Replace Shocks with Coils?

tangotonyb

One of my front coils has snapped.
I asked for quote to replace both front coils and the garage has also priced me replacing the 2 shocks at the same time as no extra labour.

Now I read that I don't need to replace both at the same time - just the broken coil, but can't replace just one shock of course as they need to be done in pairs.

It's a 2010 VW Diesel and should last another 60k-100k.

So my options are:
1) Replace 1 coil Not quoted but probably around £140.
2) Replace both coils £265
3) Replace coils and shocks (£405


Thoughts anyone?

System

What is the mileage on the current shocks? If its heading towards 70-80k then I'd be thinking of doing the shocks, especially if it does a lot of town driving.

Labour is the biggest lump of the bill so if you're doing both shocks it makes sense to do both springs at the same time as you have to take the whole strut out and remove the good spring when changing that shock absorber anyway so the only difference is when you put that side back together you fit a new spring instead of the old one.

VFR

Option 3 if you can afford it & as the last posted as indicated.

AdrianC

Because of the way front struts are assembled and fitted, the labour to replace the dampers is roughly zero when the struts are off the car and apart for the new spring. So, given that dampers do lose efficiency over time and use, it makes sense to replace them. If you're replacing one damper, replace both.

tangotonyb

Current mileage on car is 150k and they haven't been done before.

Clickmechanic quotes me £333 for the coils so £265 is reasonable although it's my only quote so far as weekend, so may get them a little cheaper.

I can get cheaper parts from ECP today as they have a 1/3 off car parts deal - tempted to order the parts with the discount and talk to garages on Monday - may work out a little cheaper that way, although some garages may not like fitting parts I've supplied.

AdrianC

Don't buy the parts then expect a garage to fit them. The main reason they don't like doing that is that, if the parts turn out to be wrong, they have a ramp out of use while you do the running around returning them and getting correct ones. Then if the parts die in short order, there's an argument over liability.

ESPECIALLY don't buy parts on price and price alone from the likes of ECP - there's a lot of cheap rubbish being sold on price alone...

Gwendo40

AdrianC wrote: »

Don't buy the parts then expect a garage to fit them. The main reason they don't like doing that is that, if the parts turn out to be wrong, they have a ramp out of use while you do the running around returning them and getting correct ones. Then if the parts die in short order, there's an argument over liability.

ESPECIALLY don't buy parts on price and price alone from the likes of ECP - there's a lot of cheap rubbish being sold on price alone...

But of course the main reason garages don't like fitting owner supplied parts is because it doesn't give them the opportunity to put on a nice price gouging mark up on said parts.

motorguy

As per all of the above, i'd replace the shocks and springs. They shocks are way past end of life as is and you do plan on keeping the car.

And no, dont buy the parts and expect someone to fit them. They'll charge you more as its a ball ache for them if something goes wrong and if theres a fault with the part it becomes your problem.

Supply and fit - that way theres only one !!! to kick if theres a problem down the line.

System

tangotonyb wrote: »

Current mileage on car is 150k and they haven't been done before.

Hell. They definitely want doing, I'd do the rear shock absorbers as well. You'll notice a massive difference, it'll totally transform the car and you'll notice the benefit more from doing the rears than the fronts - if you have people who go in the car as passengers and get travel sick you may find they no longer do.. I did mine on my Mondeo at around 135,000 miles, didn't think they were that bad but it felt a bit wallowy when I took the caravan out with the Mondy for the first time in a few years so I did the rears. Couldn't believe how much better they were so the fronts were done a few weeks later. Drives like a new car again.

peter12345678910

I did option 1 for the same price due to the shocks being in the coils. Though I have ordered a spring compressor £11 from eBay with great reviews so I may try doing it myself next time. I reckon it is an easy job. Even when cars go electric it is a good skill to have.

tangotonyb

Yes - I'm thinking of taking option 3 but doing it myself - did the rear brakes earlier this year and that was ok apart from 2 big issues - one of which I expected (a tight awkward bolt) and one I didn't - the old discs were almost welded on - had to get a blowtorch on and get them almost red hot before I could remove.

So now I'm looking at parts - I had thought ECP, but I've been advised to avoid after-market parts on the front - where can I get OEM parts - everywhere I look just shows me lists of branded products?