How Long Does It Take to Replace Shock Absorbers?

[DelSimon]

On average, shock absorbers need to be replaced when a car has traveled 20,000 kilometers per year, and they should be replaced in pairs, resulting in a replacement frequency of once every four years. In reality, the replacement frequency may vary depending on different vehicle conditions, road conditions, and shock absorber manufacturers. Shock absorbers serve two main functions for a car: 1. Dampening vibrations transmitted to the vehicle body due to uneven road surfaces or poor driving conditions, maintaining smoothness and ride comfort. 2. Quickly eliminating vibrations in the axles and wheels caused by the road surface, ensuring that the wheels maintain grip at all times, thereby guaranteeing the vehicle's steering and braking functions and improving driving safety.

[NevaehLee]

I just had my car's shock absorbers replaced, and the whole process took about an hour and a half. It was done at a roadside repair shop, and the mechanic was quite skilled—no waiting in line, just removing the old parts and installing the new ones. The car is an ordinary family sedan, and only the two front wheels were replaced; the rear wheels were still in good condition and left untouched. If both front and rear had been replaced, it probably would have taken over two hours. After the replacement, driving feels noticeably smoother—before, going over speed bumps felt like bouncing on a trampoline, but now it's much more comfortable. I recommend paying attention to any unusual bouncing in your car and getting it checked out if something feels off. Don’t wait until it breaks completely, as the repair costs will be much higher then.

[KimberlyLynn]

Based on my experience frequently helping people with car repairs, the time required to replace shock absorbers depends on the vehicle model and complexity. For ordinary compact cars, it typically takes about 1 to 2 hours if everything goes smoothly—steps like removing the wheels, taking off the old shock absorbers, and installing the new parts. However, if your car is a high-end model or has special designs, such as air suspension, the process might extend to 2.5 hours or longer. Labor costs are additional, so it's advisable to book an appointment in advance to avoid extended waiting times during peak hours. Choosing a reputable shock absorber brand is also crucial, as cheap ones tend to fail quickly, leading to another repair.

[Kevin]

Last time I asked the mechanic how long it takes to replace shock absorbers, he said usually a little over an hour, depending on the speed of the operation. Curious, I gave it a try. After the car was brought into the shop, it had to be lifted and the wheels removed to access the internal components. After installing the new shock absorbers, the driving experience was noticeably different—less bouncing on rough roads, making it feel much safer. The whole process took between 1 to 1.5 hours. Don't think delaying repairs saves money; driving with faulty parts is dangerous.