Hi everyone

I have discovered today that the offside front wheel bearings have gone. The quote was £109 to be repaired by a local indpendant garage.

I have replaced a couple of things myself before, like the thermostat and steering angle sensor. I'm wondering if repairing the wheel bearing is something I could do myself, or is it too difficult/dangerous/requires special tools? I have access to some axel stands, but not to a ramp or pit

If I can do it, what parts do I need to buy?

Cheers

Ian

I'm wondering if repairing the wheel bearing is something I could do myself,

Possibly

or is it too difficult/dangerous/

Its not easy, without the right tools it's nothing but a PITA

requires special tools?

Yes, apart from the usual socket set, spanners and hammer etc you are going to need a:

Ball joint splitter

very big vice, or preferably a press to get the bearings in and out

torque wrench.

It will probably take you a morning to do, longer if you don't have access to a press or big vice to get the bearings out (not to mention either a very big socket or metal tube to push the bearings with).

I do my own because i have the tools to do the job, but it's not a job i enjoy or would do for someone else.

(so if you haven't guessed by now - get someone else to do it!)

Plus not to mention to prevent damage to the bearing Fabia bearings should not be pressed in. VAG has designed a special puller tool to insert the bush correctly and the required distance into the hub.

It's not something I'd do at home. As others have said, you need some special tools.

£109 is a good price ,but as mentioned ,it is a risk trying to put a bearing in without the correct tools,if the hub is damaged in the process ,it will need replacing. Thats why I chose a Skoda Dealer for peace of mind. I paid £150 at a Skoda Dealer , and was told the part (complete hub with bearing installed) costs £88 + vat. Dont get me wrong if I believe I can do a repair I will do it.

If i'd thought yesterday, i'd have asked how much Chathams would normally charge. They did both under warranty but the mechanic who took the car out for a drive to work out which one it was said it was a proper PITA job he'd rather not do.