Hi Everyone,
I need to replace the rear struts and shocks on my 08 es 350. I got two quotes. One was 800 and the other was 1350. The 1350 mechanic said it would take 3 hrs l for each strut and shock. I was shocked because when I read about replacing them it seems a qualifiied mechanic should be able to do each one in about an hour. Could someone tell me if 3 hours is correct? The mechanic that told me 3 hours is the same one who replaced the two rear VVS Selinoids for $500 and did a great job. So I was suprised at this difference in price. Any help is appreciated. Thanks so much.

There are only struts in the rear. You do not have both. Saying that to a mechanic tells them you know nothing about cars and makes an dishonest one more likely to try and upsell stuff you do not need or worse.

I would get another estimate. I would also find out what each one intends to replace and what brand strut they will use. There are various quality products out there. OEM is good, as is KYB. There may be others. I have not had an ES for many years.

To do this job properly, one must remove the strut, place it in a spring compressor, compress the spring, unbolt the strut from the compressed spring and remove it and the strut mount. Then replace with the new strut, and maybe a new strut mount bearing and/or strut mount, bolt it back on the spring and reassemble it into the car. You usually need a wheel alignment afterward.

There there are several cheap all in one quick struts that include the spring and strut mount already assembled making for a quick job but the products are usually of low quality. Your ride may suffer with these and they may not last very long.
​​​​​​If using a quick strut, one just unbolts the old strut assembly, then bolts in the new one which saves about an hour of work.

I replaced my four shocks 4 years ago. It took me less than 3 hours for all of them.

Thanks. Yes I was calling the spring a shock but its all a strut assembly. See this is why this forum is so helpful to us know nothings.

Thank you. You are always very helpful whenever I post a question and I appreciate it.