Install Prices

[Will_318i]

So I called a few shops around my area to get prices on installing a set of struts/shocks, lowering springs, front brake pads and rotors and the wear sensor. I got quoted $300 from one place. Doesn't that sound a bit absurd? I called another place and got quoted $180 which sounds more reasonable. I know it depends on the shop, but that $300 seems like a bit much.

So my question is, for people that went to install shops to get something like this done, how much did you pay?

Thanks.

[StereoInstaller1]

I would say 3 hours isn't out of line for that

[ak-]

Do the brakes yourself!
I can understand not having a spring compressor though, if needed.

[Naplm00]

in jersey you would have been quoted $900

[dannyyisntt]

it's like a $30 dollar deposit to rent a spring compressor

[E30_(1st Musk)_]

So I called a few shops around my area to get prices on installing a set of struts/shocks, lowering springs, front brake pads and rotors and the wear sensor. I got quoted $300 from one place. Doesn't that sound a bit absurd? I called another place and got quoted $180 which sounds more reasonable. I know it depends on the shop, but that $300 seems like a bit much.

So my question is, for people that went to install shops to get something like this done, how much did you pay?

Thanks.

i say you do it yourself! Go to the autozone on sherman way/variel they do a $50 deposit loan for the spring compressor. If you decide to do it yourself pm me i could help you out. im always in canoga

[Adrian_Visser]

Easy job to do yourself. Maybe consider getting a balljoint tool as well just in case. One similar to this:



The collar nuts on my struts required the use of a 3' pipe wrench and alot of heat to break loose so I would keep that possibility in mind. Rental on a spring compressor and buying a balljoint tool and (if needed) a big ass pipe wrench is much less than the labor costs will be plus you might learn something.

[///digitalme]

wtf seriously!!!?? i got both front springs, shocks, strut mounts, rotors replaced for 90 bucks.....i wouldnt pay more than 200 for all 4

[ethree]

I would say 3 hours isn't out of line for that

I'd bet the book is probably four hours.

You can always find some hack to do shit for half price I just don't want that dude touching my vehicle.

[einstein57]

Just pay me to do it. I'm cheap and efficient.

[Will_318i]

thanks for the responses guys. The shop that quoted me the $300 is a shop that gets alot of love on the forum here. And the one that's $180 is a smaller shop but gets a bit of love here too.

Don't get me wrong, if I could do it myself I would. My dad just took a month long trip to the Philippines and he was the guy I was going to do it with. But with him gone for a month, I don't want to wait till then.

[StereoInstaller1]

Just pay me to do it. I'm cheap and efficient.

reacharound with full suspension?

[Wh33lhop]

Here's how I separated the ball joints (needs 2 sledges)

Jack the car up, jackstands etc. Unhook the sway bar and unbolt the upper strut mount, let it drop down and towards you.

Loosen the ball joint/tie rod nuts, position them at the top of their studs so there are no threads showing. Support the bottom of the strut with your jack so it's braced against something.

Take hammer 1 (I used the smaller hammer, a 2lb sledge) and position it on the top of the ball joint/nut. You are going to hit this one with hammer 2 (I used a 4lb sledge) and it will deliver the blow to the ball joint. It's easier to aim for a hammer than a ball joint. I was able to separate everything (2 ball joints, 2 tie rods) without tearing any boots or doing too much damage to the nuts (they went back on fine, you can always get new ones anyway).

As for the front springs, rent compressors. The rears will come out if you unhook the swaybar and the axles, no spring compressor needed there.

[accident]

have you called the Castros?

[Aptyp]

Around NC, if you go to shops you'd be paying more than $300... You'd pay $160 for brakes alone if you go to a quality shop.