[W126 Coupe] Repair estimates

[Dick Spellman]

Front lower ball joints I just did do take a bit of work with spring
compression required, lower arms require removal and the ball joint removed
and new one pressed in on a bench.  Labor 1.5 hours each side.  Shocks are
easily done at the same time so add 15 minutes each.

I think a rebuilt steering box can be found for a couple hundred at a
wrecker's yard.  Probably is a few hours labor to get this done, PS hoses
would be done as part of this same work.

Engine mounts can be a bear.  I removed the mounts, engine shocks and mount
holders from the lower engine block and then on a bench made the needed
repairs.  Time per side on an in-line 6 (300SE) was 1/2 hour on the
passenger side and 1 and 1/4 on the drivers.  The more stuff in your way the
longer the project.

My times are for a novice DIY'r with air tools and a lift that my
independent mechanic graciously let me use on a Sunday.  I'd bet a Pro gets
this done faster and with less cussing.

So, I'd say your numbers are way too high for the labor.  Sounds like they
are adding shop hours for EACH individual task when they could easily do the
combined jobs at the shop rate for Ball Joint and shop rate for Steering Box
R&R with the other elements done at the same time.

See a local independent and just for the heck of it have someone check your
idler arm before doing any front end work this has proven to be the culprit
on (2) of my recent front end vibration issues.  Could just save you a boat
load of $$$.

Dick