Wheel bearing quote help

rennyboy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 11:42 AM

I have a 2001 SLS that needs a drivers side wheel bearing. I would probably not be able to do myself, so I took to a shop and was quoted $400. Is this a fair price? Thanks

Douglass Harroun · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 12:00 PM

NAPA has that part in two grades for $ 80 and $100. Figure dealer markup of 100% and labor usually equals parts cost, so yes it is "fair"
Doug

rennyboy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 12:13 PM

Thanks Doug, was hoping it was at least fair. Does anyone know if it is something that I should venture to try on my own? I am OK with tools, but not even close to being a mechanic, if it is something I could take out and just replace or is there a lot more to it?

JimHare · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 12:56 PM

(Front) wheel bearings are not technically difficult, from what I understand - but they can be a PITA to do. When my Deville needed one, I bought the part, and my son in law ( a Honda Mechanic) did the work after hours at his shop. The problem seems to be that often the bearing gets frozen on the axle shaft or something, and you have to beat the hell out of it to loosen it up. Also, one has to make sure that the connections get put back together correctly for things like wheel speed sensors and all.

You might try getting the bearing itself separately, and seeing if you can find someone to install it for you - that way you save the shop markup on the part...

Dadillac · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 02:27 PM

Rennyboy, where do you live?

Don

rennyboy · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 03:02 PM

Manalapan

EDBSO · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 03:05 PM

In the god old days all the bolts were accessable from the outside of the hub. Now they are close to impossible to reach from the backside AND they have very small heads that strip easily. What could be done in 15 minutes now is nearly an hour job if all goes well. I have known my mechanic for 15 years and you should hear him curse GM over this design. It probably saved the General .375 cents per car but will cost you $$$$$ when you have to make repairs.

I also had to replace the driver's side of my 2001 Eldorado WTF they should last 5 times that long!!!!!!!

eyekandyboats.inc · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 05:18 PM

mine ticks when i turn right on the passenger side
it sounds like a marble in a tin can when i turn hard
would that be the wheel bearing ?

**Ranger** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 06:17 PM

Last one I did one a '92 Deville was $200 from Napa. I am amazed at the $80 - $100 price. At any rate, $400 does not sound too far out of line.

Quote:

mine ticks when i turn right on the passenger side
it sounds like a marble in a tin can when i turn hard
would that be the wheel bearing ?

Sounds more like a CV joint.

z06bigbird · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyekandyboats.inc

mine ticks when i turn right on the passenger side
it sounds like a marble in a tin can when i turn hard
would that be the wheel bearing ?

CV joint.

Dadillac · #11 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rennyboy

Manalapan

As long as that is Manalapan NJ, bring the new part, and a $100 bill, to Woodbridge, and I will change it for you. I have done all four of my hubs, so one more will be a breeze. Let me know

Don

Dadillac · #12 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadillac

As long as that is Manalapan NJ, bring the new part, and a $100 bill, to Woodbridge, and I will change it for you. I have done all four of my hubs, so one more will be a breeze. Let me know

Don

Also, if you want your cabin air filter changed, bring that too. I'll change that for ya

Don

Dooman · #13 (**permalink**) 05-11-07, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadillac

Also, if you want your cabin air filter changed, bring that too. I'll change that for ya

Don

Man... A glutton for punishment! You have sins you are trying to account for? LOL

Dadillac · #14 (**permalink**) 05-11-07, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dooman

Man... A glutton for punishment! You have sins you are trying to account for? LOL

No. I have changed my cabin filter twice already. First time took me 12 minutes. Second time was somewhere around 20 minutes (I broke a tab on the old one, and had to fish out the filter). I am like the only guy on this forum who doesn't have a horror story to tell about the cabin filters. In an earlier thread I openly offered to change anyones filter who would drive to my house, with filter, and a $20. Noone came. Oh well

Don

rennyboy · #15 (**permalink**) 05-12-07, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadillac

Also, if you want your cabin air filter changed, bring that too. I'll change that for ya

Don

Hey Don, Thanks, but I didn't look at the replies after hearing it was a "fair price" and took it to the shop. I will give you a call if the other side goes though, and maybe any other problems? Send me your email and I'll save it. joe