Can I replace the car shock absorbers myself? [Frequent questions!] (2023)

The good news is that some repairs are easy to do at home. How to replace shock absorbers and shock absorbers. It's not a job you should attempt if you're not familiar with working with vehicles, but with a little training and experience, you'll be ready to get the job done.

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How much does it cost to replace the shock absorbers on a BMW 328i?

The average cost of a BMW 328i suspension strut or shock replacement is between $1,819 and $1,935. Labor costs are estimated to be between $433 and $546, while parts are priced between $1,386 and $1,390.

When should BMW shock absorbers be replaced?

Shock absorbers and struts usually wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you are a more aggressive driver and/or drive frequently on rough roads, they will wear out more quickly. The shocks and supports don't fire all at once; they slowly deteriorate over time.

How long do BMW shock absorbers last?

This means that your shocks or shock absorbers will last longer if you drive fewer miles, drive on smooth roads, don't drive like a Speed ​​Racer, and don't carry a lot of weight in your vehicle. On average, if your car has been "broken", you can expect your shock absorbers/struts to last around 10 years.

How much do BMW shock absorbers cost?

The most popular BMW shock absorbers BMW shock absorbers typically cost between $58.99 and $1,704.99. This kit contains rear shock absorbers, shock mount parts and bumpers to completely upgrade your BMW.

How do I know if my downloads are bad?

  1. Instability at highway speeds.
  2. The vehicle “steers” to one side when cornering.
  3. The front end dips more than expected during hard braking.
  4. Back squat during acceleration.
  5. Tires bouncing excessively.
  6. Unusual tire wear.
  7. Fluid leak on the outside of the shock absorbers or struts.

Do you need an alignment after replacing brackets?

Monroe ® recommends performing an alignment whenever struts or other steering and suspension components are replaced. Failure to ensure vehicle alignment is within factory specifications can lead to issues such as premature tire wear and other customer responses.

What happens if you don't replace worn shock absorbers?

Reduced Braking Efficiency – Worn shock absorbers and shock absorbers can have an adverse effect on braking performance. Your vehicle's stopping distance may increase, which can be critical in an emergency braking situation. You are also at greater risk of skidding on wet roads.

How long do factory shocks last?

Mileage: Decades ago, the "rule of thumb" was to replace your shocks every 50,000 miles. However, as vehicle technology and parts quality have greatly improved, factory shocks can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Why does my BMW move so much?

In summary, the top four reasons your car wobbles or wobbles are misaligned wheels, excessive or uneven tire wear, damaged struts and shock absorbers, or a loose steering knuckle. If you suspect you need suspension repairs, we invite you to bring your car into our workshop today!

Will the new shocks make the ride smoother?

These parts wear out over time, just like any other part on your car that wears out like tires. If it's been a while since you've changed your struts or shocks or if you can't remember the last time you bought new ones, a new set can greatly improve your ride quality compared to the old, worn out ones.

Is it expensive to change shock absorbers?

Shock Replacement Cost The average total cost to replace a pair of shocks ranges from $250 to $580. $280. ​​A few hours of work to get the job done costs an extra $150 to $300.

What brand of shock absorbers does BMW use?

Bilstein shock absorbers are the number one choice for BMW owners. Bilstein high-performance BMW shock absorbers and shock absorbers are a direct reflection of motorsport and German technology. A Bilstein BMW shock offers superior handling for the street and track.

How much does it cost to replace the 4 brackets?

It typically costs between $150 and $450 per bracket, depending on the make and model. Typically, both brackets need to be replaced at the same time. Your cost to replace a pair of brackets will be between $300 and $900.

Does the BMW have shock absorbers or suspension struts?

BMW models have rear shock mounts, shock stops, dust boots/shock sleeves and support nuts/bolts that make up the rear suspension.

How do worn shock absorbers feel?

Worn shock absorbers and struts cannot effectively absorb road shocks and smooth out the bump. Vehicle wobbles or wobbles when cornering - Feeling the vehicle wobble or wobble when cornering is not only annoying but disturbing because you can feel like you are not in control of the car.

Can I drive with bad bumps?

Yes, it is dangerous to drive with bad shock absorbers or struts. Fortunately, there are many signs that your car's shock absorbers and struts are not working properly, such as: Your car feels unstable, even if you're driving on a flat surface. Your car leans to one side when cornering.

How do you sound like bad beats?

#1 – Knocking Noise The points at each end of the shock contain rubber bushings. All it takes is for a crack to form in the rubber bushing and it will result in a knocking or knocking sound that you can hear every time you hit a pothole while driving.

How do you know when your car needs new shock absorbers?

One way to test the condition of your car's shock absorbers and struts is to push hard on each corner of the vehicle. If the vehicle continues to rock after you let it go, the shock absorbers need to be replaced.

What is a shock vs strut?

However, shocks and struts are two different parts with different functions. While both can help with your vehicle's steering and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shock absorbers are individual components of the suspension system, while struts are an important structural component of the chassis and suspension system.

Is it difficult to replace the shock absorbers?

Shocks are pretty straightforward - you usually just need to disconnect the top and bottom bracket to be able to remove them. However, on some cars it may be necessary to remove some panels to access the shock absorbers.

Can Struts Ruin Your Tires?

Bad bumps or supports will cause uneven wear. For example, you might have a flat tire on the left side and wear the center of the tire elsewhere. Bad shocks or mounts can even ruin new tires and cause them to need to be replaced prematurely.

At what mileage should the shock absorbers be replaced?

Cars need regular shock or strut replacement every 50,000 miles or so, depending on the make and model of your car. Have your mechanic do a routine check of the shocks or struts every 50,000 miles, or whenever your owner's manual recommends it.

Do shock absorbers affect tire wear?

Absolutely: Shock absorbers and struts provide damping force to control tire movement. When tires move excessively, they develop a “cup-shaped” wear pattern that damages the tire. Other factors, such as incorrect air pressure, worn suspension components, or misaligned steering, also cause uneven tire wear.

How are collisions handled?

Go to a corner of the car and push it down. When released, the car should bounce and return to resting height. If the car bounces more than twice, it probably needs new shock absorbers.

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