I have a 2005 altima V6 3.5 SL with about 117k miles. I'm the original owner and haven't had any issues with the car until now. I noticed a leak next to the front side passenger tire and am 99% sure it's the shock or strut. The car also has a more bumpy ride. Also at low speeds when making left hand turns there seems to be a touch of under steer.
Just for fun I went to a nearby Monroe muffler shock store and they quoted me $1000 to replace both sides shocks and struts with alignment. This seems way out of line to me since I can buy a strut assembly for $115 each on amazon. I can also buy a shock for ~50$ each which would bring me to $330 in parts total.
Monroe 171427 Front Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly : Amazon.com : Automotive
I told the guy behind the counter I can buy the monroe strut assembly from napa for $175 each. (this was before I checked amazon) Perhaps he quoted me for a pair? Nope he said it was $350 each for a strut assembly and that's the only way the sell them. I understand businesses have overhead, but a 100% markup seems way out of line.
I'm going to call another garage tomorrow that I've used in the past. I believe they are a KYB installer which seems to have a good reputation.
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