Strut replacement is one of the most over-charged jobs in UK garages. The part is rarely the expensive bit — it's the labour, the spring compressor time, and the four-wheel alignment afterwards. Here's what you should actually be paying in 2026, and how a pre-assembled kit can roughly halve it.
Average UK garage prices (2026)
- Front strut, single side, supplied & fitted: £180 – £320 per corner
- Front pair (both sides): £320 – £550
- Rear shock pair: £180 – £380
- Top mount + bearing (per side): £45 – £90 on top
- Four-wheel alignment after the job: £60 – £100
- Main dealer (Ford, VW, BMW etc): add 40-60%
Why the wide spread?
Three reasons: brand of damper (KYB / Monroe / Bilstein vs unbranded), whether the top mount and bearing are included, and how much labour the garage charges. Most independents are £45-£75/hr; main dealers £100-£140/hr.
The DIY pre-assembled route
A complete pre-assembled strut (spring + damper + top mount + bearing, torqued and ready) typically costs £90 – £160 per corner. Two bolts at the top, one pinch bolt at the hub — most drivers can swap a pair in 90 minutes with basic hand tools, no compressor.
Total saving
Front pair at a garage: £320 – £550. Same job with a pre-assembled kit on your driveway: £180 – £320 in parts, £0 labour. Realistic saving: £140 – £230 on a front pair.
Tracking can shift slightly after a strut swap, so budget £60-£100 for an alignment afterwards if your steering feels off-centre.