I took my civic into the shop to get new struts and stock springs put back on. Old struts were shot. the shop i took it to is charging $110 for each Gabriel strut for a total of $440 and $400 for labor. a grand total of close to $882.00 after taxes and whatnot. Anyone know anything about these Gabriel struts? and if this is a good price for this job? any info would help. thanks.

 

holy insane rip off batman.

 

you can get koni yellows for that price!!!

You, sir, got shafted. Next time do a little homework and do it yourself. :hs:

 

is this a job capable of doing without compression tools? how much do gabriel struts usually go for?

 

gabriel struts are like 50 bucks a piece. You can do it without a compression tool, but better with one. most auto places rent out compressors for free, just have to put out a deposit.

 

All you really need is a spring compressor and normal hand tools (and a big-ass breaker bar if you don't have an impact, as the suspension bolts tend to be pretty seized up). You can rent a spring compressor from vato-zone for like $10.

As for the Gabriel brand... I've never heard of it, which makes me guess that its just some generic OEM replacement brand, since I've been doing this honda stuff for 6 years. h:

 

Gabriel is an aftermarket replacement like Monroe. Very inexpensive, I've seen them on Ebay for around $15 each. I have no experience with them, but I would never pay that much for them. You can get Honda OEM ones, plus a lot of upgraded aftermarket like Bilstein, Koni, etc for that (or close to it).

The spring compresser set I bought was $30 from Advanced auto. The fronts need a lot of compression (if stock springs), but the rears are pretty easy. Both are very doable DIY. You should do the rubber mounts and collar spacers too.

If this job isn't done yet, don't do it. Either do it yourself, or find someone that can help you. You'll get better parts AND save money if you do it yourself. With the extra money you could even get lowering springs and not have to compress them as much. Wether it improves your suspension feel is your own opinion, I don't like the lower springs. I did however like Bilstein HD's with stock springs.

 

where do you live. If you haven't done them yet, I am sure there is somebody on HAN who is local to you that would be glad to give you a hand

 

that price is an insane rip-off. you can have top of the line suspension for that price.

total rip-off

 

$110? Monroe's are only like 20 or 30 bucks aren't they? I would've gotten some S2 coilovers for $880