Most shops charge a "book time" for an install. 4 hours is probably reasonable considering that front and rear shocks must be removed to safely rotate or flip the springs.

The mechanic probably damaged the rear alignment offset washer and bolt on the rear lower control arm by cranking it down in the wrong position. They have four "lock blocks" on either side of the rear crossmember, and putting the bolt in sideways (not between the blocks) and blindly tightening with an impact gun might ruin those bolts.

Typically removing the rear shocs means rotating the rear antiroll bar out of the way (downward). If this were done without disconnecting the headlight sensor rod, it would certainly break.

That plastic film doesn't do jack, but I'm amazed that the dealership could determine it wasn't installed. There's just no way to see it unless they're psychic!

If you didn't set a dollar limit for the shop for each task performed beforehand, then you'll be required to pay the $680.

 

ouch

the labor for the springs sounds about right. I'm sure they looked in their tech book to figure that out. Can't say anything about the "bolt" you are talking about cause i don't have a clue what or where it is.

I hope the "mechanic" that helped you on the install is willing to foot some of the bill cause he should have known better. Next time take it to your local performance shop and make sure they have worked on 8's before you let them tinker with your car. that way if something does go wrong, they can troubleshoot and fix it themselves rather than you having to go to Mazda and pay all kinds of money.

 

Doesn't it though usually rise ever so slightly off the spring/shock assembly top? If I worked with springs before, I'd be able to notice its absence.