Tailgate Strut Replacement Cost Savings You Can't Ignore
Tailgate strut replacement cost savings
The fastest way to save money on tailgate strut replacement is to buy the parts yourself and install them at home, because many liftgate or boot struts cost roughly £13 to £46 per pair online instead of the much higher dealer price often quoted for installed work. Recent examples show UK online listings around £22.88 per strut and £45.98 for a pair, while owner reports for dealer quotes can climb above $1,500 for some premium vehicles, so the savings can be substantial.
Why drivers overpay
Most drivers are surprised by the bill because the part looks simple, but dealerships and full-service shops often bundle markup, diagnostic time, and labor into the total. In many cases, the actual liftgate support hardware is inexpensive compared with the service charge, which is why a job that appears minor can feel overpriced.
Cost swings are also driven by vehicle-specific fitment, with some tailgates using standard gas struts and others using brand-specific units or systems that may need additional work. That means the same failure can cost a few dozen dollars in parts on one car and several hundred or more once installation is included on another.
Typical cost ranges
A realistic savings benchmark is to compare three paths: DIY parts-only replacement, independent-shop installation, and dealer replacement. Parts-only purchases commonly fall in the low tens of pounds in UK listings, while broader repair estimates for strut-related work can run from about $100 to $300 for parts alone and roughly $400 to $1,500 for professional replacement across shocks and struts jobs more generally.
| Repair path | Typical cost | What you pay for | Potential savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY parts-only | £13 to £46 for a pair | Replacement struts only | Highest savings versus labor-inclusive service |
| Independent shop | Varies widely, often well above parts cost | Parts plus labor | Moderate savings versus dealer |
| Dealer service | Can exceed $1,500 on some vehicles | OEM parts, labor, shop fees | Lowest savings, highest convenience |
Best savings tactics
The biggest money saver is verifying the exact strut length, force rating, and mounting style before you buy, because ordering the wrong part is the fastest way to erase any savings. Replacement guides stress measuring the compressed and extended length and matching the mounting hardware so the new strut snaps into place without rework.
- Shop online for direct-fit parts before booking labor, because retail pricing can be far below dealer markup.
- Replace both struts at the same time, since many suppliers sell pairs and balanced wear helps the tailgate open evenly.
- Choose a reputable aftermarket brand if OEM pricing is excessive, especially on older vehicles where factory parts may not be necessary.
- Use a simple DIY install if the strut attaches with clips or basic bolts, since several guides describe the process as a short, low-tool job.
DIY versus shop
DIY replacement is often the cheapest option because many tailgate struts can be swapped with only basic hand tools and a few minutes of work, provided the tailgate is supported safely. Published step-by-step guides describe removing the old strut, detaching the clips or bolts, snapping in the new unit, and testing the tailgate for smooth movement.
An independent shop becomes more attractive when the tailgate uses integrated electronics, access is awkward, or the owner does not want to risk a falling hatch. In those cases, the labor cost may still be lower than a dealer, but the convenience premium is real.
What affects the bill
The final price depends on vehicle brand, body style, and whether the replacement is for one side or both sides of the hatch. Premium-nameplates can be dramatically more expensive, with owner reports showing quotes around $1,500+ for certain Volvo liftgate strut replacements and much lower figures when owners sourced non-OEM parts independently.
- Vehicle make and model, because some struts are proprietary.
- Part source, because OEM, aftermarket, and generic options differ sharply.
- Labor rate, because dealer labor usually costs more than independent labor.
- Accessibility, because tight packaging increases install time.
- Quantity, because replacing one strut is cheaper upfront but pairing often makes more sense.
Realistic savings example
On a mainstream vehicle, a driver who buys a pair of aftermarket gas struts for roughly £46 and installs them at home could save well over 70 percent versus a dealer estimate that includes labor and markup. On a luxury vehicle with a quoted dealer bill above $1,500, the savings from sourcing compatible aftermarket parts and doing the work independently can be even larger.
"The part is cheap; the service is what shocks most drivers."
Warning signs
Slow-opening hatches, a tailgate that will not stay up, and a hatch that drops unexpectedly are classic signs that the struts are worn out. Replacing them early can prevent inconvenience and reduce the chance of someone getting hurt by a falling tailgate.
If only one side is weak, the hatch may still function, but balance and support usually improve when both struts are replaced together. That approach also reduces the chance of paying labor twice if the second unit fails soon after the first.
FAQ
Bottom line
The biggest savings on tailgate strut replacement cost come from avoiding dealer markup, comparing aftermarket part prices, and doing a simple DIY swap when the vehicle design allows it. For many drivers, that turns a frustrating service quote into a low-cost repair that restores full hatch support without the premium bill.
Helpful tips and tricks for Tailgate Strut Replacement Cost Savings You Cant Ignore
How much can I save by replacing tailgate struts myself?
DIY replacement can cut the cost from a labor-inclusive repair down to the price of the parts alone, which may be as low as about £13 to £46 for a pair in online listings. That is where most of the savings come from.
Is it worth buying aftermarket struts?
Yes, if the parts are direct-fit and from a reputable seller, because aftermarket pricing is often far below dealer pricing while still delivering solid function. This is especially useful on older vehicles where OEM branding is not essential.
Can I replace just one tailgate strut?
You can, but replacing both at once is usually smarter because the pair wears together and a matched set helps the hatch open evenly. Many suppliers also price them in pairs, which makes the value better.
Why do dealer quotes seem so high?
Dealer quotes can include OEM part markup, labor, and shop overhead, and premium vehicles can push the total much higher than the raw part cost. Owner reports show some liftgate strut jobs exceeding $1,500 at the dealer.
How do I know I am buying the right part?
Match the compressed and extended length, mounting type, and force rating before ordering. Installation guides stress measuring carefully so the replacement fits without modification.