'96 RAV4 Wheel Bearing - part+2.5 hr. labor fair? "harder" to put on?

Question

I was told by the garage (not someone I normally go to, so not sure how trustworthy) that my '96 toyota RAV4 (almost 150K mi) needs the left front wheel bearing replaced to pass inspection. they estimated $65 for the part, which is about what I found online. But, they told me it is a labor-intensive job to fix, and would take about 2.5 hours. They said that this particular kind of wheel bearing is "closed" so it's not something that can just be repacked w/ grease, and that it is a tight fit and requires some sort of hydraulic something-or-other to fit it on tightly and accurately - not an easy -to-fix wheel bearing like other vehicles. True? Not true? Please help quick! I need to tell them whether or not to do the work this morning, and I'm trying to get other estimates. Thank you!!

Answer 1

There might be one more suprize the drive flange with the wheel studs can wear away at the bearing when there is slack. Hydraulic Press is used to drive out the old bearing and press in the new one. You might call the toyota parts department and ask if they also sell flanges when wheel bearings are replaced. Yes 2.5 hours is the going price and your mechanic will come out looking like he did something. Front suspension under the fender is the dirtiest place on the car.

Answer 2

Both of the above are great answers. The wheel bearing is a non repairable one piece unit that needs to be pressed out of the spindle. The new one has to have the mounting threaded ears lined up with the mounting holes in the spindle and can be draw-en back in and torqued with the hardened mounting bolts.
All cars that have halfshafts like your's have this type of wheel bearing. Go for the premium SKF replacement not the no-name el-cheapo brand.

Answer 3

it is a press in wheel bearing unlike a simple bolt on hub bearing I am a toyota master tech and 2.5 hours is the going rate especially on a 4 wheel drive

Answer 4

96 Rav4

Answer 5

What a good question