I took my 2003 SSEi in to get an alignment and tire balance to help eliminate a 65+ mph shake. When I was there, I was told the rear shocks were bad and had lost their oil. I went there, saw the shocks were indeed leaking oil and had them replaced. The cost of the shocks was like $375 for just the parts. I had the work done and the car drives a lot better and the shake is almost gone.

Today I look at autozone and I see I can get a pair of rear air shocks for like $75 (gabriel). However, GMpartsdirect lists the pair of shocks for like $350.

Is there something that make the GM shocks that much better than the Gabriels or did I just get ripped off?

Just bought 02 and it needed shocks, brother in-law works at GM and told me to get them at parts store. $77 for Monroe MA822 installed them myself in about an hour. Car rides excellent. This is great site for our Bonneville'*. In regards to shake I also found that getting tires Road Force balanced is the best but usually costs about $100. I run Nitrogen in my tires too. Better ride in summer & winter. You can tell if a tire has nitrogen as they will have Blue valve stem caps.
JP

Does not feel good to get raped by GM does it? Last place to take your car. I paid about $72 ea from Part Source here in Ontario and they were much fatter heavier looking chicks than the cheao skinny originals that were on it. One of my originals was actually snapped in two when we took them off. Beautiful ride now. I have learned to look here first before buying anything for the car. I would rather ride a skateboard all winter than service the bonnie at a GM dealer.

Actually, I had the car in getting an alignment and they found the shocks leaking. It wasn't a dealer doing the work, but some dealer sold the shocks to the place to install them. Normally I would never have them install shocks, but my garage is full and I was heading out of town with the car the next day. I got screwed some, but the car really does drive and ride a lot better so I guess it isn't all bad.

Green !!!

GM dealership did all 4 of my vehicles and they all blue color coded.

wow,,,, strange,,,, only seen green before !!!!!

$375 just for the shocks?!?!... Yup you got ripped all right! I picked up a set of Monroe MA822'* for my 03 just over $120, and I'm told they are twice as good as the original GM ones. The ride is very smooth now.

I never buy anything at the dealer, unless I have no other choice.

thats still high,,,, I did a quick google search and found them for $59 for a pair !!!!!!!!!!

Its a good price here in Canada.