How much to do a job?

2string1 · 03-29-2022, 05:41 PM

I recently had a shop put on lowering springs, rear cam arms, shocks and rotors and brake pads also an alignment. This is for the labor only.They charged me $1520. Does this sound right?

BGTV8 · 03-30-2022, 03:16 AM

How many hours ??

2string1 · 03-30-2022, 06:00 AM

I'm not sure I haven't picked it up yet. They charge 110 per hour.

babyzilla · 03-30-2022, 07:55 AM

I'm getting similar work done today. I shopped around and found shops that were very cheap, very expensive, and in between. That cost sounds about right and their hourly rate seems average. My lowering springs took 4 hours total. My FUCAs and camber arms were quoted at 4 hours total as well. So, I would assume another 4 hours for shocks (one hr per corner). Alignments usually range from 100-150. IDK how much brakes and rotors are as I haven't done that yet, but it is on my to-do list.

So, here's what I'm getting for you:
Lowering Springs 4x110=440
Rear Camber Arms 2x110=220
Shocks 4x110=440
Alignment 150
1250

Rotors+Pads (1520-1250)=270

Although I would suspect the lowering springs and shocks would take less than 8 hours if they are doing it together. The price could be on the high end, but if it's a reputable shop and you are comfortable with their work I think that's what matters most - peace of mind knowing the work was done correctly.

14Q60awdSPORT · 03-30-2022, 09:08 AM

The cost to do front spring / strut should be 1 cost there is zero additional work to do the other when doing one of them.
Rear springs are a joke with how easy they are to do, never did the rear strut on my G but it looks incredibly easy, easier then fronts.

Rear camber arms take probably 20mins per side DIY home mechanic. Should be 1h at most shop price.

should be front lowering springs / struts x 2x110 =220
rear lowering spring x 2x110 = 220 (still high)
rear strut x 2x110 = 220 (still high)
Rear Camber arm 2x55 = 110
alignment 150.
$920 tops

Once car is on lift and wheels are off (they most likely will be for the above work)
It is probably 30mins a corner for rotor/pads at this point.
Add an hour for getting on/off lift and removing/reinstalling the wheels but again this is doubled with the above work already.

that would be another $220 added to the above.

Shops be doing HWY robberies.
They will often just quote you the book hours for each job, and unless you speak up they'll probably not factor in the shared work for each job done at same time even though several hours is shared for all the above work.

babyzilla · 03-30-2022, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14Q60awdSPORT

The cost to do front spring / strut should be 1 cost there is zero additional work to do the other when doing one of them.
Rear springs are a joke with how easy they are to do, never did the rear strut on my G but it looks incredibly easy, easier then fronts.

Rear camber arms take probably 20mins per side DIY home mechanic. Should be 1h at most shop price.

should be front lowering springs / struts x 2x110 =220
rear lowering spring x 2x110 = 220 (still high)
rear strut x 2x110 = 220 (still high)
Rear Camber arm 2x55 = 110
alignment 150.
$920 tops

Once car is on lift and wheels are off (they most likely will be for the above work)
It is probably 30mins a corner for rotor/pads at this point.
Add an hour for getting on/off lift and removing/reinstalling the wheels but again this is doubled with the above work already.

that would be another $220 added to the above.

Shops be doing HWY robberies.
They will often just quote you the book hours for each job, and unless you speak up they'll probably not factor in the shared work for each job done at same time even though several hours is shared for all the above work.

Asking questions about the work is advisable, but the work has already been done according to OP. Regarding the cost for some of these things, yes, it can add up quick. On the other hand, you pay for convenience of not having to do this yourself in your own garage where most people don't have the proper tools, let alone an actual lift (not a jack and some rhino ramps lol). Most shops will always charge 1hr min for most work.

The best way to save money is getting all your parts in order first and trying to schedule time with the shop in one go. Also, most shops will discount their labor rate if you buy the parts directly from them, but if you are like me, you try to find parts in the aftermarket rather than paying market prices. Might all be a wash lol

Lastly, finding the right shop that actually knows your car is important too. For example, installing rear camber arms on our car with the toe bolts require some cutting. Also, an experienced shop will recommend the eccentric lockout kit if you are lowered too.

2string1 · 03-30-2022, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyzilla

Asking questions about the work is advisable, but the work has already been done according to OP. Regarding the cost for some of these things, yes, it can add up quick. On the other hand, you pay for convenience of not having to do this yourself in your own garage where most people don't have the proper tools, let alone an actual lift (not a jack and some rhino ramps lol). Most shops will always charge 1hr min for most work.

The best way to save money is getting all your parts in order first and trying to schedule time with the shop in one go. Also, most shops will discount their labor rate if you buy the parts directly from them, but if you are like me, you try to find parts in the aftermarket rather than paying market prices. Might all be a wash lol

Lastly, finding the right shop that actually knows your car is important too. For example, installing rear camber arms on our car with the toe bolts require some cutting. Also, an experienced shop will recommend the eccentric lockout kit if you are lowered too.

Cutting what?

2string1 · 03-30-2022, 10:01 AM

They ended up giving me a spring 10% discount and 3% discount for paying cash. I did alright I think. Yes they installed the lockouts too.

babyzilla · 03-30-2022, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2string1

Cutting what?

The toe bolts from SPC require the hole to be cut out a little wider. It actually comes with a template in the packaging.

14Q60awdSPORT · 03-30-2022, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2string1

Cutting what?

Takes about 10mins a side to dremel out the hole to be a little wider so you can use aftermarket toe bolt for greater range of toe adjustment.

k67p67 · 03-30-2022, 11:17 PM

The OP's shop definitely overcharged for labor. Struts/shocks/springs should take no more than 2 hours. Let's be generous and estimate one hour for the rear camber arms. One more hour for the rotors and pads (no extra charge for the rotors since the calipers had to be removed to change pads). Lastly, an hour for the alignment. That totals 5 labor hours. I can easily do all but the alignment on my garage floor with jack stands in the 4 hours I estimated.

14Q60awdSPORT · 03-30-2022, 11:34 PM

I could see a shop charging 5hours for the suspension work, 2hour for rotor/pad and 1hour alignment. 8hour shop time wouldn’t be unreasonable. And they could probably actually get it all done in about 5-6hours. But typically you pay standard book hours.. But like i said they’ll look at book hours for each component and not factor in half the work for various components is shared and thus the cost/time should reflect. total book hours probably around 12 on initial quote. You simply need to remind them (let them know you know) that various parts of install are shared and when doing things simultaneously it is probably a 7-8hour “book” job.

babyzilla · 03-31-2022, 12:54 PM

Not to hijack OPs thread, but it is relevant. I dropped my car off this morning to a reputable shop (recommended by my usual shop since they didn't have an alignment system which I needed). From everything I've heard their work is fantastic, but in my experience so far their customer service is SO bad. Border line rude. It would have been nice to build a rapport, but doesn't look like that's going to happen.
Anyways, I was quoted one price, but it went up significantly once they started working on the car. This basically touches on all the point we mentioned on this thread. I'm pretty annoyed, but oh well. I don't understand the method of dropping your car off, getting the work done, and then letting you know how much it is. Makes no logical sense to me. Original quote via email was about 1650

14Q60awdSPORT · 03-31-2022, 06:49 PM

State laws may vary, but in WA

“ The facility must notify you and receive either your written or oral approval to do any extra work that will increase the cost more than 10 percent above the original, authorized estimate”

Some of those prices are HWY robbery. Maybe I should open a shop lol.

danegrey · 04-02-2022, 01:15 PM

reading all of this and it all so depends, I have a shop in Knoxville, that was reasonable as to what I had done...

replaced front pads - .8 hour
replaced rear pads and rotors - 1.5 hours
performed brake flush/clutch flush - 1 hour
perform transmission flush - .7 hour
perform coolant flush - 1 hour
performed alignment with race package - 189.00 -- includes 2 additional alignments in a year

Supplies - 40
taxes - 81
total was 908.00 to me reasonable hourly rate was 105

I supplied all the fluids and materials. So I was happy...

03-29-2022, 05:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
2string1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Vermont Posts: 356 Drives: 2010 Roadster Rep Power: 15459	How much to do a job? I recently had a shop put on lowering springs, rear cam arms, shocks and rotors and brake pads also an alignment. This is for the labor only.They charged me $1520. Does this sound right? Last edited by 2string1; 03-29-2022 at 06:26 PM.

03-30-2022, 07:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
babyzilla Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Maryland Posts: 487 Drives: 15 Nismo Tech 6MT Rep Power: 23631	I'm getting similar work done today. I shopped around and found shops that were very cheap, very expensive, and in between. That cost sounds about right and their hourly rate seems average. My lowering springs took 4 hours total. My FUCAs and camber arms were quoted at 4 hours total as well. So, I would assume another 4 hours for shocks (one hr per corner). Alignments usually range from 100-150. IDK how much brakes and rotors are as I haven't done that yet, but it is on my to-do list. So, here's what I'm getting for you: Lowering Springs 4x110=440 Rear Camber Arms 2x110=220 Shocks 4x110=440 Alignment 150 1250 Rotors+Pads (1520-1250)=270 Although I would suspect the lowering springs and shocks would take less than 8 hours if they are doing it together. The price could be on the high end, but if it's a reputable shop and you are comfortable with their work I think that's what matters most - peace of mind knowing the work was done correctly. KapitalZ likes this. Last edited by babyzilla; 03-30-2022 at 07:59 AM.

03-30-2022, 09:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
14Q60awdSPORT Base Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: washington Posts: 58 Drives: 14 Q60 awd SPORT Rep Power: 3359	The cost to do front spring / strut should be 1 cost there is zero additional work to do the other when doing one of them. Rear springs are a joke with how easy they are to do, never did the rear strut on my G but it looks incredibly easy, easier then fronts. Rear camber arms take probably 20mins per side DIY home mechanic. Should be 1h at most shop price. should be front lowering springs / struts x 2x110 =220 rear lowering spring x 2x110 = 220 (still high) rear strut x 2x110 = 220 (still high) Rear Camber arm 2x55 = 110 alignment 150. $920 tops Once car is on lift and wheels are off (they most likely will be for the above work) It is probably 30mins a corner for rotor/pads at this point. Add an hour for getting on/off lift and removing/reinstalling the wheels but again this is doubled with the above work already. that would be another $220 added to the above. Shops be doing HWY robberies. They will often just quote you the book hours for each job, and unless you speak up they'll probably not factor in the shared work for each job done at same time even though several hours is shared for all the above work. babyzilla likes this. Last edited by 14Q60awdSPORT; 03-30-2022 at 09:16 AM.

03-30-2022, 10:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
2string1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Vermont Posts: 356 Drives: 2010 Roadster Rep Power: 15459	They ended up giving me a spring 10% discount and 3% discount for paying cash. I did alright I think. Yes they installed the lockouts too. danegrey, ZontheRocks and babyzilla like this.

03-30-2022, 11:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
k67p67 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 303 Drives: 2017 Nismo Tech 6MT Rep Power: 3937	The OP's shop definitely overcharged for labor. Struts/shocks/springs should take no more than 2 hours. Let's be generous and estimate one hour for the rear camber arms. One more hour for the rotors and pads (no extra charge for the rotors since the calipers had to be removed to change pads). Lastly, an hour for the alignment. That totals 5 labor hours. I can easily do all but the alignment on my garage floor with jack stands in the 4 hours I estimated. __________________ 2017 370Z Nismo Tech 6MT PART OUT IN PROGRESS Work \| Motordyne \| Powertrix \| Swift \| Michelin \| Takeda \| Hotchkis \| RJM \| Voodoo13 \| SPL \| SPC \| Z1 Motorsports \| ZSpeed \| Morimoto \| Craft Square

03-30-2022, 03:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
BGTV8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: 03350 Australia Posts: 1,514 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 39973	How many hours ??

03-30-2022, 06:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
2string1 Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Vermont Posts: 356 Drives: 2010 Roadster Rep Power: 15459	I'm not sure I haven't picked it up yet. They charge 110 per hour.

03-30-2022, 11:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
14Q60awdSPORT Base Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: washington Posts: 58 Drives: 14 Q60 awd SPORT Rep Power: 3359	I could see a shop charging 5hours for the suspension work, 2hour for rotor/pad and 1hour alignment. 8hour shop time wouldn’t be unreasonable. And they could probably actually get it all done in about 5-6hours. But typically you pay standard book hours.. But like i said they’ll look at book hours for each component and not factor in half the work for various components is shared and thus the cost/time should reflect. total book hours probably around 12 on initial quote. You simply need to remind them (let them know you know) that various parts of install are shared and when doing things simultaneously it is probably a 7-8hour “book” job. sx moneypit and Zingston like this.

03-31-2022, 06:49 PM	#14 (permalink)
14Q60awdSPORT Base Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: washington Posts: 58 Drives: 14 Q60 awd SPORT Rep Power: 3359	State laws may vary, but in WA “ The facility must notify you and receive either your written or oral approval to do any extra work that will increase the cost more than 10 percent above the original, authorized estimate” Some of those prices are HWY robbery. Maybe I should open a shop lol. babyzilla likes this.

04-02-2022, 01:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
danegrey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Knoxville Age: 71 Posts: 3,190 Drives: 12 370Z BK Cherry M6 Rep Power: 649540	reading all of this and it all so depends, I have a shop in Knoxville, that was reasonable as to what I had done... replaced front pads - .8 hour replaced rear pads and rotors - 1.5 hours performed brake flush/clutch flush - 1 hour perform transmission flush - .7 hour perform coolant flush - 1 hour performed alignment with race package - 189.00 -- includes 2 additional alignments in a year Supplies - 40 taxes - 81 total was 908.00 to me reasonable hourly rate was 105 I supplied all the fluids and materials. So I was happy... KapitalZ likes this. __________________ Lots of Changes the Z needs to be driven and driven hard for the car lives for it