Do I really need new struts if going long drives?

2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

191,000 MILES • 1.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

XMCCMU

MEMBER
1 POST

I first went to the mechanic to check the front driver wheel going off a little while driving. And the mechanic said instead of a alignment to just get new struts. And said front struts is all it needs. And he said if you drive long distance suggested to get it done. And just drive locally in the condition it is now. Although I've drove over 2 hours or longer on the interstate not long ago heading through Kentucky. And got back just fine then. Although the mechanic charges over $170 per hour per labor and said the total bill with labor would be $1500. I looked online for struts parts for my van and found under $200. So I'm not sure if they were including sway bars and alignment after installation included. I may visit another mechanic to get their opinion.

Apr 17, 2026 at 10:43 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,236 POSTS

Hi:

If the vehicle is bouncing too much in the front, chances are the struts need to be replaced. I'm not sure what you mean by the front wheel going off.

Struts are shocks. They can simply wear out or leak, causing them to not perform the way they should. Did he mention why he is saying they need to be replaced?

As far as the cost, the flat rate time allotted for replacement is 1.4 hours per side. It will need to be aligned after they are replaced.

As far as the replacement, determine the cost of the struts, alignment, and then 2.8 hours to replace them.

I attached the labor/flat rate time below. Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Aug 4, 2026 at 9:31 PM

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