Front strut assemblies typically cost about $120–$260 each, and rear shocks about $40–$120 each. Including labor, you can expect roughly $440–$920 per front axle and $180–$540 per rear axle, depending on brand and local labor rates.
The 2014 Chevy Cruze uses a front MacPherson strut setup with coil springs and a rear shock setup designed for its independent suspension. Prices vary by whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts, and whether you replace just one axle or both, so this article provides a practical guide to typical price ranges and the factors that influence total cost.
Price ranges by part type
Prices below reflect common options from aftermarket brands and GM OEM parts as of recent years. They are intended to give a general sense of what you’ll pay for parts themselves.
- Front strut assemblies (each): 120–260 USD (aftermarket); 180–260 USD (GM OEM).
- Rear shocks (each): 40–120 USD (aftermarket); 60–140 USD (GM OEM).
In practice, replacing both front strut assemblies (with springs included) will be more expensive than replacing just two rear shocks, and the total depends on whether you buy OEM or aftermarket parts, plus any necessary hardware or alignment work.
For a quick snapshot, two front strut assemblies (parts only) run roughly 240–520 USD, and two rear shocks run roughly 80–240 USD. Add labor, and the front axle commonly lands in the 440–920 USD range, while the rear axle typically falls in the 180–540 USD range, with exact figures varying by brand and shop.
Labor and installation considerations
Before listing the labor details, note that installation costs are highly dependent on location, shop rates, and the vehicle’s condition. The following ranges are common benchmarks used by independent shops and dealers.
- Front axle replacement labor (two struts, with springs): typically 2–5 hours; labor costs generally 200–500 USD per axle depending on local rates and shop.
- Rear axle replacement labor (two shocks): typically 1–3 hours; labor costs typically 100–300 USD per axle, again depending on regional rates.
- Buying options: strut assemblies with springs included can save labor time but may cost more upfront than purchasing individual shocks; OEM parts tend to be pricier than aftermarket alternatives.
- Additional considerations: after replacing shocks/struts, most Cruze owners also schedule a wheel alignment, which adds to the total cost but is important for proper handling and tire wear.
To ensure you get an accurate quote, request an itemized estimate that separates parts, labor, and any alignment or hardware fees. If you’re price-shopping, ask about the warranty on the parts and whether the quote includes a diagnosis fee or a receipt of replacement.
Summary
For a 2014 Chevy Cruze, expect front strut assemblies to cost about $120–$260 each and rear shocks about $40–$120 each, with OEM parts generally at the higher end. When labor is included, total costs typically fall in the range of roughly $440–$920 per front axle and $180–$540 per rear axle, depending on part choice (OEM vs aftermarket), whether you replace one or both sides, and the prevailing labor rates in your area. Always compare quotes, consider replacing in pairs for even wear, and factor in alignment when budgeting for a complete front or rear suspension job.