What Pedders suspension does and why people choose it

Pedders is an Australian suspension manufacturer and retailer that sells complete suspension kits, individual components, and installation services through a network of franchised shops. They make lowering springs, coilovers, shock absorbers, and sway bars designed to lower a vehicle's ride height, improve handling, or replace worn factory parts. Pedders kits range from bolt-on springs that drop a car an inch or two, to full coilover systems that let you adjust height and stiffness.

People choose Pedders for three main reasons: the kits are engineered specifically for Australian vehicles and road conditions, the shops can install what they sell (so you don't coordinate parts and labour separately), and the brand has been operating since 1977, so there's a track record. Pedders is not the only suspension option — you can buy springs from other makers, have a local mechanic install them, or go to independent suspension shops — but Pedders bundles design, parts, and installation under one roof.

Key Takeaways

  • Pedders sells suspension kits (springs, shocks, coilovers) and installs them at franchised locations across Australia, so you can get both parts and labour from the same business.
  • Kits are priced differently depending on whether you want a straightforward lowering spring set or a full adjustable coilover system, and prices vary by vehicle model.
  • Installation at a Pedders shop typically takes one to three days and includes wheel alignment, which is necessary after any suspension change.
  • Pedders offers a warranty on parts (usually two years) but not on labour, so you pay for any future adjustments or repairs out of pocket unless they stem from a defect.
  • You can buy Pedders parts elsewhere and have another mechanic install them, but you lose the integrated service and may void some warranty coverage.

How Pedders kits are structured and what each type does

Pedders sells three main categories of suspension kits. Lowering spring kits replace your factory springs with stiffer, shorter ones; they drop the car typically 30 to 50 millimetres and cost less than other options because they reuse your existing shocks. Coilover kits replace both springs and shocks with a single unit that combines a spring and damper; they let you adjust ride height and stiffness independently, cost more, and are popular with people who want to fine-tune handling or lower the car significantly. Shock and spring packages sit between the two — new springs paired with upgraded shocks that are matched to the spring rate but not fully adjustable.

Each kit is designed for a specific vehicle model and year. A Pedders kit for a 2015 Ford Falcon is different from one for a 2015 Toyota Corolla because the suspension geometry, spring rates, and mounting points differ. When you contact a Pedders shop, you provide your vehicle details (make, model, year, engine size if relevant), and they tell you which kits fit and what each one costs. Prices are not published online; you get a quote from the shop.

Pedders also sells individual components — a single shock, a pair of springs, or a sway bar — so you can replace only the worn part rather than the whole system. This is cheaper but means you're mixing old and new parts, which can affect how the suspension feels and handles.

What installation includes and how long it takes

When you book a Pedders installation, the shop removes your old suspension parts, fits the new ones, and performs a wheel alignment — adjusting the angle of your wheels so they sit parallel to the road and perpendicular to it. Alignment is essential after any suspension change because lowering or stiffening the car shifts the geometry, and misaligned wheels wear tyres faster and make the car pull to one side.

Installation time depends on the kit. A lowering spring kit on a common car (Falcon, Commodore, Corolla) usually takes one to two days. A full coilover system can take two to three days because there's more work to disconnect and reconnect components, and alignment takes longer on some vehicles. Pedders shops can usually tell you a timeframe when you book, and some offer loan cars or can fit you in around your schedule.

The installation price is separate from the kit price. A Pedders shop quotes you both — parts and labour — together. Labour costs vary by location and vehicle complexity; a straightforward spring kit might cost $300 to $600 in labour, while a coilover installation might be $800 to $1,200. These are rough ranges; your local shop will quote you exactly.

Warranty coverage and what it does and doesn't include

Pedders parts typically come with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If a spring breaks or a shock leaks within two years, Pedders will replace it. The warranty covers the part itself, not the cost of removing and refitting it. If you need a replacement shock under warranty, you pay labour to have it installed.

Labour and installation are not covered by warranty. If something goes wrong during fitting — a bolt is stripped, a component is damaged during removal — you pay to fix it. Pedders does not warrant that the suspension will perform a certain way or last a certain number of kilometres; they warrant that the parts are free from defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty is transferable if you sell the car, but only if you have proof of purchase and installation. Keep your receipt and any paperwork from the shop. If you buy Pedders parts from a retailer other than a Pedders shop and have them installed elsewhere, warranty terms may differ or be voided; check with the retailer before you buy.

Cost comparison: Pedders versus other suspension options

A complete lowering spring kit from Pedders, installed, typically costs between $800 and $1,600 depending on the vehicle and your location. A coilover kit usually runs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. These prices include parts and labour but not alignment, which is usually bundled in.

You can buy suspension parts from other manufacturers — KW, Bilstein, Eibach, Gaz — and have an independent mechanic or suspension shop install them. This route is often cheaper for parts but requires you to find a mechanic you trust and coordinate the work yourself. You also lose the benefit of buying from a company that designed the kit for your specific car; a generic spring might not sit right or feel balanced.

Factory replacement parts (OEM shocks and springs from the car maker) are usually cheaper than aftermarket kits but don't change the car's handling or appearance. If your suspension is worn out and you want to keep the car standard, OEM parts are the straightforward choice. If you want to lower it or improve handling, Pedders or another aftermarket brand is necessary.

How to get a quote and what information you'll need

Find your nearest Pedders shop on their website or by searching "Pedders suspension near me". Call or visit in person with your vehicle details: make, model, year, and engine size (you'll find this on your registration papers or under the bonnet). Tell them what you want — lower the car, improve handling, replace worn shocks — and they'll tell you which kits fit and quote you on parts and labour.

Pedders shops are franchised, so each one is independently owned. Prices and availability vary between locations. If your local shop doesn't have a kit in stock, they can order it, which usually adds a week or two to the timeline. Some shops offer discounts if you book during quieter periods or if you're a repeat customer; it's worth asking.

You don't need to book online; most Pedders shops prefer a phone call or visit so they can answer questions and give you an accurate quote. Bring your keys if you want them to inspect the car in person, though a phone quote is usually enough to start.

What happens after installation and how to maintain the suspension

After your Pedders kit is installed and aligned, the suspension will feel noticeably different — stiffer, lower, and often more responsive through corners. This is normal. The first few hundred kilometres may feel a bit firm as the new springs and shocks settle; this usually smooths out.

Check your tyre pressure and alignment a few weeks after installation. Even though the shop aligned the wheels before you left, settling and normal driving can shift things slightly. If the car pulls to one side or tyres wear unevenly, return to the shop for a re-check; many shops offer a free or low-cost alignment check within a month of installation.

Maintain your suspension by having shocks and springs inspected every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometres, or if you notice the car bouncing excessively, sitting lower on one side, or making clunking noises over bumps. Pedders shops can do this inspection and replace individual components if needed. Keep your warranty paperwork in case you need to claim a defect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a Pedders kit myself if I have mechanical experience?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended unless you have suspension experience and proper tools. Suspension work involves removing and compressing springs under load, which is dangerous without a spring compressor. Misalignment during fitting can damage components or make the car unsafe. Most people have it done at a shop, and the labour cost is worth the safety and warranty protection.

Will a Pedders suspension kit void my car's warranty?

It depends on your car's warranty terms. Some manufacturers void the entire warranty if you modify the suspension; others only void suspension-related coverage. Check your warranty paperwork or contact the dealer before you fit a kit. Pedders' own warranty on the parts is separate from the car maker's warranty.

How much lower will my car sit with a Pedders kit?

Lowering spring kits typically drop the car 30 to 50 millimetres. Coilover kits can drop it more — 50 to 100 millimetres or even further if you adjust them down. The exact amount depends on the kit and your vehicle. Ask the Pedders shop for the specific drop on the kit they're quoting you.

What if I want to remove the Pedders suspension later?

You can remove it and refit factory parts, but labour costs explore both ways. Removing a kit and refitting OEM suspension typically costs $400 to $800 in labour. If you're selling the car, you can leave the Pedders kit on it (which may increase appeal to some buyers) or remove it and restore the car to standard. The choice is yours.

Do I need to tell my insurance company about the suspension change?

Yes. Lowering a car is a modification, and your insurer needs to know. Some insurers charge a small premium increase; others don't. Some may refuse to cover the car if you don't disclose the modification. Contact your insurer before you fit the kit and ask what they need from you — usually just a photo or the Pedders receipt.