Help me talk to a mechanic...wheel bearing?

Question

I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette that has a front wheel bearing that is about to go out. I was quoted for $477 plus costs for taxes and shop fees. I've been told this is a big time rip off considering this price quoted was for ONE bearing.

I want to call around but I really dont know what I'm asking for and want to know the "lingo" so I won't get another ridiculous quote.

Help!!!!

Answer 1

The best price quote to get first is from your car dealer because you know he will use original equipment parts and has technicians trained to work on your particular car. Then if the dealer's quote is only $60 higher than a reputable independent's quote, I'd go with the dealer and probably get a better warranty to boot. Ask the dealer to break out the parts and labor costs separately so you can compare better.

Here's a representative parts cost ($200) without shop markup or tax:
http://www.autozone.com/N,14600894/shopping/partTypeResultSet.htm

Answer 2

Your wheel bearing is an assembly that also contains your wheel speed sensor for your ABS. The labor for one side is 1.3 and there is no law that says both sides have to be done at the same time. The hub assembly can easily be $477 if it includes the 1.3 in labor to R&R it, and maybe they also have a charge for checking out the problem. My 2001 Pontiac Montana takes the exact same assembly and it cost me $483.00 by itself. This price you have is not out of line. It is just an expensive part. Depending on the shop that quoted that price, they may refuse to use aftermarket parts and quoted a dealer price. Or maybe not. I have seen lately where these hub assemblies cost more aftermarket than they do at the dealer. As expensive as it may sound though, it is not a ripoff when compared to other shops. I get calls on these hub assemblies daily, and most shops will say it is both bearings. Those claims climb over $1000 very easily just for 2 hub assemblies.

Answer 3

Here in Canada a quality bearing manufactured by SKF is around $350.00 dollars (this vehicle has a hub assembly-not a couple of easy to replace ones). Add an hour or so labour and its in the ballpark. Keep in mind there are offshore bearings out there that are very poor quality and are not worth the time to install. Ask about warranty,chances are the offshore have only 90 days. Quality bearings have minimum 1 year warrantys. Dealers are NOT necessarily the best place to go. There are good auto repair shops that will be more personal and with more care to your vehicle. Dealerships can often be wham bam flat rate shops that are more interested in keeping their overhead paid.

Answer 4

If that bearing has to be pressed into the hub that isn't a ripoff. Figure the cost of the bearing, the price per hour and amount of hours they are charging you. If you feel that it is a ripoff, get another quote from another shop. Have your car's VIN number handy and tell them you want a quote for replacing a front wheel bearing.

Answer 5

Your wheel bearing is about 150$ each. I have done them on my Olds Intrige (almost exactley the same) in under an hour for both and I'm an electrician. They are flange mount bearings with a pre installed hub. You unbolt them they slide out and the new ones go in really easy stuff.

Answer 6

This is a hub assembly. The labor guide says 1.3 hours to replace it. It also list the OEM bearing at $275.00. I am not sure what the aftermarket bearing would cost, but the shop will mark it up. Depending on what the labor rate is in your area it does sound a bit high. I would call around and get more quotes. Also ask your Friends if they can recommend a quality shop.

Answer 7

1; How do you know it's a Wheel Bearing?

2; You NEVER replace ONE bearing! always in sets. A shop that "It's OK to replace just one" ;-) smile and "Never" Come back there!"

3; Go to a good shop! Tell them your symptoms and then will inspect it to see what they find and not mess you over, "GOOD SHOP!" Good Shop the mechanic will listen (That cuts inspection time most times) to everything you have to say and "make You Comfortable with what he tells You and what he thinks You should have done"

4; $477+cost+taxes+fees Yes that's way to high!

There is no special way to talk to a "Good Mechanic" but to be clear and as complete as you can.

Answer 8

Haha well... I completely bore my mom, because I live with her and see her the most, so I'll randomly throw out names through out the day. She just rolls her eyes when I start asking. We're very close though, so it's not like either one of us actually gets annoyed. She's very used to me talking about names. I've been doing it for over twenty years!! With my friends, some get bored, but play along for a few minutes. However, I have a good amount of friends who like names a lot and get really into the conversations. The friends who aren't as interested just leave the room, because they know it will be a lengthy conversation. When I'm around family members or acquantances that I'm not with often, I might somehow get into the topic of names..either through the topic of celebrities, which leads to terrible baby names..or something of that sort. They get really into it, because it's not a topic that comes around terribly often. I like it throw it out randomly and as much as possible though. Haha.

Answer 9

it just a front wheel bearing that needs rplacement. not hard nor tricky in the language sense (nor tricky or hard in the actual doing it sense either)

it sounds like the shop saw you comming from a mile away. try getting a wide range of quotes yourself then send the car with a man to get another range of quotes. it's sexist, but my bet is the quotes to the man will be lower (fact of life)

Answer 10

first off !!!!
if you have a male friend , have him take it and get a quote, they are taking advantage of you because you are a women.
that is way to much ,labor is only $60.00 parts are not much .
call the parts store and ask for the price for the wheel bearings, they will give you the price.
look around for a better shop , ask what the hourly rate is and how long does it take to replace wheel bearings.