I brought my 04 s2k to a honda mechanic yesterday and today they called me back with an estimated $2500 to replace all four of my suspensions (structs + springs + bumper stops) which includes parts and labor.

Does that seem unnecessarily high to anyone else? I am thinking of maybe trying to order my own OEM parts and bringing them to a local mechanic to put in. What to do...what to do...

 

Brand new Honda parts are expensive!

Buy aftermarket shocks (Koni's - $600) and drop springs (Eibach - $300) or buy used, low mileage OEM shocks with OEM springs ($200-$250).

Install time can be done under 1.5 hours.

 

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The OEM shocks/springs cost ~$1400 brand new, so yes I'd say you're getting slightly ripped off.

 

How do these used OEM shocks look for my 04 s2k?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-2005-HO...torefresh=true

Also, what are bump stops? Are they included in there? I think I may pick these up and bring them to a local mechanic to install. Thanks a ton for the suggestions.

 

How can you remove the stock shocks transfer the springs and re-install everything in 1.5?

 

Search the For Sale forums or post a WTB ad. OEM suspension goes for $100 to $300 usually.

 

I agree. If you were looking at lowering your car in the future, now is the best time. If you drove your car to the dealer, then I doubt that your struts are in such bad condition that you HAVE to replace them now. IMO it was a mistake taking that car to a dealer for any kind of service. Bring the car back home and start looking for either an aftermarket shock/spring combo, an aftermarket coilover kit, or a used low-mileage OEM set on the FS forums.

I think he was referring to just swapping the struts out, not transferring springs to a new shock. Swapping strut assemblies can easily be done in 1.5 hours.


Agreed. If you aren't looking to go aftermarket, buying a used set on the forums is the best way to go. Even a pristine set of low mileage struts will go for FAR cheaper than buying new OEM parts, especially from the dealer.

OP - The bump stops are a hard foam piece that are part of the shock assembly. Mine were red/pink in color. If someone is selling a used OEM shock/spring combo they will typically have the bump stops still on them, unless they are really old and degraded away.

 

Book time is about 5 hours, the parts are around 1700 retail, figure 100/hr at least plus 100 alignment, thats 2500 w/tax and shop supply fees.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up buying a set of 4 low-mile OEM shock assemblies for $500 (a little on the pricey side but they looked brand new compared to others I've seen) and a local mechanic said they would install them for $190 including alignment.

Total = ~$700