Leaky Front Shock On My Truck - Run it How Long ??

[Turk]

I have an '03 GMC Sierra with 123k miles on it. Love it, want to keep it a very long time...

The front shock started leaking about 1k miles ago. GM shop said it would be around $500! Yikes, don't want to shell out that much now.

About how long can or should I go before effecting the tires or front end parts...???

Thanks...

 

[blakegeo]

A leaky shock will wear your tire, but more importantly it is unsafe. Changing out a shock is an easy do it your self job and I have done it many times, quickly and without problems with common wrenches and sockets They can be bought for as low as $20 and upwards of $65 or so for Bilsteins. They should be replaced in pairs. Auto Zone, etc. can also instuct you when you purchase the shocks. This is not much more of a job than changing oil. Best regards-George

PS Sometimes Sears and other stores will install for free when you buy the shocks, others charge about $20/pair to do it. Pep Boys is another place you might try if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

[Turk]

Really? That easy??

Why on earth would GM charge so much..........!!

 

[Tosh]

Shocks can start seeping almost from new. You should ask someone with less vested interest in replacing it for their opinion on how seriously it's leaking.
Perhaps the stealer was quoting all 4 shocks for $500?

 

[Turk]

No, the amount was for 2. Something's not right here...

 

[eljefino]

Sure they're just shocks or some kind of strut?

As said above shockss are usually a real cinch to change on the typical double-wishbone truck front suspension.

 

[Turk]

Update:

Having them done is super high - $550 and up.

Checker had a coupon for $20 off a pair of Rancho's up to 4.

Called them, they didn't have the Rancho's, but they had Monroe Reflex's $10 higher. I said I didn't want a bait & switch and he stepped up and said he's sell me the Reflex's for the same price w/coupon as the Rancho's !! Lifetime warranty !!

I got then and DIY'd the Rear's, they were not leaking at all, but had 123k on them - super easy. Shook the truck before & after - WHOA - what a difference !!!!

Can't get the fronts off myself, will take those in at the cheapest place.

I figure I will save $300-350 !! Woo-Hoo !!

 

[Turk]

Update:

All 4 shocks are replaced with Monroe Reflex's.

WOW - what a difference - very stable, much more stiff and a little stiffer than the Originals ever were, fyi for you guys wondering...

 

[deepsquat]

Thanks for the update...how much was it to do the front...and why couldn't yoou do it yourself??

 

[Turk]

I could not get the upper nuts off and I don't have an impact wrench. It was only $80, plus got to know my neighbor who owns it and made a friendship, so it's all alright.

 

[crw]

Wow, I want to do this on my '88 Chev. Always been afraid to deal with shocks, but these day you have to know how to do everything yourself!

 

[The Critic]

Don't you need an alignment now?

 

[crw]

>> Why on earth would GM charge so much..........!!

Because they have to pay about 10 different people for every one who actually does work on your vehicle, and not enough people turn them down on this type of offer.