Spring seat repair for $450 ?!

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 20 Sep 2006, 09:15

Since I already have a 34 year old VW that I am restoring, I usually take my 850 to the dealer for service. They are actually cheaper than most shops and have a solid reputation...

All that changed yesterday when I got a call from them confirming that my spring seat was shot on the passenger front. They offered to replace it, for a mere $435....

I've swapped out suspensions before and I am not intimated by my 850's, but if I can pay someone $50 and free myself up, I will. My question is, to those who've paid to have it done recently, isn't $435 outrageous ?! The part is $32 with IPD, I have replaced a McPherson suspension in 4 hours before...

What's everyone's opinion on this ?

Thanks.

Post by **mrreilly** » 20 Sep 2006, 10:52

Well, I just bought a spring seat for my passenger side front... Got it for 19.95 from eEuroparts. plus about 6 bucks for shipping. I plan on doing it myself. It'll be the first time I've ever taken off the suspension on my car. Or any car for that matter.

Post by **billofdurham** » 20 Sep 2006, 12:06

This emphasises a point I always push on this forum - use an independent.

Dealers' labour charges in the UK are known to be high but, from some of the posts here, the charges in the US are astronomical. No wonder so many of the members use the word 'stealership'.

Bill.

bobsnow100 · Post by **bobsnow100** » 20 Sep 2006, 14:25

Buy the part and try it yourself. What do you have to lose. Worst scenario would be for them to put it in if you can't

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 20 Sep 2006, 14:49

+1, buy a Genuine Volvo spring seat and install yourself. With air tools, I can do them in about 1 hour per side.

Post by **mrreilly** » 20 Sep 2006, 21:07

No to change the main subject, but does anyone know how much it is to rent some spring compresors from auto-zone, I'll need them when I change out my spring seat.

Post by **pfeener** » 21 Sep 2006, 05:05

AutoZone runs a free tool loaner program. You will have to pay for the tool when you take it out on loan, but when you return it you will get a full refund.

Post by **JRL** » 21 Sep 2006, 05:48

I pay that (maybe less) to do BOTH

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 21 Sep 2006, 06:23

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. While I'll have the spring compressed, and the car jacked, would it make sense to do anything else to the suspension ? Would the sway bar bushings need replacing as well, or would that be overkill ?

As for loaning springs: they're usually free with a $50 deposit that you get back. You may consider buying new ones, I paid $25 for mine, from Sears and they are fine.

MO-T5 · Post by **MO-T5** » 21 Sep 2006, 06:54

Be careful with those springs. There was a day when I would use tiedowns as spring compressors, until one broke. I nearly pooped myself but didn't get hurt, fools and small children, so be careful. As far as changing any other components, I would take your car to a local front end alignment place to have them check it out. They will usually do it for a small fee and they know what to look for. Good luck.