During a routine inspection of this 2015 Ford Transit Connect, we found the front suspension struts leaking and the driver's side rear coil spring was broken.
We recommended front strut replacement on both sides, front sway bar link replacement on both sides, replacement of both rear springs, and a four-wheel alignment.
In This Article
Diagnosis
Repair
Cost
Tips
FAQ
Shop
Reviews
Diagnosis
There are three ways to check the condition of suspension struts and shock absorbers.
The most common sign of a worn strut is oil leaking from it. As they age and wear, the strut oil seals start to leak, and the struts lose the ability to dampen or slow suspension bounce.
The next most common symptom of worn suspension struts is the driver reporting that the vehicle bounces excessively when hitting road bumps. The worn-out struts provide little or no dampening of the suspension movement. The vehicle should quickly stop bouncing after one bounce cycle. If the vehicle continues to bounce or bounces excessively and repeatedly, the struts are worn out.
Another common symptom is the vehicle nose-dives or the front suspension dips when the brakes are applied. If the struts are very worn, the front of the vehicle will continue to bounce after coming to a stop.
A quick test of the condition of the struts is manually bouncing the vehicle by pushing on each corner and observing the resistance to the pressure and how quickly the bouncing stops.

Repair
Our suspension repair technician lifted the vehicle, unbolted and removed the front strut assemblies. This Ford Transit Connect is a commercial vehicle and carries heavy loads, so new suspension struts with new coil spring assemblies were used.
The new suspension springs will replace the old sagging springs and allow the vehicle to carry heavy loads safely. The suspension stabilizer bar links were replaced because they are a high-wear part, can not be lubricated, and often break, causing vehicle instability when turning or changing lanes on the highway.
During the routine inspection, the technician noticed a broken rear suspension spring. We recommended replacing both rear coil springs to level the vehicle, allow the correct wheel alignment settings, and restore the maximum load-carrying capacity. New rubber spring seat pads were used. The rear shocks were in serviceable condition, so they were reused.

When the struts are removed and replaced, the vehicle needs a wheel alignment to compensate for differences in part manufacturing. Since the alignment settings were disturbed when the front struts were removed and the rear springs replaced, a four-wheel alignment was performed to return the alignment to factory-specified settings.
Tire pressures were checked and set. All steering and suspension components were inspected for wear. Caster and camber angles on all four wheels were measured and set to factory specifications. The front wheel toe-in was measured and set. The steering wheel was centered, and a final quality control inspection and road test was done.
This Ford Transit Connect van now drove straight, no longer nose-dived when the brakes were applied, and smoothly drove over speed bumps. The vehicle no longer leaned toward the corner with the broken spring when loaded. The driver felt much safer when driving the loaded van on the highway.
Cost
2015 Ford Transit Connect Front Strut Replacement Price
How much does it cost to replace the front struts on a 2015 Ford Transit Connect van?
How much does a 2015 Ford Transit Connect front strut replacement cost?
The national average cost of a 2015 Ford Transit Connect Front Strut Replacement averages $1,250 to $1,450 for both sides, including new strut assemblies.
The price will vary depending on the location of the repair shop within the country, vehicle year, make, model, options, and the quality of the replacement parts chosen.
Diagnosis of the problem, related repairs required to complete the repair, shop supplies, environmental and disposal fees, and taxes are not included.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location and particular vehicle, you should contact a local auto repair shop.
Tips
Struts are wear items that will eventually need replacement. Depending on vehicle use and road conditions, struts and shocks typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles. A vehicle owner can only use a higher-quality replacement strut to extend the life of a strut.
When a worn strut is replaced, three parts should be replaced at the same time: the suspension strut, the suspension strut bumper, and the suspension strut bearing. It is almost always less expensive and better value if a strut is replaced with a pre-assembled replacement unit including a new strut, new strut bumper, new strut bearing, and new suspension spring. There is a significant saving in labor cost when replacing the whole assembled unit versus disassembling the old strut and reusing or replacing individual parts.
A full inspection of the steering and suspension should be performed prior to the replacement of the struts to identify any needed related repairs. Replacing related worn parts at the same time will significantly decrease labor costs when compared to replacing the worn parts separately at a later date.
A wheel alignment is required when struts are replaced. When the struts are removed, the wheel alignment is affected and needs to be checked and adjusted after the strut is reinstalled.
Struts and shocks should always be replaced in pairs. Replacing all four struts or shocks is strongly recommended.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Ford Transit Connect van strut replacement and wheel alignment.
Do struts need to be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Suspension struts need to be replaced in pairs on each axle, front or back. Struts need to be balanced side to side so the vehicle is stable when cornering, the brakes are applied, or the vehicle hits a bump or pothole. A new strut on one side and a worn strut on the opposite side can seriously upset a vehicle's steering control in an emergency driving situation.
Do suspension springs need to be replaced in pairs?
Suspension springs need to be replaced in pairs on each axle, front or back. Preferably all four suspension springs should be replaced at the same time so that the vehicle sits level front to back. Springs lose tension with age, and replacing only one spring will cause the vehicle to lean to the corner with the weaker spring. When only the front or rear springs are replaced, the vehicle will sit higher on the end where the springs are replaced.
Is a wheel alignment required when struts are replaced?
Most vehicles require a wheel alignment when a strut is removed and reinstalled. The strut is part of the suspension, and removal disturbs the wheel alignment settings. Some vehicles where the strut is not a structural part of the suspension do not require a wheel alignment when the strut is removed.
Do the springs need to be replaced when struts are replaced?
No. However, using a new complete strut and spring assembly provides better value. The cost of disassembling the old strut and transferring the old spring to the new strut costs as much or more than a new complete strut assembly that includes a new spring. And you also get the benefit of a better vehicle ride quality of new suspension springs.
Do strut bearings need to be replaced when new struts are installed?
Most new replacement struts include new strut bearings. If strut bearings are not included with new struts it is good value to replace them at the same time. Strut bearings operate in a harsh environment exposed to intense water and harsh winter anti-icing chemicals spraying from the tires, and the strut bearings can not be serviced or lubricated. Once the strut bearing seals start to leak, the bearings quickly fail.
Is it OK to drive with worn-out struts?
A strut absorbs the bounce when a vehicle drives over bumps in the road. Struts on the front end of your vehicle are also crucial for steering, alignment, and control under panic braking. Driving with worn struts is unsafe in an emergency and will also be very uncomfortable for you and your passengers as it bounces down the road.
What are the symptoms of bad struts?
Signs of Bad Shocks & Struts
Symptoms of Worn Shocks & Struts:
- Nose dive when braking. The front of the vehicle will dip down when the brakes are applied. The harder the brakes are applied, the more extreme the nose dive will be. The vehicle may also repeatedly bounce when the vehicle comes to a stop.
- Bouncy ride. The vehicle will bounce up and down and side to side as it travels down the road. Vehicle passengers feel every bump in the road.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering. Vehicle roll is more extreme the faster the vehicle travels. There is a danger of loss of control at highway speeds.
- Suspension damage. The vehicle suspension can bottom out and break parts or cause the bottom of the vehicle to drag on the ground.
- Excess suspension wear. Bouncing causes extra wear and tear on suspension parts. Worn struts can cause expensive premature suspension part replacement.
- Uneven tire wear. Excess suspension bounce causes tires to hop on rough, uneven road surfaces, which causes rapid, uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration. Struts counteract the normal downward squat of the vehicle with strong acceleration. This can cause unsafe vehicle handling problems.
- Vibration in steering wheel. Wheel bounce from an uneven road surface is transmitted through the steering linkage and up through the steering wheel to the driver's hands. In addition to being uncomfortable for the driver, it causes extra wear to the steering system.
- Leaking fluid. When strut seals fail, oil leaks can be seen on the exterior of shocks and struts. This is commonly the first sign of worn struts.
- Unusual noises. Worn struts can start to make noise when they fail. When the suspension movement is not dampened, it can hit the bottom or top stops and make loud banging noises. Struts can also make odd noises when the oil leaks out and air enters the internal valves.
Recommended Light Truck Repair Shop
If you need Ford Transit strut replacement or any Ford Transit repair service, contact State Street Auto Service in Whitmore Lake, MI., near Ann Arbor, MI.