MOJO2509

I found out that front struts and rear shocks are leaking on my 2002 Honda Civic 2dr DX. They are not completely blown out, but I feel each bump on the road. Mechanics told me it's not serious and I can drive for 2-3 month with no worries, is it? What are the symptoms of blown out struts and shocks? Should I replace them now or wait for 1-2 months?

02BLKCIVIC

iTrader: (8)

i say now, but its not really much of a "safety" issue driving on worn stock suspension.

MOJO2509

Well, I can't replace struts myself cause I don't have tools and enough skills. Auto Service(Midas) estimated about $900 for replacing front/rear struts/shocks. Is it a ripoff? I assume Honda dealership will take more for that. Right? I am planning to drive this car for about a year(Im moving out of state after graduation) so I don't want to invest too much money in it(I already replaced windshield and brake pads + auto starter). Any suggestion what I should do?

lordhelmet

iTrader: (3)

Jesus! Does that 900 dollars include parts or is that just labor? I just changed my shocks/struts to tokico blues and that ended up costing me 350 because I installed them myself. You should seriously consider doing it yourself.

MOJO2509

I don't have tools, I don't have skills and I don't have garage to install struts myself. THe only 2 alternatives come to my mind: ask someone who has skills to install it or auto service. Second alternative is more possible. $900 include labor & parts.

kcari

iTrader: (5)

i would try to find a smaller mom and pop store. changing shocks is pretty easy, especially if you are just doing a quick OEM change - I don't think labor should cost more than 200 bucks.

02BLKCIVIC

iTrader: (8)

Just drive on em; and try not hit any turns or curves at 100MPH.

labor should be no more then $450-500 MAX and 350-450 MAX for new parts.

MOJO2509

Ok, I will drive on them for a while. I drive very accurately so I try not to hit bumps at high speed. The only thing is that I feel every bump I hit. But I guess I will have to replace struts/shocks in near future anyway.

02BLKCIVIC

iTrader: (8)

how many miles on this beast?

sounds like you'll be fine though...

MOJO2509

65k miles

DDragon7

It shouldnt cost you more than $600 for shocks and install. And that's the higher end of pricing on the labour and shocks. Get the shocks yourself and have a small reputable shop install them.

MOJO2509

U mean $600 for shocks AND struts or only for shocks? Cuz I have to install both shocks and struts.

robbclark1

iTrader: (8)

Where do you live? Find a good regional member to help you. The rsx and ep3 guys can help too.

The strut is attached to the shock. It is one big piece.

MOJO2509

Alaska(can't wait to move to Cali). Roads are really crappy here. I will try to find someone who can replace 4 struts for less than $600.

xplicit503

You won't be in that much trouble for driving on blown/warn struts. You won't like the ride comfort at all because IT WILL SUCK.

All you really need is a few tools and some time on your hand to replace them. Might as well get some coilovers maybe. =D