DickLexus

Purchased 4 KYB GR-2 shocks from the Tire Rack last month. Found a reliable garage, AAA approved, and he called me with a estimate of about $600 for the install!. He has a good reputation and said that is a worst case scenerio but that sound outrageous. He charges $68 a hour labor so that means almost nine hours. Holy Sh-t. i'm thinking he may be trying to make up for no profit on the parts. Any input would be appreciated. I have no tools to do them myself.

DickL

RealMarty

Can't imagine any shock job could be that expensive. Shouldn't take more than an hour. With numbers like that he should have been wearing a mask and holding a gun. I'd be surprised if even the dealer came close to that estimate.

Actually, you may be on to it. Perhaps he really doesn't want to do the job...maybe because you bought the parts elsewhere. It wouldn't be the first time a businessperson said "I really don't want to do this job, so I'll give him a ridiculously high estimate. This way he either goes away and leaves me alone or makes it very $$worth$$ my while."

If I recall from several years ago, when I asked them Tirerack recommended a local tire shop to install tires I bought from them. Maybe they'll recommend someone to do the shocks. Otherwise it's time to start asking everyone you know in CT.

The Ikon

$125 - $175 tops.. Plus an additional $50 - $65 for an all wheel alignment...

The Ikon

DickLexus

Thanks for the quck response. I really amazed this guy would try to rip me. Being AAA approved in Connecticut means they will arbitrate any disputes and he could loose their approval which give him alot of business. Do you think the book says 9 hour or what? In any case I'm dropping this Mr Goodshaft like the plague!!

LexRX

RealMarty and the Ikon have it about right. I can't image it being that much either. Probably saw dollar signs when he heard the word "Leuxs"

The Ikon

LexRx is sooooooooooooooooo right!!! The name LEXUS = $$$$$$ to many Funky A$$ GREASE *****!!!

A spring is a spring... and a strut is a strut give or take a couple of procedures...

GS4Will

even my LEXUS dealer only charge $375, and i get to sit in the lounge for big screen tv and refreshment. or i can get a loaner.

stoplight

You need to check the book time. On Ladman.com, which is no longer up, there used to be a page listing the book times for the most common repair items. I seem to recall that there was over 4 hours (4.6 ? if memory serves) listed for the front and over 2 hours (2.4 ?) listed for the rear. Both of these included 4 wheel alignment which is redundant in a complete replacement, but it is still quite a bit of labor. I considered doing my own untill I looked at the shop manual and saw what all was involved as well as the special tools required. If anone has access to the list of book times, it would be a valuble post.

DickLexus

I wish CLubLexus could get some of Ladman's info, they had some cool stuff. I remember that time chart too. This mechanic says a alignment is not needed because they don't disturb anything to upset it. It has been fine for the 3 years I have had the car.

933005spd

According to my Lexus manual:

Shock Absorber R&R for both sides is 4.8 hours on the SC 300 & 400. This seems high compared to their listing of 2.6 for the GS and 1.6 for the LS.

Alignment is rated at .8 hrs for both axles.

RealMarty

I can't recall ever being told that I needed an alignment after changing out shocks...structs yes, but not shocks.

Why would replacing the shock change the suspension geometry?

SQ-LS

I got my shocks and struts installed for $100!
I paid $600 total for my shocks and struts and install total!
Your getting ripped off!!!!

garnet92

Guys:
You reminded me that I have a printed copy of the Ladman posting of the labor pricing. I can't scan it in tonight but will do it over coming weekend. It shows the 4.8 hours that 933005spd quoted also - and it lists it as "Front struts both sides" - so apparently covers more than shocks. That is also for front only - another 3.6 for rear struts. Later.

DickLexus

Garnet92 is right. Thats the figure the mechanic is estimating by at 68 bucks a hour. He said He has to remove the upper and lower control arms in front and the back is no picnic either. He agreed that if he does the job he will give me a lower price if he can do it in less time. He Explained that the SC is very tight due to it's low stance and service is not easy. I'm changing my stance and giving him a try.
Will keep you posted.

**** L

RealMarty

I'm still having trouble grasping that it's this expensive to change the shocks -- although it sounds like we're talking struts in the front, not just 4 shocks.

What am I missing here? Does this mean that anybody looking to do a normal maintenance shock/strut replacement would be looking at these kinds of charges?