering repairs
The average suspension repair costs are £126.65. Compare suspension repair quotes online
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What is a suspension system in your car?
Your car’s suspension effectively connects the vehicle’s main body to its wheels, allowing you to drive with control and stability on the roads. The suspension system is made from a network of tyres, springs, shock absorbers, and bars, which work together to keep the wheels in contact with the road as the car moves. The suspension provides safety to the driver and passengers and stops the car’s frame from taking any impact from bumps in the road or uneven surfaces.
How does a car suspension impact steering?
The suspension of a car directly impacts your ability to steer properly, often described as having good handling of the vehicle. The many components in the suspension system form a tight network and give the driver stability when steering. Without suspension, a car will struggle to maintain contact with the road and will bounce up and down a lot. The driver would have little control over steering and guiding the wheels of the car.
Average costs of suspension repairs
The cost of a suspension repair depends on the kind of fault in the system and which component it impacts. Below, we’ll give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for common suspension repairs.
Suspension repairs
The average price of a suspension repair on FixMyCar is £127.40. There are many different components in a car’s suspension system, so you’ll need a professional to diagnose faults and perform the correct repair. If you’re struggling to control and steer your vehicle effectively, book in with a nearby garage for a suspension repair.
Can include- Inspection and diagnosis
- Suspension repair
Shock absorber replacement
The average price of a shock absorber replacement on FixMyCar is £432.76. Shock absorbers help keep your tyres in contact with the ground, guaranteeing safety and efficient braking. If you notice an increased impact going over bumps or often feel vibrations in your car while driving, you might need a shock absorber replacement.
Can include- Diagnosis
- Shock absorber replacement
Coil springs
The average price of a coil spring fitting on FixMyCar is £218.47. Coil springs are needed to support the weight of your car on the road and avoid any damage when going over bumps. You can buy coil springs and have a professional fit them at a local garage.
Can include- Parts sourcing
- Coil spring fitting
- Coil spring replacement
Power steering repairs
The average price of a power steering repair on FixMyCar is £103.19.
Power steering fluid helps with smooth and safe steering. After a while, the fluid can become contaminated or start to leak. A leak will need to be repaired and dirty fluid replaced to keep your car’s power steering working correctly.
Can include- Power steering repair
- Power steering fluid flush
- Power steering fluid change
Axle repairs
The average price of an axle repair on FixMyCar is £195.96. A car’s axle and its joints are essential for distributing power between the front and rear wheels. If parts of the axle are worn, loose, or bent, you’ll soon notice it as your car will start to shudder and vibrate the faster you go.
Can include- Car axle component repair
- Car axle replacement
- CV joint replacement
Steering rack repairs
The average price of a steering rack repair on FixMyCar is £330.79. A steering rack is an integral part of your car’s suspension system that helps convert the rotation movement of the steering wheel into linear movement for the car wheels. If you’re struggling to steer properly, you may need a steering rack repair.
Can include- Inspection and diagnosis
- Steering rack repair
- Steering rack replacement
Wheel alignment
The average price of a wheel alignment on FixMyCar is £43.28.
If you want the full package of wheel alignment, then this is the service for you. Wheel alignment is needed for stability and to ensure the four wheels of your car are tracking straight. If your vehicle veers to the left or right whilst driving or your tyre treads are wearing unevenly, your car may need a wheel alignment.
Can include- Steering and suspension diagnostic
- Computer assessment
- Steering and suspension adjustments
Common problems with suspension systems
There are many components included in the suspension system, all of which can become worn or faulty. To get the right repair, a professional will need to diagnose the exact problem with your suspension. There are a few common issues that could be likely culprits.
Misaligned wheels
Wheels can be knocked out of alignment by holes in the road, resulting in a car that doesn’t drive in a straight line when the wheel is straight. Wheel realignment is crucial to ensure the safety of your vehicle.
Worn shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are an essential part of your suspension system and allow you to go over bumps comfortably without causing damage to your car. Over time, shock absorbers can become worn and need to be replaced to reset your suspension system to full health.
Bent axle components
A car’s axle plays a critical role in the overall suspension system but can be damaged by holes in the road or minor bumps. Getting an axle repair as soon as possible is key to avoiding car vibrations or gear problems and therefore maintaining vehicle safety.
Worn coil springs
Coil springs protect both your car’s frame and tyres, helping them to keep in contact with the road and avoid bouncing while you drive. When the coil springs become worn, they need to be replaced to keep the entire suspension system working effectively.
Warning signs of suspension and steering problems
Because your car’s steering system is connected to its suspension system, a fault with one might easily affect the other.
Although it can be challenging to diagnose the exact cause of suspension and steering problems without professional help, it’s very easy to notice the warning signs of a fault. Your steering is essential for the safety of your vehicle, so if you notice any of the following symptoms, book in for a steering or suspension repair as soon as possible.
Pulling to one side
If your vehicle tends to pull to one sign when you drive, and you often find yourself needing to correct it whilst steering, it’s a clear sign there’s something wrong with the system. Pulling to the right or left is the most obvious sign of a suspension fault.
Feeling the impact of every bump
If you can feel the impact of every single bump you go over while driving, it means your suspension system is worn. It’s essential to get the right repairs to avoid causing further damage to your car body.
A low corner
If one corner of your car is sitting lower than the others, you will notice it simply by looking at it when the vehicle is stationary. A lower corner is a clear sign of a suspension fault and is an indication you need a trip to the garage.
Car diving
Car diving describes the front part of your vehicle sitting low and often hitting the ground when you go over bumps or when you brake. It’s a clear sign there’s an issue with your suspension and the connection between the front and rear wheels, which must be looked at urgently.
How often should car suspensions be replaced?
There are many parts to a suspension system that may become worn over time and need to be replaced. For example, shock absorbers need to be replaced on average every 50,000 miles.
However, if you have a car accident that causes damage, or you notice any problems with your suspension system like difficulty steering, impact on every bump, or car vibrations, you may need new suspension components sooner.
Learn more about suspension
How much does a car suspension repair cost?
The exact cost of a suspension repair depends on the type of component that needs attention. The table below helps to give you an idea of the average costs of different suspension repairs.
| Car repair | Average price | Get quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension repairs | from £128.58 | Get quotes |
| Shock absorber repair | from £350.18 | Get quotes |
| Coil springs | from £230.16 | Get quotes |
| Power steering repairs and fluid change | from £97.11 | Get quotes |
| Axle repairs | from £188.58 | Get quotes |
| Steering rack repairs | from £352.84 | Get quotes |
| Wheel alignment | from £38.83 | Get quotes |
Frequently asked questions
A crunching noise when steering is usually due to an issue with the CV joints in the suspension system. CV joints stand for constant velocity joints and are a part of your car’s axle, which helps distribute the car’s weight and power. CV joints transmit drive at various angles from the engine to the wheels via the gearbox.
Power steering uses pumps and fluid to help you steer with little effort when turning the wheel from left to right. All modern cars are now fitted with power steering to make steering much easier.
A shaking steering wheel is usually caused by one of the many components in your suspension system. It needs to be looked at by a professional to figure out exactly where the fault is.
Driving with a faulty suspension system is dangerous for the driver and passengers and can cause more extensive damage to your car. If you think there’s a problem with your suspension, it must be looked at as soon as possible.
The easiest way to check the suspension on a used car is to drive it and look out for any issues with steering, unwanted vibrations, or bouncing. However, another easy test of car suspension involves pushing down on the car’s bonnet and seeing how hard it bounces back up.
Your car warranty usually covers suspension repairs, but it’s essential to check the details of your paperwork to make sure.
If modifications to your car’s suspension system increase the overall value of the vehicle, then insurance costs might be higher because the components will be more expensive to repair or replace if damaged.
If your car has been damaged because of a hole in the road, you may be able to claim on your insurance. It might also be necessary to write to the council with the details of the hole and the damage it caused to claim back any money you need to pay for repairs.
Air suspension is often found in luxury cars and involves compressing air into flexible pumps for a more efficient suspension system. Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Porsche, LandRover, and Audi are examples of manufacturers that make cars with air suspensions.
The average price of a suspension replacement or repair on FixMyCar is £128.58.
The average price of a steering rack replacement on FixMyCar is £352.84.
