Suspension spring workshop
Run a small unit that replaces coil and leaf springs for drivers, garages and fleets, paid per job.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop that diagnoses worn or broken suspension springs and replaces or fits coil springs, leaf springs and related parts such as shocks, bushings and mounts. Many jobs are followed by an alignment check or referral.
Your first three steps
- Check what trade certification your province requires for suspension work, and whether you or a hire would qualify
- Price out a rented unit in an industrial area with a lift, spring compressors and a parts supplier account
- Visit local garages and tire shops to offer overflow suspension work at a wholesale labour rate
Who pays
Everyday drivers, pickup and van owners, local garages without a suspension specialist, small fleets, and trailer owners.
How it makes money
A labour charge per job plus a markup on parts. Work for garages and fleets gives steadier volume, while walk-in drivers usually pay higher retail rates.
Skills that help
- Automotive suspension repair experience
- Safe use of spring compressors and lifts
- Clear quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Provincial trade certification rules for vehicle repair, which differ by province, so check with your provincial regulator
- Municipal business licence and zoning for an industrial or commercial unit
- Commercial general liability and garage keepers insurance, since you hold customers' vehicles
- Compressed springs are dangerous, so use proper equipment and training
- Rules for disposing of scrap metal, oil and old parts, which vary by province
- WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire, and winter slowdowns or salt-related rust jobs affecting your workload
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a suspension spring workshop?
Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $90,000 CAD, depending on the unit and its rent, lifts and spring compressors, parts stock and insurance. Proper safety equipment is worth including in your budget.
Do I need certification to replace springs in Canada?
Check provincial trade certification rules for vehicle repair with your provincial regulator, as they differ by province. Also check municipal business licence and zoning, garage keepers insurance, scrap and oil disposal rules, and WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire.
How much can a suspension spring workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000 CAD, depending on your job volume, pricing and customer mix. Winter slowdowns or salt-related rust jobs can affect your workload.
Other ways to run this business
Similar car and vehicle ideas
Walk-in tire repair and fitting shop
Run a small garage bay fixing flats, fitting tires and doing seasonal swaps for local drivers.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wheel alignment shop with your own bay
Set up a small shop with an alignment rack and serve drivers, tire shops and local fleets.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Radiator repair and recore shop
Repair, recore and replace radiators for drivers and garages from a small rented workshop.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
RV repair workshop
Rent a small unit with a large door and service and repair RVs and motorhomes on site.
- C$20k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small car paint and refinishing shop
Rent a small unit with a spray booth and repaint panels, bumpers and whole vehicles.
- C$20k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small brake repair shop
Rent a unit with one or two bays and specialise in brake inspections and repairs for drivers and fleets.
- C$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises