I took my 1996 GPX to the mechanic a few days ago and asked him to replace the 4 shockies with the KYB excel G...
He did a pretty good job and charged me 450 for the rear ones (labor plus shockies) but told me that replacing the front ones is going to be 900 because... "You can not replace the front shockies without replacing the struts on a FTO"
I told him that I would think about it but at the moment don't money for it..
What the hell? Can this be possible or is he full of it.
U do not need to replace the struts. Just take out the old ones and put the new ones in. It does not cost 900 bucks at all. I think 450 for the whole rear is pretty ex in my opinoin. And I did my front for total of 370 (300 for the KYB and 70 bucks for labour)
Yes the whole strut does get replaced, because it is the shock. $900 is daylight robbery thou, considering the front shocks retail for about $125 each.
Damn got it confused with the strut tops. . because i do not remember changing anything else when I put the shocks in. Just replcae the old one with the noew ones tat simple.
Bennoz wrote:Yes the whole strut does get replaced, because it is the shock. $900 is daylight robbery thou, considering the front shocks retail for about $125 each.
Do you guys any good (cheap, honest) place in Sydney to get it done. Tahnks guys... I am so pist off at my mechanic now. I though he was "looking after me"
I reckon go to any mech will do. I would be cheaper to buy the shocks off bursons or something because mechs tend to mark up the prices on aftermarket parts. Labour should cost no more than 50-80 bucks. It is a pretty simple job to do and if u can do it yerseld why not. Just remember to clamp your springs before removing the top of the strut.
I remember "wholesale Suspensions" quote pretty good price for labour. Reason is probably because they do nothing but suspensions so they can fit them faster. You can even bargain for free alignnment if you r good at bargaining.
They do nothing but suspensions so you can expect them to be professional at it.
Wouldnt recommend DIY if you r not good at tools. Think about the compressed springs....
I think theres only two reasons on why he quoted you so much.
1)Trying to rip you off becos you sounds like you dont know anything.
2) He himself does not know anything about the FTO
But dont worry, it is a common senario.
FYI: struts=shocks
Even better call Dunno why I didn't think that either.
Blasi, go grab the KYB shocks from your local Auto One / Bursons / Supercheap, the part numbers are: Front L: 334154 & Front R: 334155. Don't be shocked if they tell you they fit a Volvo, its true, they are the same as a Volvo
And then I'll fit 'em up for you for a case of piss. You just need to go get yourself a wheel alignment after Im done with it.
. because i do not remember changing anything else when I put the shocks in. Just replcae the old one with the noew ones tat simple.
Dunno why I didn't think that either.
.
LOL...it happens all time.. I think he wouldn't mind the Bundy bear 
