Alright so I have 2 completely blown struts, and 2 bad ones. I went to the garage and asked them about how much it would cost, they told me it would be around 6 hours of labor @ $62 an hour and a $90 alignment. I was like so I checked another local garage and they want $100 an hour

I live in the middle of nowhere so I only have 2 garages in my area that are somewhat competent, so they are raping people. I usually do my own work but I am unsure of how to deal with compressing the coil springs.

I think I know the plan, remove the strut, compress the spring, remove the top "housing", remove the spring, replace the strut, reinstall the spring, put the top "housing" back on, decompress the spring, reinstall the strut.

But i am afraid of the spring compressing part since these are powerful springs. Is this something I should just leave to the garage? Or is it easy enough to do on your own? I have done a few things to my car and I love learning new things

Also can anyone recommend a spring compressor, I can't really spend more then $100 or so on one.

Thanks

 

You seem to know what ur doing.
Dont be scared of the spring.
[freak] that price is hard core rapage.
If you have a local AUTOZONE then rent out spring compressors, you deposit 50$ and when you bring it back you get ur 50$ back.
I changed all my struts and took off my springs with a c clamp so you shouldent have to worry.
If your scared point them at a wall.
Check ebay for a spring compressor for cheap then you can DIY.
It took me, 3 hours to do all mine and it was the first time i ever done it, and i have to replace brake line and stripped bolts.
So there 6 hour quote is CRAP.

 

Wow what a rip off. The shop I used to work at charged one hour of labor per corner @ $85 an hour plus $65 for a four wheel alignment. Regardless, just go rent or a buy a spring compressor and you can take care of it yourself. You have the idea down on how to do it. I would recomend taking it in after to get an alignment and since your shocks are bad, you probably wanna check for tire cupping.

 

rent a spring compressor from autozone. get the pair with two claws on a threaded rod. or just buy it for $10 on harbor freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/c...=3980

you only need the spring compressor for the FRONT springs. the rear springs are only slightly preloaded that its not a big deal not to use the spring compressor.

the rest of the job is simple mechanic stuff. use jackstands, blah blah.


and an alignment is only mandatory when changing ride height.