Reasonable labor rate for strut install? (all fours, bilsteins)
03-25-2008, 04:50 PM
#1
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Reasonable labor rate for strut install? (all fours, bilsteins)
Talked with a local mechanic today, Glen Kryock out of Richmond, VA. He quoted shop rate by the book, 3 hrs front, 5 hrs rear ($98/hr).
So, $800 in labor. I already have a new set of bilsteins ready to go on.
Typically, I would do this myself, but I'm jammed up right now. I'm asking because it's been a long time since I've had to use a mechanic. Thank goodness. This would be my first time using this guy and I figured it might be a good way to "test" him out and meet-n-greet.
Opinions welcome. I am open to be convinced this is an easy job. I have air tools and a spring compressor. Thanks.
So, $800 in labor. I already have a new set of bilsteins ready to go on.
Typically, I would do this myself, but I'm jammed up right now. I'm asking because it's been a long time since I've had to use a mechanic. Thank goodness. This would be my first time using this guy and I figured it might be a good way to "test" him out and meet-n-greet.
Opinions welcome. I am open to be convinced this is an easy job. I have air tools and a spring compressor. Thanks.
03-25-2008, 04:55 PM
#2
Rocket Pilot
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Easy but time consuming and you will cuss. Did his estimate include the ride height and alignment, and does he understand the procedure would be my questions.
Kevin
Kevin
03-25-2008, 05:10 PM
#3
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Kevin,
I cuss on most every project I do.
Good questions, though. I assumed right height, yes, alignment, no. I have a call into him about this. Thanks.
I cuss on most every project I do.
Good questions, though. I assumed right height, yes, alignment, no. I have a call into him about this. Thanks.
03-25-2008, 05:13 PM
#4
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Given a choice between a day of my time wrenching vs. $800 for someone else to do it, I'd do it myself again (having just done it). The only real issue is whether you're comfortable disassembling and reassembling the spring assemblies. Also, air tools make this hugely easier. If I didn't have compressed air I might think twice about it.
Weird that the 'book' charges more for the rears.
Weird that the 'book' charges more for the rears.
03-25-2008, 05:21 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
Given a choice between a day of my time wrenching vs. $800 for someone else to do it, I'd do it myself again (having just done it). The only real issue is whether you're comfortable disassembling and reassembling the spring assemblies. Also, air tools make this hugely easier. If I didn't have compressed air I might think twice about it.
Weird that the 'book' charges more for the rears.
Weird that the 'book' charges more for the rears.
Last edited by RyanPerrella; 03-25-2008 at 06:00 PM.
03-25-2008, 05:52 PM
#7
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Ryan,
we would not have had as much of an issue if SOMEONE (not mentioning any names here;Baja240?LOL) wouldn't have picked up the wrong nut for the top of the rear Koni and then tried to thread it on. Then when it wouldn't go on, decide to use a tap and die set to make it work. I have to remove that particular shock so I can re-rethread it and tighten the nut down correctly. I hate doing $hit more than once.
Also part of the problem could have been the tired at the end of the day factor.
Those Konis are really a nice ride though!!!
we would not have had as much of an issue if SOMEONE (not mentioning any names here;Baja240?LOL) wouldn't have picked up the wrong nut for the top of the rear Koni and then tried to thread it on. Then when it wouldn't go on, decide to use a tap and die set to make it work. I have to remove that particular shock so I can re-rethread it and tighten the nut down correctly. I hate doing $hit more than once.
Also part of the problem could have been the tired at the end of the day factor.
Those Konis are really a nice ride though!!!
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03-25-2008, 06:43 PM
#9
Supercharged
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Agreed that the rears are way easier to do.
I'd also ask if that includes an alignment - probably not.
Are yours so bad that you can't wait a few weeks until you have the time to do it? If you break it into sections, you can do one corner each night at home and save $800.
I'd also ask if that includes an alignment - probably not.
Are yours so bad that you can't wait a few weeks until you have the time to do it? If you break it into sections, you can do one corner each night at home and save $800.
03-25-2008, 06:58 PM
#10
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Let's see $800 of after tax none deductable dollars is like $1,600 of pre tax earnings.... that times 250 work days equal a gross income of $400,000 per year ....not bad 
or half a million if you work Saturdays as well. Now I know why I work on my own car much of the time. Damn math !!
or half a million if you work Saturdays as well. Now I know why I work on my own car much of the time. Damn math !!
03-25-2008, 07:49 PM
#11
Under the Lift
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It takes me 7-8 hours to do this job if everything goes right. It is not a hard job at all. Just takes time. If alone, you will run into a minor hurdle getting the top bolts lined up and back in the body mounts, as you can't see them. Otherwise it's an easy 7-8 hours.
03-25-2008, 08:05 PM
#12
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I've got some spring compressors if you want to borrow them. May be able to lend a hand as well.
Otherwise, the guy you speak of is supposed to be the local go-to guy for Porsche repairs, specifically including 928's.
Otherwise, the guy you speak of is supposed to be the local go-to guy for Porsche repairs, specifically including 928's.
03-25-2008, 08:10 PM
#13
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Agreed that the rears are way easier to do.
I'd also ask if that includes an alignment - probably not.
Are yours so bad that you can't wait a few weeks until you have the time to do it? If you break it into sections, you can do one corner each night at home and save $800.
I'd also ask if that includes an alignment - probably not.
Are yours so bad that you can't wait a few weeks until you have the time to do it? If you break it into sections, you can do one corner each night at home and save $800.
Sounds like I might do it.
And your right, $98/hr is not bad in this country.
03-25-2008, 08:24 PM
#14
Team Owner
dang i have been not charging enough, I get about 350.00 to RnR the shocks,(all 4) i guess its time for the rates to go up. This doesnt include a 4 wheel alignment and i dont include a ride height readjustment but do set the new shocks as close to the originals that came off, Plus I inspect all of the suspension pieces including removing and cleaning the rear link pins, plus checking the front end for other loose parts. This takes me about 8 hours to do by myself, with some airtools
03-25-2008, 08:59 PM
#15
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I have some spring compressors which require an open end wrench. If your's are a little faster, let me know. Thank you for the offer to help. I would gladly accept and supply food and beverage AND help on your next project.
Yes, Glen K. is supposed to be good. Though I'm not thrilled about mech's who charge book rates. His phone # is 928-XXXX. Must be good.