question about labor time
 

Hi guys,

I need to get some front suspension work done on my 190E. Want to get some idea about labor hours involved before I go to the shop monday morning.

1. How long for replacing front swaybar bushings.
2. For replacing front strut mounts, does the strut and/or the spring have to come out? If NOT, then how long does just the strut mount take?
3. If the strut has to come out for changing the mount, then there should be no additional labor charge for changing the strut anyway. In this case, how many hours is it for replacing front struts and mounts, then?
4. While I am getting all this work done (swaybar bushings, strut mounts, and possibly strut and springs), what else should I get done while it is open?

Thanks.

I had a simular job done on my 260E a few weeks ago.
Sway bar bushings, struts. In an out of the shop in 1 1/4 hour.
Stuts mounts are no extra time. Springs do not have to be removed. (at leat on mine)
JackD

I.ve been quoted $500 to replace front struts on 190D, 1985 (labor only). Took me 3 hours in my garage. Today (with the experience) it would take maybe 1.5 hours. Would not agree on anything longer (in 190 springs DID NOT come out)

what other components/bushings should one change while the struts are being replaced?

Replace the strut "bump stops" located on the top of the strut hydraulic arm, if they are worn.

So is it fair to assume the following:

1. About 2 hours labor for replacing both the front struts, strut mounts, bump stops, and swaybar bushing.

2. The coil springs do NOT have to be removed to do the job above, so don't change them if they are not sagging.

Maybe MBDoc could jump in and clarify as well - this should be pretty standard information for the techs.

thanks a lot.