I received an estimate to replace my original shocks yesterday and the shop labor manual states 5 hours labor for the fronts and 1 hour for the rears. Could that be accurate?? I have a new shop now as my trusty old mechanic quit the business after many years. I could always trust him and I don't want to get ripped off now. I am unable to do my own work.

 

To replace the front shocks you have to compress springs and take apart what is essentially a coilover design. And they never come apart perfectly. Even otherwise rust-free cars the upper nut is usually rusted and the shaft is stuck to the mount and tears out. That's probably why.

That said, a professional shop should have the tools to make it go fairly quickly. I could do both front sides in 5 hours using only hand tools to compress the springs and take stuff apart.

 

It took me 45 minutes per side to remove and install my coil overs sitting on the floor using a jack and jack stands. I have good tools though.

Edit: I just remembered. I installed new control arms as well as the coil overs. 45 minutes including upper and lower control arms as well as the coil overs.

It took another 45 minutes to install the knuckle, tie rods, wheel bearing, and reinstall the rotor, pads, and brake caliper.

1hr 30 minutes per side entirely rebuilding with all new parts. 3 hours total.

No way it takes 5 hours for shocks only.

 

You're going to save a lot in labor cost by finding a shop that will install a loaded shock/coil spring assemblies.

I replaced my suspension last winter using Gabriel Ultra assemblies from RockAuto. If you're going for an OEM replacement, that's something to look into.

 

Does part of that labor charge include doing an alignment? A lot of places won't replace suspension components without an alignment as well. Still, 5 hours seems really excessive.

 

I would certainly hope an alignment is factored into that price. An alignment should be no more than $175, depending on where you take it.

 

If you're looking to keep your original coil springs I can see it becoming more labor intensive but you can buy replacements which already have the coil springs installed. Removing the strut mount from the strut is where it can get problematic but if the mount isn't rusted and pitted all to hell then it's not too bad of a job if you have the tools or be able to rent them from the local parts store. I ended up replacing the factory strut mounts on the 99 Camaro with some made by MOOG and went with Viking coil overs and a 300 lb rated spring. Glad I went this way too beacuse you can adjust the ride height.

I say spend the money on the good parts and tackle this one yourself.

 

Are you going back with OE replacement parts? Prebuilt front struts? Anyone with a jack and a few standard tools can do the install for that.

Honestly anyone that just takes their time and watches a youtube video or two can do the whole process of taking it apart, assembly of the new parts then installation on the car but I get it.... sometimes people dont want to dedicate that effort, plus its cold outside right now if you dont have a garage to work in.

 

First time I did it was on my 98. Did it with a floor jack, jack stand, and a simple Craftsman socket set and a few wrenches, and rented a compressor from Autozone. Oh, and a hacksaw to cut the old shock shaft so I could get the springs off. Yes, I manually cut those suckers, and yes, it sucked. Probably had to cut the old sway bar links off too now that I think about it.
Before that the only car repair work I had done was a brake job, so you're right, if you have the time and a few tools it can be done.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Any other info is appreciated but I will state again that I can NOT do the work myself. While some 70 year old guys are strong and able, I am almost the opposite unfortunately. Oil changes are my max these days. At least I can do those..
This shop was recommended by my old mechanic and others as well. It's just tough to change after 20 years with one place. I did call the local dealership and they quoted 3.2 hours plus the alignment ($95) so that is rather close. It's a pricey repair, no doubt about it.
Thanks again for everyone's time.

 

I wish we could see more networking to help each other get mods done on our cars. I'd be willing to help anyone with any automotive project in Michigan, surely there's other members in different states who could do the same. I just hate to see people have to pay out the nose for labor. It's insane what shops charge these days.

 

My appointment is tomorrow, Wednesday. I'll post a follow-up for those interested, that can't do the work themselves. Info is a good thing to have whether positive or negative. LS1Formulation sure is correct with his last sentence above.

 

I just ordered a full set of coilovers for my Firebird, and I can't imagine what it would cost me to get them installed. I've seen some places charge a $200/hr labor rate! Hopefully they don't put the screws to you too badly.

 

Got the car back a few hours ago and the work was done real well it appears as the T/A drives wonderfully. I spent about an hour on the road driving it around. The parts came to $730 (Monroe) and the labor was $659. With tax it added up to over $1,400 so certainly not cheap but it's done now and I can continue on with my life with the T/A.
Thanks again for the assistance and perhaps this experience can help others that can't do the work themselves.

 

I have very little free time as it is and depending on the circumstances I'm one who's willing to spend for it. My truck was having electrical issues and after a few weeks of trying to figure it out myself and spending close to $900 throwing parts at it I ended up sending it to the pros where I paid $3,300 to fix it. Turned out it was a bad fuse block and a transmission control module. I could've purchased both and installed them myself and saved maybe a grand but hey I didn't have to deal with that truck for a few weeks. There was no cussing or busting up my hands. Well worth the money!

 

in 2008 when i repalced my front shocks the shcok tower bolt and a arm have a spacer and that was rusted.took me 12 hours to do one side and another 45 to do the other... i have better tool. i could do it in about 3 hours total- its second natue now!

 

My labor guide calls for 3.2 hrs for both front strut replacement. Alignment not included
Rears are 1.4 hrs

 

I just had mine done. My factory ones were still good, but 23 years old and driving it I wanted a little better ride. I was right at $1000 myself not including the alignment. When I don’t want to tackle something like that I have a good mechanic buddy. He’s retired now so any extra income helps. Plus he’s a big Pontiac guy. It took him 3 hours to do the fronts and 1 hour to do the rears. He had it done a little after lunch.

 

I had my front and rear shocks replaced 10 years ago, and I provided the shocks (Bilstein B6), total labor cost was $400. I had the mechanic "index the coil spring to the seat, and I did not need a wheel alignment.