Struts and Bearings Oh My!
 

Hey all!

I have a 2004 Mazda3s with 130k and she's in for her first front strut replacement. Her left front bearings also need replacing (a first also). I can't wait to get her back because she was horrible to ride on springs! :Eyecrazy:

I have been with a my mechanic for 5+ years and trust him greatly because of past honesty and his 25+ years of experience. But I wanted to review my estimate with you all to see if I'm getting near to a fair price :spank:

The job:
Front struts replaced
Left front bearings replaced
Thermostat replaced (tripped check engine, which needed a scan to discover)
Oil Change
About 4 hours of labor (?)

Estimate: $1300 :spew:

I like this guy so much and don't like giving my money to the corporate repair placed/dealerships, so keep in mind that if it is a couple hundred higher than what I may pay at one of those, I'm happy. I'm mainly interested in discovering that estimate isn't WAY more than reasonable.

Thanks!

struts = $100 per side, wheel bearing = 100
thermostat = $25, oil change = 25
4hrs @ 100/hr
that's still ~$750 - half of the quote... seems that you're getting a new shaft too :) lol

Hey DJS,

I wish that the costs were as even and rounded as 100 here and there :) I have my invoice and I'm gonna get back to this thread again and break everything down, that will be fun (if anyone cares). I ended up needing a bearing for the other side, too. It was about 6 or a bit more hours of labor in the end, and his rate is slightly higher than 100/hr. He also had to machine the roaters after they were removed. The car feels like new now and will be happy for another 100k (with no car payment, of course) :)

1x Monroe Sensa-Trac Strut Part No: 72263 $97.99
1x Monroe Sensa-Trac Strut Part No: 72264 $97.99
2x KYB Strut Boot Part No: SB101 $33.98
2x Moog Front Wheel Hub Assembly Part No: 513211 $225.98
1x Stant Xactstat™ Thermostat Including Housing, 180 Degrees Fahrenheit Part No: 48728 $56.99

Product Subtotal:$512.93
+ i'd assume maybe 7 hrs labor doing it myself... and if it's 125/hr = 875

total would be $1300 - which is what you said was an estimate... so I guess it was fairly accurate. The labor of 4hrs I didn't see was a guess on your part, that and the $/hr made a big difference.

Glad it is all fixed, that's the best time to be driving.

repeat posts
https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-98/repair-cost-estimate-56086/
https://www.mazda3club.com/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-100/struts-bearings-oh-my-56085/