How Much do Wheel Bearings Cost?
The wheel bearings cost do differ depending on what type of wheel bearing you will be replacing and what type of car they are being replaced on. You can find more information here:
Wheel Bearing Replacement
Wheel bearings allow each wheel to rotate. There are several types of wheel bearings used in automobiles. Some require no maintenance; others can be disassembled, cleaned, and inspected for wear.
Symptoms
Failing wheel bearings become loose and develop excess clearance, or play. If a failing bearing is put "under load," you may hear a distinctive growling noise when the wheels are moving.
Repair
To service vehicles with serviceable wheel bearings, the wheel must be removed. Then the brake drum, brake rotor, or wheel hub assembly is removed. The wheel bearings are removed, cleaned, and inspected. If they are okay, they are packed with fresh grease and re-installed. If they show signs of wear, they should be replaced.
Notes
The wheel bearing may be an integrated part of the vehicle's suspension. If so, the suspension or wheel hub may need to be removed to replace the wheel bearing
Wheel bearings, including parts and labor tend to cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending really on your car and the mechanic. You should do some research specific to your car online to get a more accurate idea. Perhaps not a bad idea to check with a couple of mechanics or even dealers to compare prices. Forums like this one for Honda could be quite useful.
Okay, just got off the phone with the dealer.... Here's what they said:
Both Front Wheel Bearings need replacement. They want to replace the hubs as well. Cost = $914.00Oil Change = $23.99
And apparently, the rear brake cylinders are leaking. They want to replace them and both rear brake shoes for $402.
Total = $1,341. Not sure if that's before tax.
We had them inspect the brake system because the parking brake light keeps coming on randomly while driving. Can this symptom be related to leaking brake cylinders?
How much of a PITA is replacing brake cylinders (assuming that is the problem)? Is this something I should leave to the experts? I've done a change to pads before, and that went no problem.
Anyway, I think I have to pull the car from the dealer and do what I can myself (we're strapped for cash at the moment). I am mechanically inclined (got a 3rd gen firebird , so I can probably swing all this work this weekend. I don't have a press, but if I can save myself ~$1000, then I can manage getting to a machine bearing shop and back....
What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.
