Real simple question about shocks/struts replacement.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Floyds Knobs, IN
Real simple question about shocks/struts replacement. I'm needing shocks and struts real bad, and was wondering what type of shops would be able to do that for me. And, how long would it be for them to have them installed. Would I be able to stop by at a meineke and be like, hey i need shocks and struts, I sit there for an hour and its done? I doubt it, but I have no idea honestly. Also, how much would the average shock/strut replacement be?
Any general comments would be great.
Any general comments would be great.
Before i try and answer your question. I would suggest at least replacing the rear shocks yourself isn't difficult at all just time consuming. Also they got all the instruction here or other camaro sites that you can replace the sturts yourself.
I remember asking for a price on changing front struts on an 84 mazda 626 they wanted 240. So expect to pay more or less for the camaro.
The rears took me about 2-3 hours changing the shocks. I never changed the front one but i'd assume give them about 4 hour times of course they have a lift and all the proper tools plus experiance o i'd say around 4 hours or less.
I remember asking for a price on changing front struts on an 84 mazda 626 they wanted 240. So expect to pay more or less for the camaro.
The rears took me about 2-3 hours changing the shocks. I never changed the front one but i'd assume give them about 4 hour times of course they have a lift and all the proper tools plus experiance o i'd say around 4 hours or less.
Before i try and answer your question. I would suggest at least replacing the rear shocks yourself isn't difficult at all just time consuming. Also they got all the instruction here or other camaro sites that you can replace the sturts yourself.
I remember asking for a price on changing front struts on an 84 mazda 626 they wanted 240. So expect to pay more or less for the camaro.
The rears took me about 2-3 hours changing the shocks. I never changed the front one but i'd assume give them about 4 hour times of course they have a lift and all the proper tools plus experiance o i'd say around 4 hours or less.
I remember asking for a price on changing front struts on an 84 mazda 626 they wanted 240. So expect to pay more or less for the camaro.
The rears took me about 2-3 hours changing the shocks. I never changed the front one but i'd assume give them about 4 hour times of course they have a lift and all the proper tools plus experiance o i'd say around 4 hours or less.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Prosperity SC
My replacement experience I replaced my shocks and struts within the last six months and it wasnt really that bad to do. I went to Advanced Auto Parts and got their tool for compressing the spring so i could get my strut out. I do suggest to get 2 of the tools because i only used 1 set of tools and it was kinda iffy that it would hold the spring under that kind of stress. Each tool set comes with two compressors for the spring all you have to do is place them 180 degrees apart, but like i said if i had 2 it would have been a lot safer. it can all be done with basic hand tools other than the spring compressor. the rear shocks are a peice of cake, it takes longer to remove all the interior things to get to the top nut that holds the shock in place. if you check out my car domain site it has a couple of pictures of the process
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3061716
(have more pictures just havent had a moment to put them on there). I would suggest to do it yourself, so A you could get some gratification that you did it yourself and B to save an *** of money because i would guess if you take it somewhere like meinike it would cost at least 250-300 dollars just for labor.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3061716
(have more pictures just havent had a moment to put them on there). I would suggest to do it yourself, so A you could get some gratification that you did it yourself and B to save an *** of money because i would guess if you take it somewhere like meinike it would cost at least 250-300 dollars just for labor.
Where you located at?
If you're anywhere around central California I'll help! I've changed my suspension on my car over 6 times on my car. all I ask is a couple of RIB-EYE steaks, and a quantity of beer!
If you're anywhere around central California I'll help! I've changed my suspension on my car over 6 times on my car. all I ask is a couple of RIB-EYE steaks, and a quantity of beer!
The rears are VERY easy, in fact, if you car isn't lowered, you can change them without taking off the wheels, you just need a long extension to get to the bottom bolt. Total time really should be less than an hour and a half, including removing the rear panels to get to the top shock nut.
As far as the front, again, no big deal IF you take the strut assembly and take it to NAPA to have the spring compressed. It only cost $20 and you won't have to worry about the top nut being rusted or tearing up the rubber bushing. If you take your time and follow the step in this page it really isn't that hard:
http://www.ls1howto.com/
I say for the fronts, about three hours, max. No special tools are needed. You just have to remember to remove (but not disconnect) the brake booster and plan on buying new sway bar links. The cheapest shop price I got was $200.
No matter what shock you decide to go with, I bet they're WAY better than the stock DeCarbons, probably should be a first mod.
As far as the front, again, no big deal IF you take the strut assembly and take it to NAPA to have the spring compressed. It only cost $20 and you won't have to worry about the top nut being rusted or tearing up the rubber bushing. If you take your time and follow the step in this page it really isn't that hard:
http://www.ls1howto.com/
I say for the fronts, about three hours, max. No special tools are needed. You just have to remember to remove (but not disconnect) the brake booster and plan on buying new sway bar links. The cheapest shop price I got was $200.
No matter what shock you decide to go with, I bet they're WAY better than the stock DeCarbons, probably should be a first mod.
