Saturday, November 20, 2010

How much labor time for front and rear struts if using a complete bolt in bolt out strut assembly?

The car is a 02 Malibu.

Using the old springs and just new struts a shop quoted about 35-45 minutes per each strut. Is there a book time for changing the complete strut assembly? All shops in my area go by book time only and would likely try to charge me the same price as if it would be a strut assembly by itself.How much labor time for front and rear struts if using a complete bolt in bolt out strut assembly?
In the Mitchell Labor guide it is written that it takes (X) amount of time for strut R%26amp;R and then usually .3 hr extra per strut for strut %26quot;replacement%26quot; Just make sure that the shop only charges you for strut R%26amp;R and not the additional %26quot;replacement%26quot; time. That should make it fair for you and the repair facility. I don't have access to Mitchell from home, but I have been doing this type of work for about 25 yrs or so... I would expect that R%26amp;R strut pays about 1 hour per side if done per pair on the front and probably 1.75 - 2.0 hours per side for the rear.. Again , just a guess..

Hope this helps.How much labor time for front and rear struts if using a complete bolt in bolt out strut assembly?
take their time, multiply it by 2 or maybe 3 depending on experience, add money for tools you need and also make sure you have a friend who you can consult with if things go wrongHow much labor time for front and rear struts if using a complete bolt in bolt out strut assembly?
The shop is not saving as much time as you think. Maybe 8 minutes or a tenth of an hour tops. It's not like it takes more than 2-4 minutes to compress the spring and replace the strut only. The above poster is in the ballpark so 1.7-2.0 hours sounds fair at 100 bucks an hour, the average shop price so 170-200 dollars with no warranty is fair. Dont forget to have them align the car afterwards which would be additional obviously.