How much should I pay to replace rear mcpherson struts?

Question

I have a 97 Camry, and it's worth it to me to spend a little to keep the car going for now. Struts desperately need replacing, and my mechanic gave me a quote of $680 to replace just the rear mcpherson struts and top mounts (quoting from the estimate :) ). That seems a little high - am I right, or is that about the going rate? (I'm in Washington, DC.)

Answer 1

The price sounds reasonable to me follow Dr. Car Guy on this one hes got the right idea...Good Luck

Answer 2

Thats about the going rate. I am from pg county. If you want, you can go to napa and purchase the entire strut assembly which includes new struts, springs, bumpers, and strut mounts and find a friend to install them for you since a spring compressor wont be needed. Try a monro shop, try 14th and P street and get a price from them. It's in SE DC. I bet they are cheaper that 680.00 If I recall there number is 202-483-7112. I used to work there way way way back in the days. You can also try the Monro on Bladensburg Road by Ft. Lincoln Cemetary if that's closer to you.

Country Boy, I usually give you thumbs up, but she is asking for installed prices, not auto parts prices if you did it yourself. I dont even feel like looking it up on Alldata but I will. The struts are part # 1 - Japan Built 48540A9021 or   USA Built  part # 48540A9021

190.58  each and it calls for 1.9 hours for both sides. So excluding the mounts (the average shop is 100/hour) so far we are at 580 without the cost of the mounts. The mounts are

part # 4860933121 costing  $74.02 each so we are way over 680 already.

Answer 3

easy to call a few places and ask how much to replace rear struts and mounts.. always smart to shop a round and that does sound high

Answer 4

Depends on the cost of the parts and the shops labor rate.  That job shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.  Regardless of price, make sure you get them replaced.  The hydraulic dampners keep the wheel from oscillating when going over bumps.  Could lead to you leaving the road, worst case.  

Answer 5

Holy cow! That's not a little high, that's awful high. autopartswarehouse.com has KYB struts for $68.00ea. the KYB strut mounts cost $65.00ea. Quick math winds up to $266. for these *TOP quality parts. It's a two hour job. You can also buy this brand at any local Carquest auto parts-store. If I were you I'd jump on the telephone for more realistic prices.  

Answer 6

That sounds a little high.  If you are mechanically inclined, you could

do it yourself for approx. $300.00 depending on the type of struts you

purchase.

Answer 7

It takes about 1 hour or less each side, doing it yourself. You need a $20 spring compressor and a few wrenches. Whatever you think your time is worth.