Anyone Had Front Struts Replaced?

[MadJoe]

Did you buy the complete unit with spring and bearing or just the strut?

I've got 128k on my 03 and I'm thinking of having them replaced. Looks like the Monroe complete units sell for about $200 each. Labor might run about $100-$150?

Anyone that has had the front struts replaced please give me your thoughts on my situation.

Thanks from Texas

[jake75]

Apparently no one has had struts replaced.

[SeattleJeremy]

I have had my Vibes struts replaced at 125k. The bearing plates were also replaced.
I've read several times (not just in Genvibe) that the bearing plates fail if they are not replaced with the struts. When they fail the installation fee is the same as if just installing the struts. Also, each time the struts are removed an alignment needs to be done. So I see it as preventative maintenance.

The stock front spring isolators (rubber bit between the bottom of the spring and the strut) also needed to be replaced. I suggest buying these before hand, just in case, as we had to wait for them to be delivered.
The springs and plastic dust shields were reused.

Costs (each):
Front strut $80
Front bearing plate $50
Front spring isolator $12
Total $142

The shop labor rates will be the same if you show up with a bunch of parts or the Monroe complete set. They are able to install the Monroe set faster, but most shops will ALWAYS charge "Book Time".
The Monroe set is really compelling if you're installing the struts yourself don't want to deal with the dangers of the spring compressor.

[MadJoe]

Jeremy:

Thanks for the detailed reply.

[lannvouivre]

ProDemand is showing 2.6 hours for remove and replace both front struts. 3.2 hours total if you include the time it takes to also remove the existing springs and put them on the new struts, if you're wondering. I had absolutely no idea that Monroe now offers Quick-Struts for the Vibe/Matrix.

Just curious: Are they bad, or do you just want different ones?

[SeattleJeremy]

ProDemand is showing 2.6 hours for remove and replace both front struts. 3.2 hours total if you include the time it takes to also remove the existing springs and put them on the new struts, if you're wondering. I had absolutely no idea that Monroe now offers Quick-Struts for the Vibe/Matrix.

Just curious: Are they bad, or do you just want different ones?

2.6 hours sounds about right for what I was charged to install the front struts with reusing the stock springs.

Guess this is why Book Time has always chapped my (removed). Using Quick Struts makes it a one hour job to complete both sides.
Lift car, remove front tires, disconnect brake line holder from strut housing, remove 2 bottom bolts, remove 3 top nuts, remove stock strut assembly, install in reverse order.

[Water boy]

ProDemand is showing 2.6 hours for remove and replace both front struts. 3.2 hours total if you include the time it takes to also remove the existing springs and put them on the new struts, if you're wondering. I had absolutely no idea that Monroe now offers Quick-Struts for the Vibe/Matrix.

Just curious: Are they bad, or do you just want different ones?

2.6 hours sounds about right for what I was charged to install the front struts with reusing the stock springs.

Guess this is why Book Time has always chapped my (removed). Using Quick Struts makes it a one hour job to complete both sides.
Lift car, remove front tires, disconnect brake line holder from strut housing, remove 2 bottom bolts, remove 3 top nuts, remove stock strut assembly, install in reverse order.

I likely would do this on mine when the time comes using Quick Struts.
But it may take longer than the book time of 2.6 due to the beer fridge being located in the garage.

[kowboydmac]

ProDemand is showing 2.6 hours for remove and replace both front struts. 3.2 hours total if you include the time it takes to also remove the existing springs and put them on the new struts, if you're wondering. I had absolutely no idea that Monroe now offers Quick-Struts for the Vibe/Matrix.

Just curious: Are they bad, or do you just want different ones?

2.6 hours sounds about right for what I was charged to install the front struts with reusing the stock springs.

Guess this is why Book Time has always chapped my (removed). Using Quick Struts makes it a one hour job to complete both sides.
Lift car, remove front tires, disconnect brake line holder from strut housing, remove 2 bottom bolts, remove 3 top nuts, remove stock strut assembly, install in reverse order.

Are quick struts a brand or type? I've seen Monroe Quick Struts, but wonder if that's what you mean here.

I keep reading about a stiff ride, but I'd hope Monroe makes at least a quality product for the Vibe

[SeattleJeremy]

Are quick struts a brand or type? I've seen Monroe Quick Struts, but wonder if that's what you mean here.

I keep reading about a stiff ride, but I'd hope Monroe makes at least a quality product for the Vibe

Yes, I am referring to the Monroe Quick Struts product. I don't have any experience with this particular part, but have used Monroe products in the past and was satisfied with them.

[wingman7000]

I just installed the Monroe Quick-Struts on the front over the weekend. Its not too bad of a job to do if you think you can do it yourself. I ordered them from RockAuto and it was around $250 for both and shipping. Its worth buying it assembled IMHO. I would recommend replacing the sway bar links as well, one of mine was showing lots of wear. The ride is so much better than what it used to be. Just be careful when torquing the nuts in the engine compartment. I ended up breaking two an had to replace the mounting plate. So far its been like driving a new car. Not to mention we replaced all the tires as well.

[MadJoe]

Thanks to all, for the helpful information.

[Zorren]

Do you think someone with basic repair skill could do this replacement of all 4 struts? Brakes Plus wants $1423 for parts and labor.

[SeattleJeremy]

Zorren, $1423 sounds like it's on the high side.
Did you get a full quote with individual costs, hours, and hour rate?
Does that include an alignment?

When doing it your self the most difficult part is the spring compressor. Which requires a special tool you can rent from the Autozone or O'Reilly, or buy from Sears or Harbor Freight.
If you purchase the Monroe Quick struts, that we've been talking about in this thread, the spring is included, and it's as simple as uninstalling the old ones, and replacing them. Then have the suspension aligned.

Attached is the front strut replacement procedure.

[SeattleJeremy]

Here is the rear strut replacement procedure.

[lannvouivre]

Do you think someone with basic repair skill could do this replacement of all 4 struts? Brakes Plus wants $1423 for parts and labor.

That's way high. Just do quickstruts and then take it to have it aligned if you can help it at all. As he said, the only really dangerous part is compressing the springs, which you don't have to do for monroe quickstruts.

Make sure you use actual jackstands to support the car if you do it yourself. Cinder-blocks crumble, and jacks sometimes drop down. We can help you with lift points and jackstand positioning if needed.