Coil spring replacement typically costs between $300 and $1,200 per spring, depending on your vehicle, the shop, and whether you replace one or both springs at once

A coil spring is the metal coil under your car that absorbs bumps and keeps the suspension stable. When one fails — usually after 80,000 to 100,000 miles — you'll notice the car sitting lower on one side, bouncing more than usual, or making clunking sounds over small bumps. Replacing it is not optional; a broken spring affects how your car handles and can damage other suspension parts.

The price you pay depends on four main things: what vehicle you drive, whether the spring is on the front or rear, whether you replace one or both, and which shop does the work. A Honda Civic spring costs far less to replace than a BMW or truck spring. Front springs almost always cost more than rear springs because the front suspension is more complex to disassemble. Most shops recommend replacing both springs on the same axle at the same time, even if only one is broken, because the second one is usually close behind.

Key Takeaways

  • Coil spring replacement ranges from $300 to $1,200 per spring depending on vehicle make, model, and whether it's a front or rear spring.
  • Most shops recommend replacing both springs on the same axle together, which roughly doubles the parts cost but saves labor time.
  • Front springs cost more to replace than rear springs because the suspension is more complex and requires more disassembly.
  • Independent shops typically charge $100 to $300 less in labor than dealerships for the same job.
  • The spring itself is usually $100 to $400 of the total bill; labor and related parts like struts or bushings make up the rest.

How the total bill breaks down

When you get a quote for coil spring replacement, you're paying for three things: the spring itself, labor, and any related parts that need replacement while the suspension is apart.

The spring part alone typically costs $100 to $400, depending on whether it's an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spring from your car's maker or an aftermarket spring from a supplier like Moog or Eibach. OEM springs usually cost more but match your car's original specifications exactly. Aftermarket springs are cheaper and often perform just as well, though some are stiffer or softer than the original.

Labor is usually $150 to $400 per spring at an independent shop, or $200 to $500 at a dealership. The job takes one to three hours depending on how corroded the bolts are and whether the suspension is already apart for other work. If you're replacing both springs on one axle, the shop doesn't double the labor time — they might charge $250 to $500 total instead of $300 to $800, because they're already in the suspension.

Related parts often add $100 to $300 to the bill. When a spring breaks, the metal dust and wear it creates can damage the strut (the shock absorber attached to the spring) or the rubber bushings that hold the suspension together. Many shops will recommend replacing these at the same time, and they're often right — replacing a spring without replacing a worn strut means you'll be back in a few months for the strut anyway.

Front springs versus rear springs

Front coil springs almost always cost more to replace than rear springs on the same vehicle. A front spring replacement on a sedan might run $400 to $800 total, while a rear spring on the same car might be $300 to $600.

The reason is access and complexity. The front suspension is attached to the steering knuckle, brake lines, and sway bar — all of which have to be carefully disconnected and held out of the way while you remove the spring. The rear suspension is usually simpler: the spring sits between the axle and the frame with fewer connections. On some vehicles, a rear spring can be replaced in 45 minutes; a front spring might take two hours.

Trucks and SUVs flip this sometimes. Some truck designs have rear springs that are more complex because they're load-bearing and connected to multiple suspension links. Always ask your shop for a separate quote on front versus rear so you know what you're paying for.

Why replacing both springs at once usually makes sense

If only one spring is broken, you might think you should replace just that one. Most shops will recommend replacing both springs on the same axle, and the math usually supports them.

A spring that has failed has usually been weakening for thousands of miles. The other spring on the same axle has been doing extra work to compensate, which means it's worn out too — just not broken yet. If you replace only the broken one, the car will sit unevenly for a few months until the second spring fails, and then you'll pay labor costs all over again.

The parts cost roughly doubles if you replace both, but the labor cost does not. If one spring is $150 in parts and $200 in labor, two springs might be $300 in parts and $250 in labor, for a total of $550 instead of $350. You're spending $200 more now to avoid $200 in labor costs later, and you avoid the inconvenience of a second breakdown.

Independent shops versus dealerships

An independent repair shop will typically charge $100 to $300 less in labor than a dealership for coil spring replacement, though the parts cost is usually the same.

Dealerships charge more because they have higher overhead, use only OEM parts, and their technicians are factory-trained on your specific vehicle. That matters for some jobs, but coil spring replacement is straightforward enough that any competent independent shop can do it correctly. The real difference is whether the shop has the right spring for your car and whether they stand behind their work.

Before you choose a shop, ask three things: Do they use OEM or aftermarket springs, and what's the difference in price? Do they recommend replacing both springs, and why? What's their warranty on the spring and labor — most offer one year or 12,000 miles on both. An independent shop that can answer these clearly is usually a better choice than a dealership that won't explain the difference.

What affects the price for your specific vehicle

The make, model, and year of your car is the biggest price driver. A spring for a 2015 Honda Civic might cost $120 and take 90 minutes to replace. A spring for a 2020 BMW 3 Series might cost $280 and take two hours because the suspension is more complex. A truck spring can cost $200 to $400 because trucks carry more weight and use heavier springs.

Luxury vehicles and newer models almost always cost more because the springs are engineered to tighter tolerances and the suspension is more integrated with electronic systems. A 2010 Toyota Camry spring replacement might run $500 to $700 total. A 2020 Audi A4 might run $900 to $1,400 for the same job.

The age and condition of your car also matters. If your car is 15 years old and has never had suspension work, the bolts holding the spring might be corroded and take an extra hour to remove. That adds $100 to $200 to your bill. If you've had recent suspension work, the bolts come out easily and you save that time.

Signs your coil springs need replacement

A broken or failing coil spring usually shows itself in one of three ways. The car sits noticeably lower on one corner — you can see the difference when you look at it from the side. The car bounces excessively after you hit a bump, taking several bounces to settle instead of one or two. Or you hear a clunking or creaking sound from the suspension when you drive over rough roads or turn sharply.

If you notice any of these, have a shop inspect the suspension before the spring completely fails. A broken spring can damage the strut, brake line, or other suspension parts if you keep driving on it. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on a broken coil spring?

You can drive short distances carefully, but you shouldn't. A broken spring throws the suspension out of alignment, which wears your tires unevenly and can damage the strut, brake lines, and steering components. Have it replaced within a few days.

Is it cheaper to replace just one spring?

It's cheaper upfront by $100 to $200, but the other spring on the same axle will usually fail within a few months. You'll then pay labor costs again. Replacing both at once costs more now but saves money and hassle overall.

Do I need new struts when I replace coil springs?

Not always, but often. If your struts are worn, the shop will recommend replacing them while the suspension is apart. Ask them to show you why — a worn strut will have oil leaking from the rod or won't compress smoothly when pushed by hand. If they're not worn, you can skip them.

How long does coil spring replacement take?

One to three hours per spring depending on the vehicle and how corroded the bolts are. If you're replacing both springs on one axle, expect two to four hours total. The shop should give you a time estimate when they quote the job.

Will my car be lower after I replace the springs?

No. A new spring will restore your car to its original ride height. If the shop installs the spring and your car is still sitting low, the spring is the wrong part for your vehicle — ask them to check the part number.