Replacing Struts for '07 Mazda3 2.0 L sedan

[metallicviper]

Hey guys,

I really need help. Recently I was told that my front driver strut was leaking. When driving over bumps, my car keeps moving up and down for awhile, so obviously it's time to change the struts at the front. I was wondering what is a good price to do this and what to buy? I am totally new at this.

Partsource has a sale where I can get the Monroe Quick-Strut Complete Strut Assembly for both for $317.00

1. Is that a good price?
2. What is the difference between the Quick-Strut and just buying normal struts?
3. Meineke states that they can get me the new struts with labour for about $700, but that seems a lot if the struts themselves are $317.

Please let me know what I should do and what to buy. I live in Whitby, ON and have no idea where to buy the parts and where to take the car to get them replaced.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[stock3]

1. Is that a good price?

The price seems about right considering it's a full strut assembly.

2. What is the difference between the Quick-Strut and just buying normal struts?
Quick strut is a full strut assembly. That includes the strut itself, the spring and the top mount bearing. You basically remove the old strut and pop the quick strut in, hence the name Quick-Strut.
A regular strut is just that. The old spring and top mount bearing al have to be transferred from the old strut assembly to the new one. So it's more labor intensive.

3. Meineke states that they can get me the new struts with labour for about $700, but that seems a lot if the struts themselves are $317.

The price is about right. Shops labor rate has to include the pay for the mechanic, electricity, heating/cooling, rent or lease, taxes insurance and many, many more things. When you add all of these things up, the profit that stays in the pocket of the owner is not that as big as you might think.

[metallicviper]

1. Is that a good price?

The price seems about right considering it's a full strut assembly.

2. What is the difference between the Quick-Strut and just buying normal struts?
Quick strut is a full strut assembly. That includes the strut itself, the spring and the top mount bearing. You basically remove the old strut and pop the quick strut in, hence the name Quick-Strut.
A regular strut is just that. The old spring and top mount bearing al have to be transferred from the old strut assembly to the new one. So it's more labor intensive.

3. Meineke states that they can get me the new struts with labour for about $700, but that seems a lot if the struts themselves are $317.

The price is about right. Shops labor rate has to include the pay for the mechanic, electricity, heating/cooling, rent or lease, taxes insurance and many, many more things. When you add all of these things up, the profit that stays in the pocket of the owner is not that as big as you might think.

Thank you so much! That's really helpful!

[metallicviper]

I had another question, actually. I was just told that when changing the struts, sometimes the "stabalizer links" need to be replaced. Is this something that always happens and I should replace?

Finally, I'm thinking of changing the struts on my own (saves about $300).... is it really difficult to change them or is this something that I should be able to do with a bit of help.

Thanks!

[Mr Wilson]

Go talk to JD at Whitby Mazda and see what he says

[metallicviper]

Thanks