Nissan Altima strut replacement typically costs between $400 and $1,000 for parts and labor, depending on model year, location, and whether you replace front, rear, or all four struts. Understanding the price breakdown, choosing quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts, and comparing shop quotes can help you avoid overpaying while ensuring a smoother, safer ride and longer tire life.

Nissan Altima strut replacement cost guide and tips

If your Nissan Altima has started to feel bouncy, noisy, or just “off” over bumps, you’re not alone. Many Altima owners reach a point where the ride is no longer smooth and the car feels less safe than it used to. That is often a sign that the struts are worn out and need attention.

The problem? Struts are not cheap, and it is hard to know what a fair price looks like before you walk into a shop. That is where this Nissan Altima strut replacement cost guide and tips can help. We will walk through real-world price ranges, how the costs break down, and when it makes sense to repair or replace.

By the end, you will have a clear idea of what to expect, how to save money, and how to talk to your mechanic with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Know the average cost: Expect $600–$1,200 to replace both front struts on a Nissan Altima.
• Replace in pairs: Always change struts in axle pairs to maintain balanced handling and even tire wear.
• Compare labor rates: Get quotes from dealers, independents, and chains; labor often doubles parts cost.
• Choose parts wisely: OEM struts cost more, but quality aftermarket brands can cut costs without sacrificing safety.
• Watch for failure signs: Excessive bouncing, nose-diving, or cupping tires signal it’s time for new struts.
• Ask about alignment: Request a four-wheel alignment after strut replacement to protect tires and ride quality.
• Use warranties smartly: Prioritize shops and brands offering solid parts and labor warranties for long-term value.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How much does Nissan Altima strut replacement cost on average?

The average Nissan Altima strut replacement cost typically ranges from $500 to $900 for both front struts, including parts and labor, depending on your location and shop rates.

Is it cheaper to replace just one strut on a Nissan Altima?

While you can replace a single strut, most mechanics recommend replacing them in pairs, and the overall Nissan Altima strut replacement cost is usually more cost-effective and better for ride quality when done this way.

Does the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost include an alignment?

Many shops charge separately for alignment, so confirm whether the quoted Nissan Altima strut replacement cost includes a four-wheel alignment or if that’s an extra $100–$200.

Can I save money on Nissan Altima strut replacement by using aftermarket parts?

Yes, using quality aftermarket struts can lower your Nissan Altima strut replacement cost compared to OEM parts, but be sure they come from a reputable brand with a good warranty.

How do I know if paying the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost is really necessary?

If you notice excessive bouncing, clunking noises, uneven tire wear, or poor handling, it’s likely time to invest in Nissan Altima strut replacement to restore safety and comfort.

What struts do on a Nissan Altima (and why they matter)

Struts vs shocks in simple terms

On a Nissan Altima, the front suspension uses MacPherson struts. Many models also have strut-style units in the rear. You can think of a strut as a shock absorber and a structural support in one piece.

• Shocks mainly control up-and-down motion.
• Struts do that and help support the vehicle’s weight and alignment.

So when your Altima’s struts wear out, you do not just get a rough ride. You can also get uneven tire wear, poor braking, and sloppy steering.

Common signs your Altima struts are worn

Here are some simple signs that often point to bad struts on a Nissan Altima:

• The front end dives hard when you brake.
• The car bounces several times after hitting a bump.
• You hear clunks, knocks, or rattles over rough roads.
• The steering feels loose or the car wanders on the highway.
• You see uneven tire wear, especially cupping or scalloping.

If you notice two or more of these, it is smart to at least get an inspection. Even if you are not ready to pay the full Nissan Altima strut replacement cost yet, you will know what you are dealing with.

How long Altima struts usually last

Strut life depends on where and how you drive, but a rough guide is:

• Normal city and highway use: 70,000–100,000 miles
• Rough roads / lots of potholes: 40,000–70,000 miles

If your Altima is over that range and still on the factory struts, you are very likely due for a change, even if they are not leaking yet.

Average Nissan Altima strut replacement cost

Typical price ranges by axle

The total Nissan Altima strut replacement cost depends on your model year, your area, and whether you go to a dealer or an independent shop. But these ranges will put you in the ballpark for most 2007–2022 Altima models:

Job	Parts cost (approx.)	Labor cost (approx.)	Total estimated cost
Front struts (pair)	$220 – $520	$220 – $420	$440 – $940
Rear struts (pair)	$200 – $480	$200 – $380	$400 – $860
All four struts	$420 – $1,000	$420 – $800	$840 – $1,800

These are typical shop prices using decent aftermarket parts. If you go to a Nissan dealer and ask for OEM struts, expect to be toward the high end of these ranges or above.

Dealer vs independent shop pricing

Where you go has a big impact on the total Nissan Altima strut replacement cost.

• Nissan dealer: Often $150–$250 per hour labor, plus OEM parts. Great if your car is newer or under warranty, but rarely the cheapest option.
• Independent shop: Commonly $90–$160 per hour. Many use high-quality aftermarket brands that work just as well for daily driving.
• Chain stores (brake/tire shops): Prices can be competitive, but quality and skill vary. Ask about the brand of struts and the warranty before you say yes.

If you are not chasing factory-correct parts, an independent shop is usually the sweet spot between cost and quality.

Real-world example cost breakdown

Here is an example of a typical quote for a mid-2010s Altima at an independent shop:

• Front loaded strut assemblies (pair): $360
• Labor to install front struts: $260
• Four-wheel alignment: $120
• Shop supplies and taxes: $40

Total Nissan Altima strut replacement cost for front only: about $780

That is right in the middle of the range and includes an alignment, which is important. If your quote is far above or below that, ask questions so you know what you are getting.

What affects Nissan Altima strut replacement cost?

Part type: bare strut vs quick-strut assembly

There are two main ways to replace struts on your Altima:

• Bare struts: Just the damper itself. The shop reuses and transfers your old spring and mount.
• Loaded or quick-strut assemblies: Complete unit with new spring, mount, and bearing already assembled.

Bare struts are cheaper to buy but take more labor to install. The spring has to be compressed and moved over, which adds time and risk.

Quick-struts cost more in parts but save labor time and give you new springs and mounts. For an older Altima, they are often the better long-term value.

Brand and quality level

Brands can change the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost quite a bit. In general:

• Economy brands: Lowest price, but often harsher ride and shorter life.
• Mid-range brands (common aftermarket): Good balance of price, comfort, and durability.
• Premium or OEM: Highest cost, best match to original ride quality.

For daily commuting, a solid mid-range brand is usually enough. If you are picky about ride feel, OEM or premium may be worth the extra cost.

Labor rates and local cost of living

Labor is a big slice of the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost. Two shops using the same parts can still have very different totals because of hourly rates.

• Rural or smaller towns: often $80–$120 per hour
• Medium cities: often $100–$150 per hour
• High-cost metro areas: $150–$250+ per hour

If you live in an expensive city, you may save money by getting quotes from shops a bit farther out, as long as they have good reviews.

Extra parts and services added

Many times, the final bill is higher than the base Nissan Altima strut replacement cost because of extra items that make sense to do at the same time:

• Strut mounts and bearings: Often recommended if there is noise or if mileage is high.
• Bump stops and dust boots: Cheap parts that protect the new struts.
• Control arm bushings or ball joints: If worn, they can affect alignment and ride.
• Alignment: Strongly recommended after front strut work.

These add-ons are not always upsells. Often they are good preventive maintenance. Just make sure the shop explains why each item is needed.

Front vs rear struts: which to replace and when

Should you replace struts in pairs?

Almost every honest mechanic will tell you: replace struts in pairs on the same axle. Here is why:

• New and old struts will not dampen the same, so the car can feel unbalanced.
• Braking and cornering can be uneven, which affects safety.
• The side with the old strut will likely fail soon anyway.

So if your front right strut is bad, plan on replacing both front struts. The same logic applies to the rear.

Do you have to replace all four at once?

Not always. Many Altima owners do this in stages to manage the total Nissan Altima strut replacement cost:

• Stage 1: Replace both front struts (and align).
• Stage 2: Replace both rear struts later when budget allows.

If the mileage is high and all four are original, doing them all at once is ideal. But if money is tight, front first is common since they handle more of the car’s weight and steering.

How to prioritize if money is tight

If you cannot afford everything at once, use this simple order:

1. Fix the most dangerous or obvious problem (leaking or broken strut).
2. Replace both struts on that axle.
3. Do an alignment if the front was touched.
4. Plan and save for the other axle within the next 6–12 months.

This way, you spread out the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost but still keep the car safe and predictable.

DIY vs professional: can you save on Nissan Altima strut replacement cost?

How much can you save doing it yourself?

If you are handy with tools, you can cut the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost by doing the job at home. Here is a rough comparison for front struts on a typical Altima:

Option	Parts	Labor	Alignment	Estimated total
Shop (independent)	$300 – $500	$220 – $420	$100 – $150	$620 – $1,070
DIY (quick-struts)	$250 – $450	$0	$100 – $150	$350 – $600

You can see that DIY can save several hundred dollars, mostly in labor. But that does not mean it is the right move for everyone.

What makes strut replacement tricky

On paper, swapping struts on a Nissan Altima is not the worst job. In practice, a few things can make it tough:

• Rusty bolts that are hard to remove.
• Needing to safely support the car and remove wheels.
• Dealing with the spring if you use bare struts.

If you use quick-strut assemblies, you avoid dealing with compressed springs, which makes it safer for a beginner. But you still need the right tools and a safe place to work.

When DIY is realistic (and when it is not)

DIY is more realistic if:

• You are comfortable working with jack stands and basic tools.
• You have done brakes or suspension work before.
• You can borrow or rent any special tools you need.

It is better to let a shop handle it if:

• You do not have a safe place to lift and support the car.
• You have never done any suspension work at all.
• You are not comfortable dealing with tight, rusty bolts.

Keep in mind: even if you do the struts yourself, you should still pay for a professional alignment afterward. That cost is worth it to protect your tires and make sure the car tracks straight.

Tips to reduce your Nissan Altima strut replacement cost

Get multiple quotes and compare details

One of the easiest ways to save money is to get at least two or three quotes. When you compare them, do not just look at the bottom line. Ask:

• Which brand of struts are you using?
• Are these bare struts or complete assemblies?
• Does the price include new mounts or hardware?
• Is an alignment included or separate?
• What warranty do you offer on parts and labor?

Sometimes a quote that looks higher at first actually includes better parts and a longer warranty, which can be a better deal over time.

Consider quality aftermarket instead of dealer-only parts

For many daily drivers, a good aftermarket strut is more than enough. You can often save $100–$300 per axle with no big downside in ride quality.

Ask your shop which brands they use and whether they have had good results with them on Nissan Altima models. Mechanics usually have favorites that balance cost and reliability.

Replace related wear items at the same time

This sounds like it would add to the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost, but it can save money later. For example:

• Strut mounts and bearings are much easier to replace while the strut is out.
• Bump stops and boots are cheap and protect the new strut from damage.

If these parts fail after you install new struts, you pay labor twice. Doing them together means one labor charge and a longer-lasting repair.

Watch for coupons and seasonal specials

Many chain shops and even local garages run:

• Alignment specials
• “Buy 3, get 1 free” strut or shock deals
• Seasonal suspension check promotions

It is worth checking online or calling around. A simple coupon can shave a nice chunk off your final Nissan Altima strut replacement cost.

Drive gently to extend strut life

Once you have invested in new struts, a few habits can help them last longer:

• Slow down for speed bumps and potholes.
• Avoid curbs and deep ruts when parking.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Do regular alignments and tire rotations.

These simple steps reduce stress on your suspension and help you get the most out of your new parts.

Conclusion: planning your Nissan Altima strut replacement

Dealing with suspension issues is not fun, but knowing the typical Nissan Altima strut replacement cost takes a lot of the fear out of it. For most Altima owners, you are looking at:

• About $400–$900 for a pair of struts (front or rear) at a shop.
• Up to $1,800 if you do all four with quality parts and alignment.
• Significant savings if you handle the labor yourself and only pay for parts and alignment.

The key is to balance safety, comfort, and budget. Replace struts in pairs, choose solid parts, and do not skip the alignment. Take a little time to compare quotes and ask questions so you know exactly what you are paying for.

With a bit of planning and the tips in this guide, you can tackle your Altima’s strut issues with confidence and avoid paying more than you need to for a smooth, stable ride again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Nissan Altima strut replacement cost on average?

The average Nissan Altima strut replacement cost typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 for both front struts, including parts and labor. Prices vary based on model year, location, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.

What factors affect the Nissan Altima strut replacement cost?

Key factors include the model year, whether you’re replacing front, rear, or all four struts, and the quality of the parts (OEM vs. aftermarket). Labor rates in your area and the need for additional services like an alignment can also influence the final price.

Do I need to replace all four struts on my Nissan Altima at the same time?

It’s not mandatory to replace all four struts at once, but it’s strongly recommended to replace them in pairs (both fronts or both rears) for balanced handling and even tire wear. If your Nissan Altima has high mileage and all struts are worn, replacing all four can be more cost-effective long term.

How do I know when my Nissan Altima struts need to be replaced?

Common signs include excessive bouncing, nose-diving when braking, uneven tire wear, clunking noises over bumps, and a generally rough or unstable ride. If you notice these symptoms, a mechanic can inspect your suspension to confirm if strut replacement is needed.

Can I drive with bad struts on my Nissan Altima to save on replacement cost?

You can usually drive for a short time with worn struts, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. Bad struts can increase stopping distance, reduce steering control, and cause faster tire wear, which may end up costing more than timely replacement.

Are aftermarket struts a good way to lower Nissan Altima strut replacement cost?

Aftermarket struts can reduce your overall Nissan Altima strut replacement cost and are often a good option if you choose a reputable brand. However, OEM struts usually offer the best fit and factory-like ride quality, so consider your budget and driving preferences when deciding.