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Replacing front struts to replace front shocks ? Newbie post

Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:00 pm
by blasi
Warn you all this may be a massive newbie post..

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. 8O



Blasi

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:04 am
by nikhan
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)

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:45 am
by Bennoz
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.

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:58 am
by nikhan
Damn got it confused with the strut tops. :oops: . 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.

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:47 pm
by blasi
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"

Blasi

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:41 pm
by nikhan
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.

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:04 pm
by zuihoujueding
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. 8O
FYI: struts=shocks

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:03 am
by blasi
Made up my mind. As i don't know sh*t about mechanics I am gonna save some $$ and then take it to wholesale Suspensions.

Gonna post the outcome here but I am pretty sure it is going to be fine now.

Blasi

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 12:06 pm
by Bennoz
Good call.

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 1:56 pm
by I8A4RE
Thought you would of put your hand up for that ben :?

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:21 pm
by Bennoz
Even better call :lol: 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 :lol:

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.

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 10:43 am
by blasi
MR. President... we got a deal. What kind of bear would you like :D .

Will PM you to organise the time. Thanks heaps.

Blasi

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:34 am
by Bennoz
No worries, will have to be in about 2 weeks thou, as Im overseas as of today till Thursday week ;)

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:05 pm
by nikhan
blasi wrote:MR. President... we got a deal. What kind of bear would you like :D .

Blasi
Lol Bear?? Russian?? Big Black or Polar

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:16 pm
by zuihoujueding
get him 4eggs bear! :D

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:54 pm
by blasi
nikhan wrote:
blasi wrote:MR. President... we got a deal. What kind of[you] bear [/you]would you like :D .

Blasi
Lol Bear?? Russian?? Big Black or Polar

:) LOL...it happens all time.. I think he wouldn't mind the Bundy bear ;)

Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:36 pm
by arctan
nikhan wrote:
blasi wrote:MR. President... we got a deal. What kind of[you] bear [/you]would you like :D .

Blasi
Lol Bear?? Russian?? Big Black or Polar
obviously pedobear

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:13 am
by koolio1234
arctan wrote:
nikhan wrote:
blasi wrote:MR. President... we got a deal. What kind of[you] bear [/you]would you like :D .

Blasi
Lol Bear?? Russian?? Big Black or Polar
obviously pedobear
wtf :lol:

Crown lager or tooheys extra dry...am i right?