Suspension and steering · Car
Rear shock absorbers cost
By vehicle type
| Parts | Labour | Independent garage | Main dealer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car | £75 – £145 | £50 – £135 | £120 – £280 | £165 – £445 |
| Family car, SUV | £100 – £210 | £50 – £135 | £150 – £345 | £195 – £530 |
| Premium | £185 – £425 | £50 – £135 | £230 – £560 | £290 – £805 |
Total incl. VAT · United Kingdom
By country
| Country | Hourly rate | Independent garage | Main dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 – €140 | €160 – €365 | €205 – €510 |
| Belgium | €60 – €125 | €160 – €360 | €195 – €490 |
| Switzerland | CHF 110 – CHF 210 | CHF 235 – CHF 535 | CHF 290 – CHF 720 |
| Germany | €80 – €190 | €175 – €410 | €225 – €585 |
| Austria | €85 – €185 | €180 – €425 | €230 – €585 |
| Spain | €45 – €90 | €145 – €320 | €170 – €425 |
| Italy | €40 – €80 | €140 – €315 | €170 – €415 |
| Portugal | €35 – €75 | €135 – €300 | €165 – €405 |
| Netherlands | €75 – €150 | €170 – €390 | €215 – €530 |
| United Kingdom | £60 – £170 | £150 – £345 | £195 – £530 |
Family car, SUV. Method
What changes the price
The hourly rate: it can double between a small-town independent and a city-centre dealer.
Parts quality: genuine, original-equipment brand or aftermarket.
Access: on some engines other parts must come off before the mechanic can reach the job.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rear shock absorbers cost?
At an independent garage, expect £150 to £345, parts and labour included. Main dealer: £195 – £530.
Why is the dealer more expensive?
Dealer hourly rates run 40 to 60% higher on average, and genuine parts cost more than their original-equipment equivalents. Under EU rules, servicing outside the dealer network does not void the manufacturer warranty.
What is book time?
It is the reference time set for a given job. Garages bill that time even if they work faster. If a quote shows far more hours than book time, ask why. Book time: 1 – 1.5 h.
Data updated October 2026. Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.