Should I replace both struts or just one?
Mechanics often replace only a single failed suspension strut unless explicitly told otherwise, leaving car owners wondering if they need to pay for a matching replacement on the other side. This practice causes frustration and unexpected costs when drivers realize only half the job was done.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Ordering parts and doing the strut replacement yourself
- 2Accepting a single strut replacement if under 50k miles / under warranty
- 3replacing struts in pairs
- 4depending on shop rate, dealer vs independent, and what kind of struts you replace with
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Had a dealer do the replacement because they gave me a good price (1100) thinking they’d replace both struts. Well I got the car back and they only replaced the one”source ↗
“I’m still kinda pissed though, wish they would’ve said that when they called me to approve the work. I still would’ve done both personally, 1100 for one strut seems crazy lol.”source ↗
“I need a new left rear strut Does that also mean I should replace the right rear strut as well? How much cost with parts and labor for one?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 5Can you replace just the bushings on a sway bar link?
- 4Can't get bottom of strut over lower control arm
- 4Finding a mechanic to rebuild struts instead of quick struts
- 6Finding individual brake parts for an older car
- 2Mechanics won't quote a difficult car part replacement
- 4Control arm won't line up or fit during installation