Coilover install estimate [Archive] - MX-5 Miata Forum (2024)

MX-5 Miata Forum > NA/NB (1990-2005) Miata > NA/NB Suspension / Handling / Brakes > Coilover install estimate

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mxdup

20th April 2020, 19:52

I'm getting $1200+ estimates here in Seattle area for coilover install on 4 corners with alignment(w/out corner balancing). I'm supplying coilovers. Is this normal? 7hrs labor on just the install?

samhain00

20th April 2020, 20:19

Ripoff

MeisterR

20th April 2020, 20:40

Does that price come with the coilover?
Unless every bolt are rotted, it shouldn’t take more than 4 hours for the install.

Jerrick

Aaroneous

20th April 2020, 22:21

For install plus alignment, I would think anything over $750 in a high cost area (and significantly less in most places) is excessive. I'd find another shop.

o1marc

20th April 2020, 23:03

I just installed mine in less than 4 hours, and that's only because it took me awhile to figure out the right way, then the next 3 were done in an hour. For half your quote I would expect coil over install, 4 wheel balance and alignment.

DrewNA

20th April 2020, 23:25

In CA 4 wheel alignments are $100-200. The average shop labor rate is $100-125/hr. To rack a car and r&r the coilovers is a 3hr job for most shops that don't have Miata experience. Then depending on the type of coilover there is travel adjusment and maybe ride height which can take 1-2hrs. If you want it done right. It has to be driven after every adjustment to settle it and re-adjusted after a few hundred miles.

I'm getting $1200+ estimates here in Seattle area for coilover install on 4 corners with alignment(w/out corner balancing). I'm supplying coilovers. Is this normal? 7hrs labor on just the install?

3MiataFamily

20th April 2020, 23:33

I'm getting $1200+ estimates here in Seattle area for coilover install on 4 corners with alignment(w/out corner balancing). I'm supplying coilovers. Is this normal? 7hrs labor on just the install?

Find another shop...that is a total rip..

what kind of coilovers are you supplying?...are they pre-assembled and pre set?...re-using any stock parts?...all of that factors in to a proper install

For that $$$ I would expect the install...and a hooker to keep me entertained while you get screwed by that shop

Bob_MX5

21st April 2020, 12:04

Find another shop...that is a total rip..

what kind of coilovers are you supplying?...are they pre-assembled and pre set?...re-using any stock parts?...all of that factors in to a proper install

For that $$$ I would expect the install...and a hooker to keep me entertained while you get screwed by that shop

This ^^^^.

$100-$125_per corner is about right for labor.

mxdup

21st April 2020, 12:43

Find another shop...that is a total rip..

what kind of coilovers are you supplying?...are they pre-assembled and pre set?...re-using any stock parts?...all of that factors in to a proper install

For that $$$ I would expect the install...and a hooker to keep me entertained while you get screwed by that shop

Ha! This seems accurate. I've got MeisterR Sportives in the box, fully assembled. The guy at the last shop explained that the number of hours comes from having to remove the sway bar/control arms. Not buying it.

I'll try a couple more shops but I'm not optimistic. Prob best to find someone with experience, throw them some cash, and learn a thing or two.

Thank you all for the sanity check. It felt like a rip. I'll update soon.

mxdup

21st April 2020, 12:45

That's what I was thinking....Thanks

o1marc

21st April 2020, 13:14

I'll try a couple more shops but I'm not optimistic. Prob best to find someone with experience, throw them some cash, and learn a thing or two.

Thank you all for the sanity check. It felt like a rip. I'll update soon.

Pop a ball joint or remove the lower long bolt, takes 5 minutes to save a lot of time swapping. If I had a lift, I could do a 4 strut change in an hour.

scottns

21st April 2020, 13:41

I've always used the long bolt method myself.

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=534175

mxdup

21st April 2020, 13:43

Pop a ball joint or remove the lower long bolt, takes 5 minutes to save a lot of time swapping. If I had a lift, I could do a 4 strut change in an hour.

Thanks, I think I saw this technique in a recent vid. Made it look like a hell of a time saver.

GAJ

21st April 2020, 13:58

I'm getting $1200+ estimates here in Seattle area for coilover install on 4 corners with alignment(w/out corner balancing). I'm supplying coilovers. Is this normal? 7hrs labor on just the install?

Just had an FCM suspension put in on my '94 R by Edge Motorworks in Fremont California, (Bay Area).

Nothing is cheap here! :p

Installation including installing new sold Racing Beat front sway bar: $1266.

4 Corner Balance/ride height dial in: $321

Custom alignment: $304.

For me it was expensive but worth it.

The car is transformed.

3MiataFamily

21st April 2020, 16:54

Thanks, I think I saw this technique in a recent vid. Made it look like a hell of a time saver.

Find a local Miata Club...someone in that club knows how to do this...

o1marc

21st April 2020, 16:58

Stopped by a race shop today to check on an alignment. Was quoted $575 for a corner weight and balance. Seems high to me, what are you racers normally seeing for this service. I can't stand it when the guy quoting has to go into a closed room to check on a price with the boss. Price does not include tire balance.

MarbleCanyon

21st April 2020, 17:36

I did a 4 corner shock absorber/shock mount/bump-stop change in about 8 hours, and it was the first time I'd ever done anything like this. The ride height was set, but I did not get an alignment. Used the long-bolt method.

If I can do it, anyone can.

The shop that quoted you is a rip-off joint.

joe morreale

22nd April 2020, 08:25

I changed springs and shocks on four corners. Total time including disassembly was about 5 1/2 hours. Using jack stands and hand tools. Another one for breaking the ball joint here. I'm not a mechanic, but at $100 an hour that's only $550.

flyingmachine

22nd April 2020, 13:16

One of other more reputable alignment shops here in Los Angeles charges $3-400 for alignment and corner balance. This is 2-3 hrs with the driver sitting in the car. Installation at the same shop is $3-500.

Mitsumi

22nd April 2020, 22:09

Just had an FCM suspension put in on my '94 R by Edge Motorworks in Fremont California, (Bay Area).

Nothing is cheap here! :p

Installation including installing new sold Racing Beat front sway bar: $1266.

4 Corner Balance/ride height dial in: $321

Custom alignment: $304.

For me it was expensive but worth it.

The car is transformed.

I would have installed it for $100 and a case of good beer

GAJ

24th April 2020, 13:50

I would have installed it for $100 and a case of good beer

latericius

27th April 2020, 12:10

I'm getting $1200+ estimates here in Seattle area for coilover install on 4 corners with alignment(w/out corner balancing). I'm supplying coilovers. Is this normal? 7hrs labor on just the install?

I got a $500 quote for my install in here near Seattle.
https://www.chaserace.com/

Highly recommend him.

Cubslover

27th April 2020, 12:31

Just replaced mine Saturday, took 1.5hrs. on the ground.

aaronredbaron

4th May 2020, 15:28

If Seattle doesn't work for you as suggested above I can put you in touch with my friend in Olympia. Mechanical genius, best back-yard mechanic you will find anywhere, and he won't rip you off.

gtxhawaii

5th May 2020, 06:11

For a DIY install, all 3 Miata front suspension disassembly methods can be fast. Popping a ball joint with hammers is a skill, first timers risk injury, and teaching kids bad words. The HF balljoint tool isn't much slower. First time since Hiroshima Pop of the taper lock is startling! You may prefer to wear ear protection. I anti-seize these for easier subsequent work. Do Not fully remove the lock nut before releasing the taper lock, to keep the hub and brakes from swinging down and raking your shins. To the bone is easily accomplished.
The San Diego method (unbolting the lower ball joint) is often my choice. Fitting the bolt back into the lower arm goes poorly if you don't have a sort of Marlinspike tool to line up the threading for the lower bolt, but probably is the fastest. Also requires a long lever/pipe to fully drop the lower A-arm for extracting the stock suspension. Less critical for installing usually shorter coilovers.
Long bolt method goes well, assuming little rust on the long bolt. If rusted in, the hassle can make people consider selling the car for something much less corroded instead of cutting out the bolt and maybe the suspension arm. Accepting defeat is an adult option, and going to either of the less-affected-by-rust methods. Drop the sway bar at the mounts to get it out of the way of the long bolt, you don't need to disconnect the sway links.
Unless I've been in the suspension recently, and anti-seized Everything, a good impact gun is on hand before I'll start work. Even then, unusual motivation would be necessary to do a hand tools suspension swap.

NeverEnough

5th May 2020, 18:48

Alignment is about $100 anywhere. Coilover install should not be more than $500ish.

When I had the new Bilsteins & CS springs installed in my old MS6 a few years ago, I took it to the local Mazda dealer that does all my inspections & bs. They tried charging me north of $500. (I believe they tried to charge me twice as if they were not just yabking stock & putting those in place of them). I complained to the managed & got half knocked off... YMMV

turboedpickup

6th May 2020, 14:30

Yup - the place I had my friend go to was ~$550 for remove old co's, install, corner balance, and alignment.

There are some efficiencies to be gained by having it all done at the same time.

As far as when I did it myself? Long bolt method for sure in the fronts. The rears just needed some jumping/finagling.