Signs to investigate
- Excessive bouncing after bumps
- Fluid leaking from a shock or strut
- Nose-diving under braking
- Uneven or cupped tyre wear
Repair cost guidesAUSTRALIAN REPAIR COST GUIDE
Shock Absorber Replacement Cost in Australia
This guide covers a typical pair of separate shock absorbers. Complete strut assemblies are a different calculator item and can require more labour, spring-handling equipment and a wheel alignment.
Calculate for my car → Free to use. No account needed.Published by David Burridge, ShiftyMechanics founder and editor. Model data dated . Guide content updated . How estimates work.
Model-based vehicle example
Shock Absorber Replacement
2016 Mitsubishi Pajero · Australia
$707–$1,241Parts$414–$768
Approx. labour2.16–2.85 hours
Model-based guide awaiting source-by-source review. It is not a verified vehicle-specific quote; confirm parts, job scope and local workshop pricing. Replace a typical pair of shock absorbers Confirm the repair scope and exact vehicle specification.What changes the price?
- Front or rear axle
- Shock location and access
- Standard, heavy-duty or electronic suspension
- Related mounts, bushes and protective boots
Questions to ask the workshop
- Is the price for a pair of separate shocks on one axle?
- Does this vehicle use separate shocks or complete struts?
- Are mounts, bump stops or bushes included?
- What brand and warranty are being supplied?
Understand the repair scope
The suspension is inspected to distinguish worn dampers from tyre, spring, bush or ball-joint problems that can produce similar handling symptoms.
The mounting bolts and any required trim or guards are removed, the old separate shocks are taken out, and the replacement units and supplied bushes or hardware are fitted.
Both sides of the axle are normally renewed together, followed by fastener checks and a controlled road test. If the vehicle uses complete struts, select the separate strut estimate instead.
Checks that should support the diagnosis
A symptom alone does not prove a part has failed. Before authorising work, ask what inspection or test led to the recommendation.
- Inspect for oil leakage, damaged shafts and worn bushes
- Compare bounce control and ride height side to side
- Check tyres, springs, mounts and suspension joints for other faults
- Road-test for float, knocking and poor body control
What a comparable quote normally includes
Compare like with like. A lower quote may simply cover less of the job.
- A pair of separate shock absorbers for one axle
- Removal and refitting labour
- Inspection of accessible mounts and bushes
- Post-repair road test
Possible extra work
These items are not automatically required, but they can change the bill when inspection shows they are needed.
- Mounting bushes, bump stops or dust boots
- Broken or sagging coil springs
- Complete strut assemblies where the vehicle does not use separate shocks
- Electronic or adaptive suspension calibration
Understand the quote before agreeing
How much does shock absorber replacement cost in Australia?
For the 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero example shown, ShiftyMechanics estimates $707–$1,241. Exact parts and the workshop's actual labour rate can change the result.
Does the estimate include parts and labour?
Yes. Most jobs show modelled parts, labour and rates separately. Published supplied-and-fitted examples include installation in the advertised price. They do not provide a separate parts/labour breakdown; confirm tax, fees and fitment with the supplier.
What should a shock absorbers quote explain?
A useful written quote should identify the repair scope, the main parts being supplied, the expected labour and any likely additional work. For this job, common inclusions are a pair of separate shock absorbers for one axle, removal and refitting labour, inspection of accessible mounts and bushes.
Have a quote in front of you?
Choose your car and repair to review available price references, their scope and any remaining model assumptions.
Check the estimate