Can anyone give me an idea what a fair labor cost will be to replace the struts on my 1972 240z?

Also,..is this a repair that any standard reair shop should be able to perform, (Firestone, Big 10 Tires, etc)?

Edited April 19, 201311 yr by dltalfa

You can do it yourself. Just need a jack, spring clamps (~$25) a pipe wrench and some hand tools.

I would do it myself,...but all the suspension diss-assembly concerns me.

The least expensive way would be to find a Z friend. Check out the local Z club in your area. There are probably members who will do it for low to fair price and do it correctly with care.

For a cost/time estimate I would guess a shop would charge 4 hrs of labour to do the job.

I had all four done last year and I was billed for 4 hours. In all honesty, I think that was standard rate and the actual time for a 42 year old car was longer.

That's what I would have guessed.... An hour per corner. Then it's just a matter of finding out the what shop's per hour flat rate is.

Check your area for local references - typically look for a good independent with foreign cars on the lot. Watch out for the chains that will pad your bill with unneeded extras.

Its not a 4 hour job on a S30. If everything goes well and the tech is diligent and careful in his work it will take 6 hours.

I am with Blue. If this is not your Daily Driver and you have the tools, then you should give it a try - you'll get plenty of help here on the forum. Now, if your mechanical skill is still growing or you would just rather have someone else do the work, then get yourself several estimates. I have done this many times and there is no way it would take 6 hours! Anything around 3 maaaybe 4 hours is more in line. Important: Be prepared to replace a upper strut mount or two, because these old parts are known to break. If this is the case, then you will be sitting for a while as the shop sources the parts. If you do the work yourself, you can get all of the parts ahead of time - cheaper- maybe even afford strut mounts (which you can return if unused). To figure your expense at a shop it is usually: Parts Cost + 20% (minimum) + $75/hr labor.

I second everyone;s encouragement that you try it yourself. Another tool to buy that you may not have is a propane torch. If the gland nuts are stuck really good you may need to heat the top of the strut tube to get it loose. When you buy a set of spring clamps/compressors, get a good set! I paid $40 for mine at AutoZone, same kind they rent out for loaner tools. When you use it make sure you oil the threads and go slow, no impact guns or air tools to speed up the process. If you are just not comfortable with it then fact $200 +/- for labor and at least $170 in parts and possibly more.

If the Z is not your daily driver then do it yourself, go slow, and if needed take pics of everything before you take it apart. The FSM is good to have on hand too. The #1 one thing to keep in mind is safety since if you do something wrong it could result in serious injury very quickly. However if you take your time you should be just fine. If you are still uncomfortable doing it yourself then definitely have a shop do it. The bonus there is that you don't get dirty and you may get a warranty of some sort.

Do all your estimates include "The Hardway Surcharge" for when it's supposed to be easy but turns into a nightmare? :knockedou

Got mine done yesterday from craigslist mobile mechanic. 250 bux. If you undo the brake lines make sure you got spare brake fluid. You will most likely have to bleed the brakes.

Edited April 25, 201311 yr by nismospek