Shock Prices Are Shocking! (tires, replace, cost, Mercedes)

[guy1]

My mechanics at the local shop have arrived at a split decision.

The senior mechanic says cupped tires are only caused because of mechanical issues, namely shocks.

The junior mechanic did the "push" test up and down ands says that unless there is an unusual amount of bounce or float, the shocks are good.

Interestingly, the tire guy also said the cause of cupped tires is mechanical: suspension.

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The cost to replace everything all around, front and back: 6-7 hours of labor, or approximately $400 to $500 plus the cost of shocks.

Do you think this is a fair price for the job?

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by guy1

My mechanics at the local shop have arrived at a split decision.

The senior mechanic says cupped tires are only caused because of mechanical issues, namely shocks.

The junior mechanic did the "push" test up and down ands says that unless there is an unusual amount of bounce or float, the shocks are good.

Interestingly, the tire guy also said the cause of cupped tires is mechanical: suspension.

---

The cost to replace everything all around, front and back: 6-7 hours of labor, or approximately $400 to $500 plus the cost of shocks.

Do you think this is a fair price for the job?

More details please........

[guy1]

Sure, what info? Approximately 3 hours for the fronts, 3 hours for the rear at standard rate: $75/hr. They say it could run a bit more, so up to $500 for labor alone.

Then the price of the shocks/struts I think is $400 total for all four.

That's alot! $800 plus, minimum.

[Sayantsi]

Seems high to me.

[texdav]

Three hours for shocksboth front and rear? That is crazy ;get another quote.

[guy1]

ha ha! thanks.

the local shop is a cool shop but yeah, they raised my eyebrows with this one quote.

I was reading up just now and DIY guys say they can do a complete replacement on suspension in 3 hours tops, by themselves.

It's interesting that the mgr insists it is mechanical, but his employee says there's no issue with suspension.

edit: they said it might take MORE than 6 hours: highly dubious?

[deepcynic]

Originally Posted by Tightwad

More details please........

I am with Tightwad, conventional shocks vs. struts or high tech modern pieces would make a big difference.

On a conventional system, say, my Tacoma, I would do it myself in a couple of hours for a fraction of the price.

On say, a Mercedes with active suspension, I would imagine it would be WAY more expensive.

[whiteboyslo]

what's the year/make/model of the car?

obviously it varies car to car, but my rough guess is 30-45 minutes/corner if it's a conventional shock, 45-60 minutes if it's a strut assembly. that's about what it takes me in my garage with floor jacks and air tools.

Mike

[Sayantsi]

Originally Posted by guy1

ha ha! thanks.

the local shop is a cool shop but yeah, they raised my eyebrows with this one quote.

I was reading up just now and DIY guys say they can do a complete replacement on suspension in 3 hours tops, by themselves.

It's interesting that the mgr insists it is mechanical, but his employee says there's no issue with suspension.

edit: they said it might take MORE than 6 hours: highly dubious?

Jack up car, remove wheel, unbolt 4-5 bolts, remove shock, replace, replace wheel. Repeat three more times - with shop equipment, it should go pretty fast.

[guy1]

2000 Altima

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

what's the year/make/model of the car?

obviously it varies car to car, but my rough guess is 30-45 minutes/corner if it's a conventional shock, 45-60 minutes if it's a strut assembly. that's about what it takes me in my garage with floor jacks and air tools.

Mike