Strut Replacement (per strut)
Replace a worn strut assembly (priced per strut). Struts combine a shock absorber and coil spring into one unit and are a structural part of the suspension. Always replace in pairs — a pair runs $800-$1,600.
Strut Replacement (per strut) costs $320–$1,280 AUD in Australia in 2026, parts and labour included. Independent mechanics typically charge 30-40% less than dealers for the same job.
🔧 What Mechanics Don't Tell You
- Labour is the real variable. The same repair can cost 30-50% more at a dealer than an independent, purely on labour rate. Always ask for a written quote with labour hours itemised — if they won't itemise, walk away.
- Aftermarket parts are fine for most jobs. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts carry a 30-60% premium. For non-safety-critical parts (pads, rotors, filters), reputable aftermarket brands (Bosch, Brembo, Sachs) perform identically for a fraction of the price.
- Get 3 quotes — the spread is real. We've seen the same job quoted from $400 to $1,800 across Brisbane shops. The cheapest quote is not always the best, but neither is the most expensive.
- If they won't itemise, walk away. A reputable mechanic will break down the quote into parts cost + labour hours + markup. If they give you a single round number, get a second opinion.
Cost by Brand (AUD)
| Brand | Total | Labour | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG | $320-$640 | $160-$320 | $0-$480 |
| Chery | $328-$656 | $160-$330 | $0-$496 |
| Haval | $332-$664 | $170-$330 | $2-$494 |
| BYD | $340-$680 | $170-$340 | $0-$510 |
| GWM | $340-$680 | $170-$340 | $0-$510 |
| LDV | $352-$704 | $180-$350 | $2-$524 |
| Suzuki | $360-$720 | $180-$360 | $0-$540 |
| Mitsubishi | $368-$736 | $180-$370 | $0-$556 |
| Kia | $372-$744 | $190-$370 | $2-$554 |
| Hyundai | $380-$760 | $190-$380 | $0-$570 |
| Nissan | $392-$784 | $200-$390 | $2-$584 |
| Toyota | $400-$800 | $200-$400 | $0-$600 |
| Honda | $408-$816 | $200-$410 | $0-$616 |
| Mazda | $420-$840 | $210-$420 | $0-$630 |
| Jeep | $448-$896 | $220-$450 | $0-$676 |
| Ford | $460-$920 | $230-$460 | $0-$690 |
| Subaru | $460-$920 | $230-$460 | $0-$690 |
| Skoda | $460-$920 | $230-$460 | $0-$690 |
| Volkswagen | $500-$1000 | $250-$500 | $0-$750 |
| Audi | $600-$1200 | $300-$600 | $0-$900 |
| BMW | $620-$1240 | $310-$620 | $0-$930 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $640-$1280 | $320-$640 | $0-$960 |
Tips
- ✓Replace in pairs (both front or both rear) — a pair costs $800-$1,600
- ✓Wheel alignment is required after strut replacement
- ✓Complete strut assemblies save labour vs rebuilding with a spring compressor
- ✓Bouncy ride, nose-dive under braking or clunking over bumps = worn struts
DIY Estimate
This repair can be done at home in approximately 4 hours. You'll save on labour costs ($160-320 in labour).
You'll still need to buy parts: approximately $0-480 for parts.
Tools You'll Need:
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What Our Data Shows
Strut replacement is essentially shock absorber replacement plus spring transfer — the strut assembly includes the spring, and the old spring must be transferred to the new strut (or a complete strut assembly purchased). This makes strut work more expensive than pure shock work: $680-$1,250 per pair versus $500-$850 for shocks alone. Australian drivers in regional areas (unsealed roads, corrugations) should expect the lower end of the lifespan range. The tell-tale sign of strut failure is different from shock failure: look for oil leaking down the strut body, unusual bouncing over single bumps, or cupped tyre wear (high and low spots around the tyre circumference). After strut replacement, a wheel alignment is mandatory ($70-$120) because the camber and caster angles change when the assembly is disturbed.
— Bo Qi, automotive data engineer. How we calculate.
Check Your Local Repair Cost
For Strut Replacement (per strut) — see local labour rates and get up to 3 quotes from independent mechanics near you. Free, no obligation.