Hi all,
I brought my 2004 S60 2.5T FWD to the dealer for another opinion on a pesky CEL. The code is for a fuel pressure sensor, which has been replaced but the light stays on. The dealer determined I need a new fuel pump.

The car also needs some other work done on it and these are the quotes I got from the dealer, which nearly gave me heart attack.

Prices are approximate and for parts and labor:
1. Fuel pump $1,200
2. Front struts $1,200
3. Control arm bushings $1,000
4. Catalytic converter $1,900

I have a trusty local mechanic who worked on my 850 for 10 years, so I will go to him for the work, but can someone give me a ballpark as to what I should expect to pay for the above jobs?

Thanks!

 

Are you located in the US?

Front Monroe struts : 200$ - most probably all 4 struts are worn, but only in need of replacing if you don't like to have a harsh ride.
Used fuel pump off Ebay: 100$
Catalytic converter: unless you have to pass emissions, I would forget about it. It could also be the 2nd oxygen sensor.
Control arm: if the bushings are shot there are not many alternatives than to go with the OEM parts - why did Volvo suggest replacing them?

All these installed at your garage for around 400$

Be careful with the Volvo dealers, they are often times looking to repair your car even if it's not absolutely needed.

 

$400 to install all that? No, not even close. Replacing the control arms would be cheaper than doing the bushings. Thats 2 hours. Struts are 2.5 hours. Fuel pump is 2 if i remember correctly, maybe a little more. And the cat is 1.0 or 1.5. So labor hours, on the low end, would be 7.5 hours. Plus an alignment.

Also, the dealer quote likely includes spring seats with the struts. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen someone come in with new, aftermarket struts complaining about a noise because the shop didn't replace the spring seats. So much for saving money.

I wouldn't risk a used fuel pump either.

I would ask the dealer for the parts and labor breakdown. Those prices do sound high.

 

400$ to install front struts, replace the fuel pump and the two control arms at a private garage. The control arms come off and struts is straight forward then, 1h each side, fuel pump 1h. 100$ geometry.

 

There is such a thing as a standard labor times guide. If you find a shop that shorts themselves labor hours by not using it, more power to you. But $400 is not realistic for 7.5 hours book time of labor AND an alignment.

Also, the pump pays 2.7 hours.