Two front struts for 2000 C70?

SoDoWarts · Post by **SoDoWarts** » 21 Aug 2019, 07:47

I recently damage one of my front struts and it has to be replaced. I was told that both have to replaced -- is that normally the case? Also, if anyone has done a front end strut replacement reccently I'd love to know what the cost was (for one or two). Thanks in advance!

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Aug 2019, 08:28

It is advisabl to replace them in pairs, especially if they were aging, though not absolutely essential. What was on there, that got damaged?

I don't know what a shop charges for two struts, probably up near $800 in Boston if done properly (two struts, two spring seats, bump stops, associated hardware, good quality parts). You don't need a front end alignment after strut swaps but many will get that done at this time.

SoDoWarts · Post by **SoDoWarts** » 21 Aug 2019, 08:57

Thanks Eric. Defintiey the original is on there. Hit a road shoulder and although the wheel is fine (oddly), upon inspection the strut is def bent. Just got a quote for $370 for one with new (non-oem) part. Double that for 2 - so you were on the money.

redc70 · Post by **redc70** » 21 Aug 2019, 12:08

I just did both fronts on my '99 C70 Cabrio. The whole kit from FCP was $424.50. That was Sachs struts, new everything down to the nuts and bolts. Old ones had no bump stops on the strut. Bought some spring compressors from local parts store. Took a total of 4 hours. Never used spring compressors before so went ever so slowly! Really easy job with basic tools.
If you were closer I'd give you a hand!

redc70 · Post by **redc70** » 21 Aug 2019, 12:12

Sorry, that was my error. The kit was from IPD, and was $424.95.

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Aug 2019, 12:44

Probably going to want an alignment too in that case. DIY could definitely save you some $ on this one. Sachs struts would be a good choice. Be warned, the mechanic may be using Monroe struts (poor ride) and aftermarket spring seats that will fail quickly.

SoDoWarts · Post by **SoDoWarts** » 22 Aug 2019, 07:56

I found a used OEM strut from the same gen (2001) that's only $50. Would you do that? The car is 20 years old with 145,000 miles

Post by **abscate** » 22 Aug 2019, 08:23

SoDoWarts wrote: ↑22 Aug 2019, 07:56 I found a used OEM strut from the same gen (2001) that's only $50. Would you do that? The car is 20 years old with 145,000 miles

I would in a heartbeat. If you drive locally around BOS, especially.

Suspension parts on these cars are overbuilt and last a long time. If the donor car bounces and damps well, put a used one on and save money.

Ball joints and control arms are where the real suspension wear is.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Aug 2019, 08:27

I'm assuming that is fully assembled strut tower, spring and all. If not you may need some other parts to make it work .Have you seen a pic, is it not all rusted to pieces? For my own around-town, 20 year old car I would definitely try it. Also are you able to pop it in yourself or need to add a labor cost to that? The main risk is comfort and noise - if you can put up with that the used one is probably fine. And it will match the other side!