Free repair checklist
DIY Suspension Repair: Shocks, Sway Bars, and Wheel Bearings
Shops quote $500–$1,200 for suspension work that costs $150–$300 in parts. Shocks, struts, sway bar end links, and control arm bushings are all DIY-friendly with basic tools. This free guide breaks down each job so you know exactly what you're getting into.
This checklist is a practical starting point. The DIY Mechanic System gives you a clearer path to diagnose the problem, plan the job, and complete the repair.
What this checklist covers
- How to diagnose a worn shock or strut at home: the bounce test, visual inspection, and the driving symptoms that tell you it's time
- Sway bar end links and bushings are the most overlooked suspension wear item — a $25 part and 30 minutes eliminates that clunking rattle over bumps
- Strut replacement at the shop runs $400–$600 per axle; doing it yourself with a spring compressor kit costs $120 in parts and a Saturday afternoon
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