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Shock and Strut Replacement -- Cheap, OEM, or Upgrade?

188 messages,  Last post on Mar 19, 2013 at 7:51 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Performance Mods, Suspension

This forum is to discuss shock/strut problems and how to best deal with what is becoming a rather expensive replacement item on cars approaching 60K-80K miles. Are products sold by chain stores just too cheesy to give decent performance? Is it worth upgrading shocks and struts if you are a more or less docile driver? Is OEM a rip-off for what you get?
 
Let's hear your ideas and experiences.

Messages Page 18 of 20

#163 of 188 price by stickguy

Jan 08, 2010 (6:27 am)

I recently priced out the job for an Acura TL. I believe the civic is the same, with struts up front and shocks in the rear (shocks are way cheaper to replace).
 
Prices are all over the place (usually for the exact same units). $1500 is insane. Even the ridiculous prices I got were more like $900.
 
KYB is good, and probably who made the OEM. Most common to find is Monroe, which should be fine for your needs.
 
Right now, Sears has easily the best prices. They are offering free install on shocks, and 1/2 price on struts (this is for Monroe sensortracks).
 
probably should be in the $500-$600 range, with alignment, for you car.

#164 of 188 repair shop = too expensive by garfieldthecat

Jan 14, 2010 (3:01 am)

The problem is that you are pricing the job at a repair shop instead of a parts shop, simple as that. Buying the parts and doing it yourself with a repair manual is going to be WAY cheaper. If you are capable of doing the work (physically and tool-wise) that is what I would recommend. But you have to be very careful because when you release the tension on those components they can really mess you up.

#165 of 188 Re: repair shop = too expensive [garfieldthecat] by kiawah

Jan 14, 2010 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: garfieldthecat (Jan 14, 2010 3:01 am)
If someone has to ask about what struts are, then that is NOT a job they should attempt. Anybody who has wrenched on cars might attempt it for the first time with care. On a number of vehicles you have to get the spring back in exactly the right orientation rotation or you'll have problems.
 
Just shop around, you can find many shops to do it at reasonable prices.

#166 of 188 STRUTS For 2002 CAMRY by larry760

Apr 16, 2010 (12:20 am)

2002 Toyota Camry - only 26K miles - first 6k driven by older person and hardly used-- I'm now told that the way the new tires are "cupping" after a recent alignment shows "struts" leaking --- I am getting estimates of $800 to $900. I plan on keeping car at least 5 to 10 more years.
 
Q1- Does this condition sound right?
Q2- Should I stay away from the Monroe's sold at Sears because of a cheaper price?
Q3 - Should I go with a "lifetime" replacement guarantee by a very reputable firm .... I forgot the brand.
 
Thanks Larry760

#167 of 188 Re: STRUTS For 2002 CAMRY [larry760] by obyone

Apr 16, 2010 (3:49 am)

Replying to: larry760 (Apr 16, 2010 12:20 am)
Since the car is 8 years old, I'd opt for the Monroe's. I've used them before and could find nothing wrong with them.

#168 of 188 TL @ sears. by stickguy

Apr 17, 2010 (8:48 am)

just brought my 2000 Acura TL in today for 4 new struts (151K on it, I think they gave their all).
 
Deal kept getting better. SInce I got the quote (took a while to get the parts in), Monroe has a rebate too.
 
So, 1/2 price (1 day sale) rate at Sears, and they have cheap install.
 
ends up being $517 inc. tax and alignment. Then $80 back.
 
cheap.

#169 of 188 Re: STRUTS For 2002 CAMRY [obyone] by larry760

Apr 18, 2010 (10:08 am)

Replying to: obyone (Apr 16, 2010 3:49 am)
Thanks for the response. I had the car checked some place else and they felt that I didn't need the struts right now so I am putting it off for a while.
I did go to Sears to get a price on Struts for the CAMRY and even after rebates and discounts, it will still cost $918 for the "Monroe". I guess that car just seems to cost a little more than others .... another place was talking over $1,000. Thanks again ..... really appreciated.

#170 of 188 Re: STRUTS For 2002 CAMRY [larry760] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 18, 2010 (11:06 am)

Replying to: larry760 (Apr 18, 2010 10:08 am)
If the tires are actually cupping and you can see this, you probably do need struts.

#171 of 188 Struts for '95 Subaru Legacy LSi Wagon, spirited driving by smashpdx

Apr 28, 2010 (8:34 am)

I have a '95 Subaru Legacy LSi wagon, which I tend to push around a little bit. All things considered it handles quite well. I get good road feedback, not a particularly intolerable amount of body lean, and at 223K miles I haven't had much to complain about.
 
Until recently, that is. Noticed some weirdness after I hit something nasty with the right front tire - whatever it was punched a really good-sized round hole through the sidewall. Apparently the right front strut is leaking badly. The left front is on its way to join the party. Not surprising at all given the age.
 
I have two quotes, one from a shop that has a solid technical reputation for suspension and tire work, from Geos to racing vehicles, and one from a dealer I trust. For all 4 struts both quotes come in around $1350, including alignment. The specialty shop has suggested Gabriel struts. They are familiar with KYB but their experience is that their customers who get KYB and aren't into full-on sport driving come back complaining about a harsh ride. The dealer, of course, is offering OEM, with most of the cost stuffed into the parts rather than the labor.
 
What would you do? OEM, Gabriel, or KYB? (GR2's in my case - no AGX available for my car). I like my ride, but I need my handling, and am not interested in turning my Subaru into a rolling waterbed, if you get my meaning.

Messages Page 18 of 20

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