How much have you paid to replace a wheel bearing?

Question

I recently just replaced my right front wheel bearing for $325. The part was around 250 and labor was about 60. I drive a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. They said the part was so expensive because with newer cars you have to replace the practically the whole center of the tire.

This is the first time I went to this mechanic and I just want to make sure they didn't rip me off.

Answer 1

This number sounds a bit excessive to me. However depending upon the part and how long the car was driven with the bad bearing would have a HUGE bearing on the cost of the repair.

Wheel bearing come in two pieces, the bearing and the race. The bearing is a roller device that is connical shaped and fits over the spindle. The race is a matching connical shaped solid metal that is 'pressed' into the hub. There are two sets of bearings and races per wheel. They look like this >> << with the outside >< being the bearing and the inside >< being the races. When the spindle nut is screwed onto the spindle is pushes the bearings into the races and thus 'sandwich' the hub (wheel) in between.

If you delay repairing a bad bearing is can destroy the spindle and hub and thus the parts could become very expensive. These bearing must be well lubricated and if the get wet (due to flooding) then the can wear out very quickly and destroy a lot.

I would be concerned that the bearing went out on your vehicle.. I have 2000 model F150 that I have over 200,000k miles on and have never replaced the bearings... although I have inspected and 'repacked' them with grease at 150,000k miles. I would review your warranty and see if this shouldn't be covered.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I just paid $214 for a wheel bearing to be replaced. He charged $60 per hour labor and it took him around an hour. I have a 99 Ford Windstar. If you really want to make sure, call an auto parts store and ask them how much the part runs.

Answer 3

That's high. He gave you an ok rate on labor, but he made his real money marking the part up 60% Autozone sells the bearing assembly for $144

Answer 4

I think that wheel bering for that car was 180 Dollars.

It should be close to 300 $ remember they mark up parts to.

A little high but in the right range, there alright

Answer 5

sounds high, but the bearing could have been real bad. I get parts for dirt cheap, and change it myself, so I know it's done correct, and no one tries to shaft me.