Shocks at 107,000 miles?

[Sportymonk]

2005 Pilot, 107,000 miles. Drive 55 miles to work one way 5 days a week.

Had my timing belt (water pump, coolant) replaced and the dealer had some recommendations when it came out. they have been good and have never recommended anything much other than tires. Then again I was under warranty up to 105,000 so I am just now getting to where it costs me and not them.

I noticed my Bridgestone Alenzas had experienced some cupping when they were rotated a while back but since there is nothing one can do, I just lived with the noise. No noticeable vibration.

Dealer Comments: Tires are cupped, needs front and rear shocks replaced.

When front shocks are replaced will need to align vehicle at the same time.

Front Shocks = $311.54
Labor = $280.00
Align = $ 83.95 (I have lifetime alignment at Firestone so will get that done there.)

Total Front = $699.63

Rear Shocks $195.56 for two
Labor = $93.50
Total for rear = $304.21

total for shocks $1003.84

I still live in the time shocks cost $29.99 from Midas or something like that. $1000 for shocks seems wwaaayyy too much. I know McPherson struts on the front cost a lot but still.

Is this in line for costs?

Is 107,000 miles about right for replacing shocks? Most of my driving is on highways.

If the tires are cupped, does that mean shocks are gone or the tires are out of balance? (No noticeable vibration) Could the cupping wear due to out of balance (if so) cause the shocks to wear out?

Never had to replace shocks but never kept a vehicle this long. Thrilled by the almost zero cost so far but a bill for $791 for the time belt (drive belt, water pump etc but no spark plugs) and OFL and now $1000 for shocks PLUS whatever the tires costs is a little expensive at a time I can't afford it. They recommended the spark plugs with the timing belt but gas mileage is rock steady so I will hold off for a while as those 6 plugs were estimate at around $200!!

Comments please.

[ED27]

Parts are price high. Labor quotes look high as well. Based on what other members have posted, the rears are easy to do - should take a mechanic less than a hour. The fronts are more involved since the whole strut assembly has to come out and then requires compressing the spring but $280 sounds like too much.

A search on Bernardi Parts turns up:

$228.04 for the front
$135.84 for the rear.


If you go aftermarket, you can get KYB-GR2 shocks for $160 for the front and $72 for the rear at TireRack.

[humanoid]

Worn shocks would be one of the causes for tire cupping and those prices are very steep, but then again, those would be dealer prices. I would buy shocks online and have a shop install them for you, would be a bit cheaper.

[whizmo]

Almost any vehicle is going to have shot shocks/struts at 105K+. If they're not leaking, you may be Okay driving further, but you're likely getting poor performance.

Prices are high, but not ridiculously so for a dealer job. Shop around yourself for parts and find a good independent shop and I suspect you could halve these costs; OTOH, I suspect the dealer will do a first rate job and stand behind their work.

- Mark

[Caf2461]

If it is any consolation, my Bridgstone Alenzas cupped and got loud so I replaced them early (couple months ago).

My shocks are also feeling a bit soft. I get wheel hops when going over bumps and I am thinking about replacing them at 80K miles. I probably will go with KYB's for $219 all four at shox.com. I have a spring compressor and figure about half a day of labor.

The price you have for the timing belt sounds about right. Debating on whether I will do this myself or pay the dealer. More to mess up with that job. As far as plugs are concerned, NGK's are like $12 each. So if you are willing or able to some mechanical work yourself, I'd advise doing the shocks, struts and plugs yourself and have the dealer do the timing belt.

[samc]

Honestly I'd rather pay $1000 for the timing belt job at 100k, not for just shocks.

I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but shocks can be easily installed on a saturday afternoon with the help of a buddy.

And $228/$135 does sound a bit high but again those are oem prices. I probably would rather do the KYBs since they are a reputable brand.

$228.04 for the front
$135.84 for the rear.


If you go aftermarket, you can get KYB-GR2 shocks for $160 for the front and $72 for the rear at TireRack. [/B]