Labour Cost to Replace Coil Spring

Lskywalkerzwj on 15/03/2016 - 17:01

Hi there,

I have recently bought some coil springs from Eibach to lift 30mm ride height for my 2014 Jeep Cherokee. So I called Pedders in Adelaide about how much would it cost me for them to fit, they quoted me 630 dollars with wheel alignment. This seems pretty expensive for me, but I'm not familiar with car mechanic cost here since I've only moved to Australia for two years. Can anyone advise what's the normal price for replacing four coil springs? Or even better point me a shop in Adelaide with good service and reasonable price?

Automotive

Comments

  • airzone on 15/03/2016 - 17:13
    +1

    Every time you go to a mechanic, bring a bottle of lube because you'll need it.

    That seems about right though. It's a time consuming job.

  • whooah1979 on 15/03/2016 - 17:48

    How long does it take to change the springs? Both our regular mechanics (two different workshops) charges ~$120 to change a t-belt and tensioner plus parts.

  • skywalkerzwj on 15/03/2016 - 18:02

    They say it's 4 hours labor, but based on what I learned from youtube doityourself video, I reckon it won't take more than one and a half hour?

    • whooah1979 on 15/03/2016 - 18:05

      $157p/hr is a ripoff. One would expect that $630 would pay for at least one day or may be two in the workshop.

      • spackbace on 15/03/2016 - 18:20

        Wheel alignment itself is normally around $100 afaik.
        And I know the rate here is around $130/hr labour

        • whooah1979 on 15/03/2016 - 18:39

          We normally get "free" wheel alignment when buying a new set of tyres.

        • spackbace on 15/03/2016 - 19:46
          +1

          @whooah1979:

          That's nice, OP isn't buying a new set of tyres…

      • woteva on 17/03/2016 - 07:16

        $630 for a day ? What backyard mechanic have you been going to ?
        Last mechanic workshop I worked at would charge $1500+gst labour only rate for a full 10 hour day and all 4 technicians were fully booked.

        • cim85 on 17/03/2016 - 07:28
          -1

          That's nice but they wouldn't be getting my business at those rates!

        • woteva on 17/03/2016 - 21:42
          -1

          @cim85:
          I don't think they will lose much sleep over it.
          The 4 techs + spare parts sales turned over $1.6M the year I left.

        • cim85 on 19/03/2016 - 09:11
          -1

          @woteva: Yay

        • woteva on 19/03/2016 - 10:50
          -1

          @cim85:
          If you want to pay peanuts, you will get monkeys.
          Just remember that if you have a so called monkey mechanic working on your car to save a few bucks, is the safety of you and family really with the few dollars you saved ?

  • whooah1979 on 15/03/2016 - 18:02

    You may want to try a few local non-franchise workshops. They should be cheaper because they don't have to pay franchise fees.

  • spackbace on 15/03/2016 - 18:19

    Search for enthusiast forums (4x4, Jeep etc) in Australia, check your state sections, ask there. They will either know a) a mechanic that will do a better/cheaper job, or b) there might be a forum sponsor doing a deal. Just make sure they're a licensed mechanic
    Either way, you should always be able to do better than Pedders

  • oscargamer on 15/03/2016 - 18:47
    +5

    have you bought the camber kit?

    why did you buy the springs before you priced the fitment?

    • TheOneWhoKnocks on 19/03/2016 - 08:54

      This. You'll end up paying for a new set of tyres before you get the chance to admire the lifted ride height properly!

  • Lequ83 on 15/03/2016 - 19:39
    +1

    2-3 hours based on a previous experience. Given that you've purchased the parts elsewhere they will be a bit more inclined to bend you over for the labour component because they aren't making anything on the parts.

    • whooah1979 on 16/03/2016 - 00:17

      This is why op should shop around. Op will be paying the Pedders franchise's ripoff rates so that they can pay their master their cut. Changing springs isn't special work. Support your local workshops. Most can do the work cheaper, better and provide a warranty on workmanship for X km, 6 or 12 months after installation.

  • Baysew on 16/03/2016 - 00:04
    +1

    Pedders are not known for low prices.

    • BobD on 16/03/2016 - 07:26

      No bull

  • crosswire on 16/03/2016 - 07:36

    That price is insane. Shop around.

  • skywalkerzwj on 16/03/2016 - 09:13

    Will definitely shop around！

    • gomazz on 16/03/2016 - 09:42
      +1

      Deep down, you knew you'd get plenty of personal opinions, but no answer to your questions, didn't you?

      • skywalkerzwj on 16/03/2016 - 10:27

        hmm, that's what it is for asking question on the web.
        unless a mechanic in Adelaide see this and is interested in taking this job himself.

    • TheOneWhoKnocks on 19/03/2016 - 08:55

      Not even going to thank the people who helped you out?

  • WT on 16/03/2016 - 10:39

    Takes me 30 mins max to change springs in my car. Grated i have done it alot though that does not include the use of power tools.

    $66 for a wheel alignment. $88 would be the rrp.

    Find a small independant shop, anything under 300 is reasonable. There shouldnt be any extra hidden costs.

  • ddrex on 16/03/2016 - 17:29

    It depends on the car but when i was doing it on my car, after i got the hang of it, i could do one corner in about 25-30 min, not rushing anything (and sipping beer during it).
    It could be done faster but i don't see any mechanic racing to finish it in record time, especially since they charge per hour.
    No idea how easy jeep is but imo, allow 2-3 hours labour + wheel allignment = ~$300-450.
    Under $300, post it as a bargain :)

  • phocus on 21/03/2016 - 13:12

    I remember going to pedders and getting 4 springs replaced along with bigger thicker anti roll bar for $700 all up. So it does sound expensive.

  • cim85 on 21/03/2016 - 20:52

    Someone further up the thread here believes we should be paying the ripoff rates to help the proprietor buy their 4th holiday home, lol

  • [Deactivated] on 09/04/2016 - 21:20

    Front springs 1hr, rear springs 1hr, wheel alignment $50(you're getting conned if they say 4wheel alignment).
    They're probably filthy you didn't buy the peddars Spring kit hence the greasy stick quote.

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