Mazda Repair: 2001 Mazda Tribute Repair, wheel bearings, mazda tribute

Question
I have over 114K on my 01 Tribute and I think I need to have my all of my shocks and struts replaced.  Do you have any idea what that should cost me?  Also, would it be wise for me to purchase the parts myself and have someone else install them?  

Thanks Todd

Answer
I do not advise buying your own parts; it is a lot like bringing a fine side of beef to a steak house and having them cook it for you expecting to pay less. It is not congenial to a good relationship with your auto professional.
It will be between $200-$400 for the parts. Have them installed at a shop with a wall mounted strut spring compressor. They are less likely to crack a coil on your springs, besides; I don't advocate the use of the do it yourself spring compressors. They are known for breaking and seriously injuring people. I have seen one fail before and neatly punch a hole thru a skylight in a shop with 20 ft ceilings. We found it in the parking lot next door. The amount of pressure in a coil spring is scary and should not be taken lightly. Any time you need to do a parts price check, call a local Napa or car quest and request your price and the list price. Your price will be the price you pay at the parts store; list will be the price you pay at a garage.  Any shop should be able to perform this service for around $550 to $600. But, before you take it in for the service, try checking your tire pressure, cheap tires or under inflated tires will often cause a similar feeling to blown struts. also, using a wax tire crayon available at most NAPA or Car quest, put a line from the rim to the tread on each tire and take it for a drive with light and hard cornering. Check the line afterwards. It should not be rubbed away any higher than the edge of the tread at the sidewall. If it is worn beyond that, it may be time for more serious components such as ball joints or wheel bearings. You can check all these things yourself. I do not approve of the rebound "bounce" test for struts, they often are not all that accurate and it is best checked by pulling up the boot on the strut and checking to see if the seal is leaking oil around the rod. If you have a hard time finding a shop in your aria that is reputable that will perform the work for a reasonable rate, take it to a local high school with an automotive program. They will not only do the work for the cost of the parts, they will have the appropriate spring compressor for the job as it is the only one that is OSHA approved and therefore the only one allowed in a teaching establishment.  

Happy Motoring,

John