How Much It Costs to Replace Struts on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Replacing both front struts on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra typically costs about $600–$1,100 at a repair shop, while all four corners (front struts and rear shocks/struts) can run $900–$1,700 depending on parts quality, labor rates, and alignment needs; doing the job yourself can cut those totals roughly in half, mostly leaving you to pay for parts and an alignment.
Contents
What Struts Do and Why Replacement Costs Vary
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra uses struts in the front suspension (and, depending on trim and market, conventional shocks or shock/strut-style units in the rear). These components support the vehicle’s weight, control body motion, and keep the tires in consistent contact with the road. When they wear out, owners usually face a multi-hundred-dollar repair bill, and the exact figure can swing widely because of labor time, part choice (OEM vs. aftermarket), and whether related services like wheel alignment are performed at the same time.
Typical Price Ranges for a 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Front Struts Only (Most Common Service)
Most Elantra owners first encounter strut replacement at the front axle, where wear is usually most obvious. The figures below represent typical shop prices in the U.S. in late 2024 across dealerships, independent garages, and national chains.
- Parts (both front struts): about $200–$500 total
– Basic aftermarket struts: roughly $90–$150 each
– Premium/OEM-equivalent or loaded quick-struts: roughly $140–$250 each - Labor (both fronts): about $250–$450
– 2.0–3.0 hours of book time at $110–$180/hour, depending on region and shop type - Wheel alignment: about $90–$160
– Strongly recommended after front strut replacement to prevent uneven tire wear
Taken together, most owners can expect $600–$1,100 out the door for both front struts at a professional shop, with lower-end independent garages on the bottom of the range and dealers or high-labor-rate cities on the top.
All Four Corners: Front Struts Plus Rear Shocks/Struts
Many shops recommend refreshing the entire suspension once the vehicle hits higher mileage, particularly if ride quality has noticeably degraded. This means front struts plus rear shocks or rear strut-style units on the 2017 Elantra.
- Front struts (parts + labor + alignment): about $600–$1,100
- Rear shocks/struts (parts + labor): about $300–$600
– Parts: roughly $50–$150 each
– Labor: about 1.0–2.0 hours total for both rears, often less complex than fronts - Total for all four: roughly $900–$1,700
If the vehicle is high-mileage and you plan to keep it for several more years, replacing all four corners together can provide a noticeable improvement in stability and comfort while consolidating labor and alignment costs into a single visit.
Breaking Down the Cost: Parts vs. Labor
Parts Options for a 2017 Elantra
Parts choices have one of the biggest impacts on your final bill. Drivers can choose between OEM parts from Hyundai or a variety of aftermarket options, including “quick-strut” assemblies that bundle multiple components into one unit.
- OEM Hyundai struts:
– Typically $180–$260 each for front units
– Usually available via dealerships or OEM-focused online retailers
– Emphasis on original ride quality and factory-spec performance - Aftermarket standard struts:
– Approximately $90–$170 each
– Brands like Monroe, KYB, Gabriel, and others
– Often a good balance between cost and longevity for daily use - Loaded “quick-strut” assemblies:
– Typically $140–$250 each for quality brands
– Include strut, spring, mount, and bearing in one preassembled unit
– Save labor time and ensure all related wear parts are new
For many Elantra owners, mid-range aftermarket or quick-strut assemblies offer a realistic compromise: significantly cheaper than dealership parts, but with acceptable or even improved ride and handling characteristics.
Labor Rates and Regional Differences
Labor tends to be the second major piece of the bill, and it varies substantially by location and type of shop.
- Independent shops: commonly $110–$150/hour
– Often the best balance of price and experience
– More likely to install customer-supplied parts (policies vary) - Dealerships: frequently $150–$200+/hour
– Higher hourly rates but factory-trained techs and OEM parts
– May be preferable for vehicles still under extended warranty plans - National chains: around $120–$170/hour
– Standardized pricing, frequent promotions, and warranties valid nationwide
On average, expect 2–3 hours of labor for front strut replacement on a 2017 Elantra, sometimes a bit more if rust, seized bolts, or additional components (such as sway bar links) need attention.
Related Services and “Hidden” Costs
Alignment, Hardware, and Add-Ons
Strut replacement often triggers a cluster of additional line items on the invoice, some essential and some discretionary. Understanding these helps you interpret estimates and push back if you see something unnecessary.
- Four-wheel alignment:
– Cost: about $90–$160
– Purpose: ensures even tire wear and proper handling after suspension work
– For front struts, an alignment is highly recommended and often non-negotiable for warranty - Top mounts and bearing plates:
– Cost: about $40–$120 each if purchased separately
– When struts are replaced with bare units, worn mounts can cause noise or clunking
– Quick-strut assemblies usually include these, reducing future labor - Sway bar links and bushings:
– Cost: about $30–$80 each for links, plus labor
– Often corroded or worn on higher-mileage cars
– Easy to replace when struts are already out, potentially saving labor later
While every add-on increases the upfront cost, replacing obviously worn or corroded parts at the same time can prevent repeat labor charges and later handling issues, especially on vehicles driven in rust-prone regions.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
What You Save—and What You Risk—Doing It Yourself
For mechanically inclined owners, tackling struts at home is a way to cut the bill significantly, but it is not a beginner-level project. It involves critical safety procedures, especially when dealing with compressed springs.
- DIY parts cost (front pair): about $200–$500, same as retail parts pricing
- DIY labor cost: $0 in labor but several hours of your time, plus tool investment if you lack
– Spring compressors, jack stands, torque wrench, and hand tools
– Access to a safe, level working space - Alignment requirement remains: you will still need a professional alignment afterward, typically $90–$160
Even with the alignment cost, a competent DIYer can often complete a front strut job for roughly half of what a professional shop would charge, but mistakes—particularly with spring compression or incorrect torque on critical fasteners—carry real safety risks.
When to Replace Struts on a 2017 Elantra
Warning Signs and Typical Mileage
While there is no strict mileage rule, many Hyundai Elantras start showing strut wear symptoms between 70,000 and 120,000 miles, depending on road conditions and driving style. Recognizing these signs early can prevent additional tire and suspension damage.
- Unstable or bouncy ride: excessive body motion over bumps or when braking
- Nose dive or rear squat: car leans heavily forward when braking or back when accelerating
- Uneven tire wear: cupping or scalloped patterns on the tire tread
- Knocking or clunking noises: especially over speed bumps or rough roads
- Visible fluid leaks: oil-like residue on the strut body
If one strut is failing, many mechanics recommend replacing them in axle pairs (both fronts together, or both rears) to maintain predictable handling and consistent ride height.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Area
Checking Real-Time Pricing Near You
Because labor rates and part pricing vary with location and market conditions, online tools and a few phone calls will give you the most precise current figures.
- Use online estimator tools:
– Platforms like RepairPal, Kelley Blue Book Service, or shop-chain websites can give ballpark costs for “front strut replacement” on a 2017 Hyundai Elantra based on your ZIP code. - Call at least three shops:
– Ask for a written estimate that specifies parts brand, whether they are OEM or aftermarket, labor hours, and alignment costs. - Ask about warranties:
– Many shops offer 12-month/12,000-mile or longer coverage on labor and parts; some chains offer lifetime part warranties on select struts, with labor extra on future replacements.
With a few competing quotes in hand, Elantra owners can better judge whether a given estimate is fair or inflated, and can choose between dealer, independent, and chain options based on budget and confidence.
Summary
For a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, replacing both front struts at a professional shop typically costs about $600–$1,100, including parts, labor, and alignment. Updating all four corners—front struts plus rear shocks or struts—generally runs $900–$1,700. The final figure hinges on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts, local labor rates, and whether additional items such as mounts, sway bar links, and alignment are included. Careful comparison of estimates and clear questions about parts and warranties can help you control costs while restoring your Elantra’s ride and handling safely.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a Hyundai Elantra?
The total cost for a Hyundai Elantra strut replacement typically ranges from $400 to over $1,600, depending on whether you replace one or both axles, the quality of parts, and the labor rates in your area. For a full set of four, expect a total around $800 to $1,600 or more.
This video explains the cost of replacing shocks and struts on a car: 40sAuto V Fix YouTube · Sep 5, 2024
Cost breakdown
- Parts: Strut assemblies, which often include the coil spring and mount, can cost anywhere from $150 to over $300 per strut.
- Labor: Expect to pay for at least two hours of labor to replace the front struts, which is about $140 to $400 or more, depending on the shop’s hourly rate.
- Total cost:
- Replacing a single axle (front or rear): $400 to $800
- Replacing all four struts: $800 to $1,600+
Factors that influence cost
- Number of struts: Replacing a single axle will cost less than replacing all four.
- Parts quality: High-end brands will cost more than budget options.
- Shop vs. DIY: Professional installation costs more but ensures the job is done correctly.
- Location: Labor rates vary depending on your geographic location.
How to save money
- Get quotes from multiple shops.
- Consider replacing all four struts at once to potentially save on alignment costs.
- Compare prices for both parts and labor.
How long do struts last on a Hyundai Elantra?
Shocks and Struts Lifespan
However, they typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
How much are struts for a 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
The average price for a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Shocks and Strut at Advance Auto Parts is around $108.84, with a range that starts at $24.99 and goes up to $144.99. With 15 options in stock from 5 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy.
Can I drive my car with bad struts?
No, you should not drive with bad struts, as it is a safety risk that can lead to accidents due to compromised steering, braking, and handling. Driving with bad struts can also cause additional, more expensive damage to other components like your tires and suspension. You should only drive the car to a mechanic to get it repaired, taking extra precautions like driving slowly and with caution.
Risks of driving with bad struts
- Compromised braking: Worn struts can increase your stopping distance and make you more susceptible to skidding, especially in wet conditions.
- Poor handling: The car may sway when turning or changing lanes, and you will likely feel unstable even on a flat surface.
- Increased accident risk: All of the above issues combine to decrease your ability to control the vehicle, especially in emergency situations, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Accelerated wear: Bad struts can cause uneven and premature wear on your tires and put excess stress on other suspension and steering components, leading to more costly repairs down the line.
- Uncomfortable ride: The ride will be bumpy and bouncy, and you may hear noises like rubbing, grinding, or creaking.
What to do instead
- Drive to a mechanic: The safest option is to take your car directly to a repair shop for inspection and replacement.
- Drive with extreme caution: If you must drive, do so slowly, avoid sudden turns or lane changes, and do not drive at high speeds.
- Get them replaced: Have a professional inspect and replace the struts as soon as possible to restore your car’s safety and performance.
