Ford Expedition MAX driver in Altamont saves by considering DIY Suspension Overhaul

Advice On Your Quote

Parts

Strut Assembly, SE-SEL Left/Right: $396.96 each
- Typical Price Range (Non-OEM): $100–$500 each; Loaded assemblies (which include spring and mount) push to $200–$600.
- Advice: Not out of line if they’re using a loaded strut assembly and a high-end brand (like OEM or Monroe Quick-Strut). But if this is an off-brand or “bare” strut, it’s high. Ask which brand/part they're quoting.
- Upsell Risk: Struts can wear out by 75–100K miles; if yours is newer, question the need.

Control Arm, Left/Right: $305.04 each
- Typical Price Range (Part Only): $50–$200 each.
- Advice: $305 is above normal, even for genuine OEM, unless it's a premium part. Check if bushings/ball joints are included, and what brand it is. If they're going OEM, that could explain it, but typical aftermarket arms (even Moog or Dorman) are less.
- Upsell Risk: Common on older vehicles, but if not visibly worn, this is sometimes upsold.

Shock Absorber, Each: $148.36
- Typical Price Range: $50–$200 each.
- Advice: This is reasonable for a quality shock (KYB, Monroe, Bilstein). If it’s a no-name, it’s too high. Clarify the brand.

Engine or Transmission Mount (2 units): $86.36 each
- Typical Price Range: $20–$100 each.
- Advice: This is fair and typical for a decent mount.

P205/75R14 Tire: $100.00
- Typical Tire Price: $30–$100 each.
- Advice: $100 is the upper end, but fair for a decent mainstream tire. Double-check the brand/model.

Air Cleaner Element: $46.00
- DIY Price: $10–$30.
- Advice: This is high—likely a quick upsell. You can swap this yourself in 5 minutes and save.

Cabin Air Filter: $20.00
- DIY Price: $15–$40.
- Advice: Fair price, though some DIY for less.

Coolant: $30.00
- DIY Price: $10–$30/gallon.
- Advice: If this is for a full gallon (or system fill), it’s normal.

Brake Fluid: $12.50
- Typical Price: $5–$20.
- Advice: Right on target.

Labor

Alignment Labor: $125.00
- Market Rate: $90–$150.
- Advice: Normal and fair price.

Mount & Balance 4 New Tires: $100.00
- Market Rate: $70–$120.
- Advice: Standard.

Remove & Replace Engine Mount Labor: $161.00
- Labor Time: 1.1–1.2 hrs @ $80–$125/hr.
- Advice: Right in the normal range.

Remove & Replace Strut Assembly Labor: $242.00
- Labor Time: 1.7–1.9 hrs.
- Advice: Fair, matches estimated time and local rate.

Remove & Replace Front Lower Arms Labor: $484.00
- Labor Time: 3.3–3.7 hrs.
- Advice: A bit on the high side for the hours involved, but not unreasonable for a heavy SUV—especially if both sides and hardware are involved.

Perform Brake Fluid Exchange Labor: $120.00
- Labor Time: 0.8–0.9 hr.
- Advice: Standard, matches market rates for a full brake flush.

Upsell/Questionable Items

• Air Cleaner Element: Classic upsell—pricey for what it is, and super easy DIY.
• Possibly Control Arms and Struts: These are often recommended ahead of true need. Make sure there are symptoms—clunks, play, alignment issues, or uneven tire wear—before agreeing.

Fair, Not a Ripoff

• Most tires, brake, fluids, shocks, and labor costs are within expected ranges.
• Struts and control arms at the high end—worth asking about brands.

Total Labor and Parts

• Tally is high, but you’ve got several big jobs (struts, arms, shocks, mounts) all at once. Try getting a breakdown to see if anything can wait, and ask about part brands.