Pricing out wheel bearings

#1 06-25-2003, 05:33 AM

Got a question...I have never replaced the wheel bearings before and now one needs to be serviced.

About how much should this cost.

The mechanic said it would run $450-$500
This seems a bit high to me. Am I correct?

Also, has anyone ever replaced the starter? How much did this cost. I think I am getting hosed since he replaced this part (without my consent!).

Thanks for any help.

strange179 · #2 06-25-2003, 07:11 AM

On the wheel bearings: It depends how many wheels need to be done and whether they are front or rear wheels. IMO, that price does sound high unless it's for 3 or 4 bearings.

On the starter: I just checked Subaruparts.com and a reman starter lists for $160.00. They will sell it to you for $121.92 but you can expect any garage to charge a customer full list price. Labor on a subaru starter should be no more than an hour at the absolute most. I can personally do the job in 30-45 minutes.

Good luck,
Jay

Darksied-X · #3 06-25-2003, 07:17 AM

I would check the laws in your area about mechanics doing work without consent, a lot of states have a law against that. If they do that here in Maine, the mechanic has to eat the cost of the parts and labor. You may want to look into it.

#4 06-25-2003, 08:18 AM

Thanks for replying!

Yeah, the $450-$500 was an estimated price for 1 wheel.

I know he charged me $97 for the starter, so it looks like I got a good price on that. I definately did not authorize it, but when I first heard that he replaced it I didn't complain. Basically because I didn't think he would charge me $400! heheh
I'll have to talk to him tonight.

strange179 · #5 06-25-2003, 08:44 AM

Quote:

I know he charged me $97 for the starter,

that makes me wonder about the starter. I don't know of anywhere you can get an SVX starter at a price low enough for $97 to cover it and installation labor. I'd have someone look at it to be sure that the job was actually done.

Jay

#6 06-25-2003, 08:48 AM

the $97 was just for the parts....

I was unclear about the labor since I did not get a good look at the bill. I am hoping he did something else to justify the bill. But either way, there is nothing tangible that I got out of taking it to him except a starter I did not want.

#7 06-25-2003, 11:30 AM

My subie dealer quoted me 300 for both rears and i had everything for the job...so depends on if you have the parts or not. If i do mine ill do them myself..saves the $ for fun things

#8 06-25-2003, 12:36 PM

We would generally quote about $265 per side for the replacment of the rear bearings for an SVX.

Mike
Kerven Subaru

#9 06-25-2003, 12:46 PM

I got rear Fedral Mogul bearings and both seals for $123 from the local parts shop.

Pressed the old ones out and new ones in with a shop press and got a 4 wheel alignment done for $80.

So, if you have the time and access to a press it is well worth the savings in the long run.

#10 06-27-2003, 07:16 PM

I'll watch this site and in 6 months you will be the guy lamenting your need to replace the wheel bearings AGAIN

Does it not sink in that a press is the WRONG tool for these bearings1

You need a "Hub tamer" or similar otherwise it will not last....there are many on this site who have put in 3 sets of bearings in 6 months and can't figure out why???

Neat!

Hotshoe

jsvxstyle · #11 06-27-2003, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hotshoe50
I'll watch this site and in 6 months you will be the guy lamenting your need to replace the wheel bearings AGAIN

Does it not sink in that a press is the WRONG tool for these bearings1

You need a "Hub tamer" or similar otherwise it will not last....there are many on this site who have put in 3 sets of bearings in 6 months and can't figure out why???

Neat!

Hotshoe

you dont need a hub tamer, just need the correct press fitting for the bearing ive only replaced all four 2 years ago. and still doing fine.

#12 06-28-2003, 02:19 PM

Please explain why pressing my bearings into place would have anything to do with the bearings not lasting.

I used a flat round piece of steel to evenly apply pressure. I am having trouble with your logic.

I could see if a person were pushing one side at a time and causing the wall of the bearing to warp or bend.

Also I searched this site extesively and the hub tamer was the proper tool and might have made the job easier, but no one else seems to think it would cause a problem.