Rear Shock Absorbers Question

[proggy]

Hello,
Should there be a problem with the replacing of rear shocks to my car (2004 MR2 Roadster)?
I phoned ATS Euromaster a few weeks ago for a quote, which they gave me, £153 each. I went into the centre on Saturday morning to book my car in for the job to be done to be told by the centre manager that they don't do shocks for this type of car. I told him that he might be wrong because I'd phoned and actually got a quote from them. He said that he has just taken over the branch and could assure me that they would not touch the suspension on my car.
I have used this branch of ATS Euromaster for tyres, MOTs, servicing and so on for about 15 years and never had a problem with them before. Was wondering if there was a reason why he didn't want to take the job on.
Thanks
Steve.

[Call the midlife!]

Hello,
Should there be a problem with the replacing of rear shocks to my car (2004 MR2 Roadster)?
I phoned ATS Euromaster a few weeks ago for a quote, which they gave me, £153 each. I went into the centre on Saturday morning to book my car in for the job to be done to be told by the centre manager that they don't do shocks for this type of car. I told him that he might be wrong because I'd phoned and actually got a quote from them. He said that he has just taken over the branch and could assure me that they would not touch the suspension on my car.
I have used this branch of ATS Euromaster for tyres, MOTs, servicing and so on for about 15 years and never had a problem with them before. Was wondering if there was a reason why he didn't want to take the job on.
Thanks
Steve.

How much were they actually quoting to replace? Just the dampers or full strut? The rear drop links are often siezed to the strut mount so are classed as a consumable and ground off. Maybe someone there "knows" the issues and just doesn't want the hassle?


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[proggy]

Just the dampers, one of them has a slight misting, they quoted £153 each side on the phone.
I thought it was just a few bolts to undo and new dampers replaced, couple of hours work.

[Call the midlife!]

Just the dampers, one of them has a slight misting, they quoted £153 each side on the phone.
I thought it was just a few bolts to undo and new dampers replaced, couple of hours work.

Well aside from the obvious that I think they're robbing you blind price wise, if everything went to plan then yeah, probably an hour each side including clamping the springs.
But depending on the condition of your suspension (and that's not an insult) you only need one stubborn nut and they're losing money.
I'm still betting on them just not wanting the job.


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[proggy]

Yeah, I thought that too.
Thanks for the input, I'll have a shop around and see what offers are out there.

[Call the midlife!]

Yeah, I thought that too.
Thanks for the input, I'll have a shop around and see what offers are out there.

Good thinking. And this is easy for me to say as I've replaced all four corners on mine, with coilovers granted but the principle is the same, it's not a difficult job doing it yourself. The two biggest issues would be compressing the springs if you don't have the tools and the aforementioned drop links.
There's the standard school of thought to get the tracking/geo checked after to bear in mind too.


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[proggy]

Thanks for your help, I should really have a go at doing it myself, I probably am capable enough but I hate getting under cars.
I'll just have a look for another garage.

[Call the midlife!]

Thanks for your help, I should really have a go at doing it myself, I probably am capable enough but I hate getting under cars.
I'll just have a look for another garage.

No problem, technically you don't need to "get under", there's an amount of laying on the floor at the side possibly to fettle the drop links but you shouldn't have to actually get underneath it, just lift up one side at a time.
Good luck with it regardless.


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[1979scotte]

Depending on your miles I would consider replacing all four corners.
All four shocks can be had for 360 quid and springs are 120 for a set.

Where are you located.
There are a few recommended mechanics.
I take mine to Headcase in Hastings.
There is Steve in Loughborough.
A few more besides.

[Carolyn]

4 KYB shocks (if you shop around) can be had for about £250.

[proggy]

I'm in north/central London, Camden area, I'm used to getting ripped off to be honest.
Thanks for the advice, I've gathered a few phone numbers so I'll start having a ring round.

[Call the midlife!]

I'm in north/central London, Camden area, I'm used to getting ripped off to be honest.
Thanks for the advice, I've gathered a few phone numbers so I'll start having a ring round.

Move to Yorkshire, it'll be cheaper in the long run...


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[proggy]

That's a good shout, I would move up there, Harrogate looks bloody beautiful.

[Call the midlife!]

That's a good shout, I would move up there, Harrogate looks bloody beautiful.

Aye, the only trouble is because it's so beautiful everyone wants to visit, much the same as York!


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[delhusband]

Affiliates TCB and GT4Play do the Tein S Tech lowering springs.

I went for KYB Excel G's shock absorbers, which I got from here;
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/rear-shock-absorber/kyb-334311_g900002_a085334311.html
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/rear-shock-absorber/kyb-334310_g900002_a085334310.html

Can also be found here
https://www.fensport.co.uk/parts/toyota/mr2/mk3-1-8-roadster/chassis-tuning/mrs-kyb-shock-absorber-right-hand-rear/
https://www.fensport.co.uk/parts/toyota/mr2/mk3-1-8-roadster/chassis-tuning/mrs-kyb-shock-absorber-left-hand-rear/

MR2-Ben.co.uk do Sachs shock absorbers as well.

Hope this helps

[proggy]

Thanks delhusband.

[Carolyn]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400829028233

Other side also available from same supplier.

[Topdownman]

I bought mine from ebay and ended up buying from different suppliers for every shock as not every one had them all at the best price.

[proggy]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400829028233

Other side also available from same supplier.

Thanks for your help Carolyn, I've found a company to do the job now, J and J Autos in Islington, bit more expensive than I would have liked but come highly recommended.