HELP! Shop time for suspension work?

[cloud2or3]

I'll explain later... but I need to know a fair time estimate for...

All parts supplied, just looking for times...

replacing torsion keys
replacing torsion bars
installing camber bolts
adjust ride height accordingly
alignment (Probably a flat rate?)

Thanks!

 

[R1dd1cK]

The shop I work at charges 80.00 bucks for a one time alignment.

 

[rs2k]

Most shops seem to rip you off by using some book that gives them an over estimate of how much time a job takes. I just replaced all my front control arms, tie rods, and had the t-bars out while doing it for the first time. I work slow and the whole job probably took 5 or 6 hours of actual work with a lot of breaks If I had to do what you need done at reasonable rate I should be able to do it within 3 hours. That's without an air wrench. I had no corrosion to deal with though. It's easy to get those components on this truck. It took me another 30 minutes to adjust the ride height because once you make an adjustment you have to drive around (preferably drive over a curb) to make sure the height is a true reading. I believe a reasonable rate would be 3 hours plus the alignment cost assuming they don't run into trouble like a frozen or broken bolt.

 

[R1dd1cK]

Well one thing you have to think about on "book Time" is that is an estimate made up by doing it all by hand. You know no air or power tools to get the job done. Not every mechanic can afford expensive air tools like that. For the last few years the only air tool I had at work was a 3/8 impact.

 

[Maniak]

The nice thing about book time (for the consumer) is you know how much it will cost ahead of time..

At least that is how I've seen it done when they charge book time. Most of the time the shop comes out ahead because they are faster than the book time.

However, sometimes they end up with a job/vehicle that just doesn't want to play nice so a book time of 5 hours ends up really taking 8 hours. The shop doesn't exactly loose money there but they didn't make as much AND the customer saved money...

~Mark

 

[koda2000]

while i understand "book time" it pisses me off if i'm charged for 8 hours labor and the job actually takes 2. i had this happen on my wife's minivan transmission replacement. i guess that's why i do all my own repairs now that i have the time. i've never had a good experience at the stealership... almost always overcharged, job not done correctly, other parts found broken upon vehicle return, damaged bodywork, unnecessary parts replaced. i've always fought with the dealership when i know they've done something wrong, but they get away with it with women and the non-mechanically inclined men.

 

[Maniak]

I can see why that would be frustrating.. I've been on the other side of it.

I had work done on a vehicle years ago.. Book time was 3 hours (I think) but it took them a bunch longer thanks to a bolt that broke. I only paid for the 3 hours..

I see it sort of like insurance.. Most of the time its not worth it, but sometimes it is..

Of course, like you.. I try to do all my own work as many times they just don't do it "right"..

Heck, I just got the X back from a trans rebuild and they forgot to connect 1 vacuum line (under the TB), 1 negative/ground wire on the battery (trans temp and coolant temp gauges weren't working) and left a cap from a bottle (used when they filled the trans) under the hood.. This is a good local shop and they weren't rushed (at least by me) and they still had issues like that.. Which is why I do it all myself when possible.

~Mark