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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 cost of a suspension repair 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 cost of a shock absorber replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 cost of coil spring fitting booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 cost of a power steering repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 cost of an axle component repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 cost of a steering rack repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 cost of a wheel alignment booked on WhoCanFixMyCar 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 repairAverage priceGet quotes
Suspension repairsfrom £128.58Get quotes
Shock absorber repairfrom £350.18Get quotes
Coil springsfrom £230.16Get quotes
Power steering repairs and fluid changefrom £97.11Get quotes
Axle repairsfrom £188.58Get quotes
Steering rack repairsfrom £352.84Get quotes
Wheel alignmentfrom £38.83Get quotes

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