So I took my '04 S60 FWD (70k miles) in for a creaking noise that's been going on for months - I expected to hear that it was spring seats or tie rods from my searches on here but was told that my front struts and strut mounts need to be replaced and that the cost would be $1500 for parts+labor.

I thought that sounded pretty high, since the parts are under $400 and it sounds as if the labor isn't too intensive for those that know what they're doing and have the proper tools.

Is $1500 reasonable or should I be asking around? I live in a smaller town with no Volvo dealership nor anyone who specializes in Volvos (that I know of).

Finally, should I go ahead and replace the spring seats while everything else is being done even if the garage didn't say they needed to be replaced?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

 

Labor is $1,100??? I'd be looking else where.

Get the part numbers of what you need and buy the parts from tascaparts.com your self then find a good indie shop that will let you provide your own parts and have them do the install.

If you don't already have a preferred tech, Shopping around is a must.

 

Thats so easy to do typically stealerships woud charge that! WAY TOO hIgH. In parts easily 400 maybe less labor in an indie shop or a locar tech 250 aligned.

 

I just replaced mine 03 S60 AWD bought the KYB kit from http://www.fcpeuro.com/ Cost $600 for complete all parts fit was perfect and kit is complete . I did this myself 1 side at a time on Jack stands and it took 1.5 hr a side and i was in no rush. But if i have to guess 4 hr of labor at a shop... Take the car elsewhere. This is a very easy car to do struts on.

 

Just did struts on my 2004 S40 today. $370 for parts (all 4), 3 hours of time, and a 12 pack for my buddy with the heated garage!!!!!

 

Hi Guys - I wanted to apologize for taking so long to reply and thank each of you very much for taking the time to respond.

The quote was $400 labor, $1100 parts (with huge markups on parts obviously), with 2 struts, 2 strut mounts, and 1-2 other pairs of parts (bolts or somesuch, I believe).

I checked with another local mechanic that I am now using more often and they offered to do the labor for $250 and I can supply the parts (which seemed like a great overall deal as I have no knowledge nor immediate desire to do this myself, and I avoid a ridiculous parts markup).

The noise from the blown struts/strut mounts is absolutely terrible on the right front wheel - the left one not so much.

I'm debating selling the car locally (have a pending offer) or trading it in to a dealer. Would love to sell locally, but don't want that person to have lots of issues later on (especially as I work with them).

Anyway, thanks again for the helpful information - it is really great to get some second opinions, and at least now I believe I've found a trustworthy local auto shop that isn't going to screw me on parts/labor (I hope).

 

If you do decide to fix the car source the parts from either Volvo Parts - OEM & Genuine Replacement Parts Online Catalog | FCP Euro or TascaParts.com

 

Make sure you replace the spring seats at the same time. I didn't do that on a '98 S70 that I had and I was very sorry I didn't.