Failed Mot Front Shock Absorber

[mishman]

Hi there,

I got my MOT done today and it failed for the very first time in 10 years of ownership. :eerrrmm:

Failed on 2 things :

1) Front nearside shock absorber leaking

2) Wipers not cleaning screen effectively.

I had only changed the wipers less than 6 months ago as my previous Bosch were getting noisy.

Anyway they quoted my £158 for Part +VAT+ labour to do 1 shock absorber, about £90 for labour, does this seem a good price.

I got 10 days to get the retest done so need to get it sorted soon.

How easy is it to do this DIY as I could not find any previous posts, I've got spanners galore but no compression clamps.

Also should both be done at the same time?

I'm tempted to get this checked at another garage as they could not show me the leak as it was off the ramp when I came to collect.

Anyone know a good reliable garage in Northampton?

[scudney]

Hi sorry about your mot failure,I use a garage called Heeley Alden on Wycliffe Road,used them for the last 18 years,can get their number if interested although not open again till Wednesday

[steve2006]

You can buy a pair of front KYBs for less than £120.00 delivered to your door then get them fitted by a local garage

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Lexus-IS200-2-0-EST-RWD-KYB-FRONT-Shock-Absorber-02-06-341359-/400535611006?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5d41c8667e

[petayV8]

When i was looking to buy it was common for shocks to need replacing around 10 years in i found. Most IS's will now im guessing

[ColinBarber]

Also should both be done at the same time?

Ideally yes, you potentially will have instability under hard braking and odd handling due to different damping characteristics between an old and new shock.

[mishman]

Well guys thanks for all the replies most helpful.

I took Scudneys advice and used Heeley Alden to replace my front shocks with KYBs, very good family friendly service I think I will use them next time.

I also had the MOT retest done today all sorted happy days again ;)

[scudney]

Glad you got it sorted,and found them friendly been my local garage for over 18 years :-D