shamubro

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys, I am new guy to this forum and this is my first post. Please help.

I own a 2002 coupe and I was told the front strut was leaking during a state inspection. Lately I did feel the ride was bumpier than before.

Usually how much to replace the front struts? (parts+labor) Should I ask dealer to do it or any shop (Like Sears) may charge me a cheaper price? Will any kind of aftermarket struts perform better than the stock one?

Sorry I do not know too much about cars, please forgive my dumb questions.
Thanks

shamubro

iTrader: (1)

varner, thanks for the prompt reply.

Does the brand "Monroe" count as aftermarket parts?

Thanks again.

shamubro

iTrader: (1)

Also, can I only replace front 2 with new brand and leave the rear 2 alone?

Boilermaker1

iTrader: (16)

I guess, but most of us here talk aftermarket in terms of KYB, Tokico and Koni, which are regarded as performance aftermarket replacements. Monroes kinda come to me as 100,000 I'm not gonna keep it much longer but I'm sick of bouncing.
And you can do fronts without backs, most people do replace all 4 though.

shamubro

iTrader: (1)

So even Monroe will perform better than the stock one?

Also how much labor I will expect to pay for replace 2 front struts?

Thank you!

Boilermaker1

iTrader: (16)

No aftermarket does not mean better than stock. I don't even know if anyone here would use Monroes.
Its a job that can be done in a driveway in a few hours if you know what you're doing, but I would expect a shop to charge 2 hrs per strut + parts + the cost of an alignment.

ryangt

iTrader: (2)

where are you located, ill do it for you for cheap, they only take a few hours per set.

shamubro

iTrader: (1)

hi ryangt, thanks for the offer. But i am in MD...

tfnaaf

iTrader: (2)

Monroe builds a quality product. The reason most on the site dont run them/like them is cause they arent "JDM" All kidding aside, they should perform equal to OEM struts, or better.

tfnaaf

iTrader: (2)

For a cost example we charge $25-32.50 per strut for installation, plus alignment. Our hourly rate is only $65. And for all pratical purposes it only takes 10-15 miutes per strut on our cars with the right tools.