Need new shocks/struts for 2003 Avalon

[txdave_avalon]

I own a 2003 Avalon with about 100,000 miles on it and I need to get the shocks and struts replaced on all four wheels. So far the shops I have called say this will cost $1500-$1800, with only $400 of that total cost being in labor.

Do you think this is a fair price? I live in Dallas, TX. Thanks.

[buchaja]

A local Toyota dealer quoted me ~ $1600. I did it myself for $400 in parts. My Avy is an '03 also, and I bought my KYB struts and mounts through Amazon.

If you want to take the DIY route, you can get "ready struts" and just swap the old ones out, or you can do what I did and completely rebuild the struts. This last option is challenging, and can be dangerous because you need to compress the old springs.

I don't know where you got your quotes, but I think some independent shops should be able to do the job for considerably less. Even at a $100/hr. shop rate I can't see it taking 8 hours. I think my dealer quote estimate was for 6 hours labor.

And just FYI everyone, my struts (original toyota oem) didn't last 30K miles.

[bobflood]

If you can't find or don't want to pay for "ready" struts, and you still want to DIY but w/o dealing with strut compressors, you can remove the strut assemblies from the vehicle yourself and find a local shop with a strut machine that will do the compressing part for you. Cost should be somewhere in between complete DIY and complete shop work.

[buchaja]

Just a couple more thoughts on the matter:

I've just become aware of a home-shop type of hydraulic spring compressor. It is hand operated device, and that's about all I know about it. I came across one for sale on some forum somewhere, and of course, the seller had purchased it for his one time use and was getting rid of it. He was asking around $100, which I think was about half off new. I wish I had some more information for you. It looked like it might be something Harbor Freight sells.
I thought about buying it, but really, how often does one do struts?

There is also shop time through the military base here. That may be an option for some too.

And, bobflood; I meant to thank you for your input on the transmission thread. I was aware of the pre-built strut replacements when I did mine, but decided to go with the KYB's due to their reputation here and on other forums.

[txdave_avalon]

Would it be best to use KYB parts for my car? If so can you guys post links showing exactly which parts work best for an '03 Avalon?

That way I can find a mechanic who will just charge me labor if I bring him the parts.

[bobflood]

Either KYB or Monroe make fine struts. I have had excellent luck with Monroe. Go to rockauto.com and put in your vehicle information and you can get everything you need.

[buchaja]

The KYB's provide a stiffer ride, and from what I've read, the Monroe's will ride more like the original struts.

I ordered a complete set of 4 struts through Amazon. It was a package deal, and I added the mounts for all 4 wheels too.

Sorry I can't give you an item number now, I'll look around and see if I can find any paper work I might have saved. But I can tell you that the Amazon car parts finder function did not work for me. It kept telling me my only option was the Monroe set.

What I did was find the KYB part numbers for my car on other websites - and confirmed them through several sites - and then ordered those exact items from Amazon.

I got a great price this way, and everything worked perfectly (they fit when I installed them).