Prices for struts on a 2005 Honda Element vary by whether you buy front vs rear and whether you choose OEM Honda parts or aftermarket equivalents; you can expect roughly $60 to $250 per strut assembly, with installation costs added.
What affects the price
Several factors influence the final price, including the position (front vs rear), whether you’re buying a full strut assembly or a standalone shock, and the choice between OEM and aftermarket brands. Labor rates and regional availability also play a significant role.
Price ranges for front and rear struts
The figures below reflect typical consumer prices for new strut assemblies purchased from major auto parts retailers. They exclude tax and installation.
- Front strut assemblies (each, aftermarket): roughly $60 to $180
- Front strut assemblies (each, OEM Honda): roughly $180 to $250+
- Rear strut assemblies (each, aftermarket): roughly $50 to $120
- Rear strut assemblies (each, OEM Honda): roughly $120 to $190
Prices vary by brand, supplier, and whether the kit includes mounting hardware or only the strut itself. Always confirm the exact part numbers for your Element’s trim and suspension configuration before purchasing.
Labor and total installed costs
Installation costs depend on whether you replace just the front, or both front and rear, and on shop rates. The estimates below assume standard labor with mounting hardware and alignment as needed.
- Front pair replacement (two struts): roughly 2 to 4 hours of labor; about $200 to $500 total before tax
- Rear pair replacement (two struts): roughly 1.5 to 3 hours of labor; about $120 to $350
- Full four-strut replacement (front and rear): roughly 3 to 6 hours of labor; about $400 to $900 in labor, plus parts
Note that adding an alignment or addressing related suspension components can increase the final cost. Some shops offer bundled pricing if all four struts are replaced in a single service visit.
Additional considerations
When budgeting, consider whether the replacement includes the coil springs (strut assemblies) or if you’re purchasing separate shocks. Availability of OEM versus aftermarket parts can affect both price and warranty. Vehicle mileage, driving conditions, and prior maintenance can also influence whether you’ll benefit from replacing all four struts at once for balanced handling.
Summary
For a 2005 Honda Element, front strut assemblies generally cost more than rear ones, with OEM Honda parts commanding higher prices than aftermarket equivalents. Expect roughly $60–$180 per aftermarket front strut, $180–$250+ for OEM front struts, and $50–$120 (aftermarket) or $120–$190 (OEM) per rear strut. Labor adds several hundred dollars depending on whether you replace two or all four struts. To get an accurate total, request quotes from local auto parts stores and independent shops, and confirm whether the price includes mounting hardware and alignment.