questions about estimate for broken front coil spring

[enotslim]

2004 XC70. Soon after replacing the left rear coil spring (with epic assistance from abscate, MoVolvos and others viewtopic.php?f=9&t=90195 ) the right front strut broke. Just received the itemized repair estimate below from a very reputable local indie shop (but one I’ve only used once or twice) for almost $2,000 to replace both front struts with alignment. I don’t understand the estimate and would like some mvs input before speaking with the indie.

My expectation was that two quick struts ($250 ea from fcp) plus labor (that looks pretty simple from numerous online videos, up to 2 hours so $250) (total $750) would do the job assuming nothing else is damaged. The estimate includes parts and prices I can’t figure out at all: “front struts” ($290 each), strut mount plates ($156 ea), strut mount bushings ($79 ea), coil springs ($190 ea). Stabilizer links ($57 ea) are included “just in case” to avoid a surprise if they also need replacing.

Does this estimate make sense? If so what am I missing? These parts seem redundant and extremely expensive compared to what fcp and others list.

Quick struts seem like something I can do myself. I only hesitate due to the almost insurmountable problem I had connecting the strut bushing to the control arm during the left rear coil spring replacement linked above. There may be more labor to deal with damage caused by the broken strut. But seems there must be a better way than this estimate.

Thanks in advance for your input.

****** FRONT McPHERSON STRUTS ****** parts $579.26 labor $295.95 total $875.21
LABOR TO DISASSEMBLE FRONT SUSPENSION TO REMOVE AND REPLACE FRONT McPHERSON 0.00
STRUTS . 0.00
FRONT STRUT $289.63 x 2 = $579.26
$295.95 labor
$875.21

**** STRUT MOUNTS AND COIL SPRINGS **** parts $846.50 labor $0.00 total $846.50
LABOR TO REMOVE AND REPLACE STRUT MOUNTS AND COIL SPRINGS 0.00
(WHILE DOING STRUTS) 0.00
STRUT MOUNT PLATE $157.93 x 2 = $315.86
STRUT MOUNT BUSHING $78.96 x 2 = $157.92
COIL SPRING $186.36 x 2 = $372.72
$846.50

******* FRONT STABILIZER LINKS ******* parts $113.94 labor $121.64 total $235.58
TORCH USE AND LABOR TO REMOVE AND REPLACE FRONT STABILIZER BAR LINKS. 0.00
STABILIZER LINK $56.97 x 2 = $113.94
Labor $121.64
$235.58

*******FOUR Wheel Alignment ***********
$108.95

Mount one tire (RIGHT FRONT) parts $172.88 labor $12.50 total $185.38
MICHELIN DEFENDER $168.88 x 1 =$168.88
Labor $12.50
Total $168.88

[abscate]

Quick struts seem like something I can do myself. I only hesitate due to the almost insurmountable problem I had connecting the strut bushing to the control arm during the left rear coil spring replacement linked above. There may be more labor to deal with damage caused by the broken strut. But seems there must be a better way than this estimate.

Quick struts are pretty easy - Ive seen wizechatmgr get his strut off in under an hour, while watching two adorable kids at the same time.

You can count me to stop by for moral and tool support. I do have a good spring compressor if you want to do the whole Monte - if you arent putting boatloads of miles on the car, I would go quick strut.

From FCP, you get a full parts warranty, so even if they last 3-5 years, thats pretty cost effective.

On frozen link bolts - Ive learned the thick Dremel disk cuts suspension bolts off in 3 minutes each. No flames, broken knuckles, or swearing. Wear eye protection.

[oragex]

The quick struts seem to have some negative reviews

Do you really want to replace the struts as well ? If they ride fine on your roads, I wouldn't touch them.

I would recommend replacing all old springs. Here's are the replacement springs - just find the correct ones https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?utf8=% ... ofors+xc70

Usually there it's not needed to replace the top strut plate (the metal part), only the spring seat, Sachs or Rein/CRP https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?utf8=% ... +seat+xc70

End links (stabilizer) Lemforder. These come out when removing the strut, why do they charge extra for labor ? Really no reason, they just have to cut the bottom bolt and the end link is out as said above - 2 minutes job. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?utf8=% ... +link+xc70

While there, you will surely need to replace the control arm as well if the car has over 130K miles.

[enotslim]

FWIW currently ~120,000 miles. Original owner. We never go anywhere (by car).

[abscate]

FWIW currently ~120,000 miles. Original owner. We never go anywhere (by car).

Strut kit for certain. The only part that break is the strut mount, and that doesn't stop you. Plan on one hour per side. Be nice to get this done before the snow flies...

With me, doing Death Race I287 NJ or Death Race I90/I95 I only use Volvo parts on my front end and brakes

[cn90]

I have the Sachs Quick Struts ($250/each side at FCPEuro) in my 2004 V70 with 110K miles.
It is so easy to install, info in forum:

viewtopic.php?t=89777

[GlennG2759]

That strut estimate you've gotten seems way out of line. I think your estimate of approx. $750 (w/ quikstruts and labor) sounds about right. I did a strut refresh (mounts,spring seats, bellows, bump stops, and hardware) last week for $155 in parts. My recent trip to Volvo dealer I noticed $180 hr. labor rate, so a good indie probably $125. Took abscate and petes advice and used my OE Sachs w/103k miles on them. They were right, struts were still good. If you install them yourself protect the axle boots with something, rubber or even cardboard. Good Luck

[vtl]

$180/hr, oh wow!

[MoVolvos]

-
I think the Indie is charging you labor as if he was doing one repair at a time.

******* FRONT STABILIZER LINKS ******* parts $113.94 labor $121.64 total $235.58

You have to remove the top nut of the Link attached to the Strut in order to remove the Strut. Two more nuts and another $121.64 labor charge?

After the rear spring repair this is a piece of cake.





As long as you do not replace the tie rod ends, I can walk you through the alignment.

[vtl]

Trackace is slightly over $100 on ebay and it is enough for the front toe adjustment. I did dozens of alignments with it.