Cost of all 4 strut and shock replacement

[helicopter23]

About how much should it cost to replace all 4 strut and shocks with labor for a '97 grand prix GT?

[BNaylor]

This is a very ambiguous question because it depends on what brand struts you plan on purchasing. There is the option of the OEM GM or aftermarket. Also, due to the age of your Grand Prix you may have worn out parts like bushings, upper strut mount and/or load bearing. After struts are replaced the alignment must be checked so add that cost. Other consideration on labor cost will be whether you have the GM dealer do the work or an independent auto shop/mechanic.

[Grand Prix SD]

around $1000 dollars. $125-$200 for struts plus labor and alignment.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Grand Prix SD

around $1000 dollars. $125-$200 for struts plus labor and alignment.

Ouch!! Are referring to the OEM GM/AC Delco struts or overkill like the Koni brand?

Mine came out to $250 for KYB GR2s all around. Of course, I do my own labor. However, labor at a shop that specializes in suspension systems should only be around $40-$60 per wheel. Full 4 wheel alignment is typically around $60.00 with no other worn parts detected. The above does not include the upper strut mounts or load bearings but the cost if you go the aftermarket route will still be well under the $1K.

[Grand Prix SD]

i had them replaced on my 92 lumina many years ago when i was stupid and paid almost a grand. i might be wrong on the struts. can you replace just the cartridge or does it have to be the whole strut assembly. the prices you listed are really low for around here (wisconsin). maybe the cost of living here is more.

[Grand Prix SD]

i was wrong. the struts are around $65 a piece at autozone. so we are probably talking more in the $500-600 range for struts all around. i must have got raped on my z34.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Grand Prix SD

i had them replaced on my 92 lumina many years ago when i was stupid and paid almost a grand. i might be wrong on the struts. can you replace just the cartridge or does it have to be the whole strut assembly. the prices you listed are really low for around here (wisconsin). maybe the cost of living here is more.

Oh I see. Reasonable explanation. On the '97 and up Grand Prixs you have to replace the complete strut assembly. There is no cartridge only like on the Lumina. I had a '96 Lumina Sedan and it was cartridges but more difficult to replace because you need that special tool. And that is true labor and parts costs will vary depending on where you live.

The pic below shows that you remove the complete strut off the vehicle and then use a strut spring compressor to remove the strut. Many of us DIY the work to save on labor costs and speed up the time to repair or get your vehicle back on the road but that may not always be the case since the Pros are better equipped to handle this type work.

[Langning]

I did 2 strut replacements (a 96 Chevy Cavalier and my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT) myself. On the Cavalier, the 4 monroe struts were $50 each. For my GP, I paid $175 (2 years ago) for a set of 4 KYB shipped. And of course, I did my own installations and I also bought the spring compressor + special tool socket/bit for removing the front top nut. I reused all other parts and haven't had a problem.

Before my first time, I did get quoted at Sears Auto and their price was so ridicular (don't remember how much) that I resorted to do it myself. Because the part price is much higher with mechanics and the extra labor + extra parts, be expected to pay $1000 for all 4 struts. In Boston area, the labor is close to $100 an hour.