Hi folks,

 

I need a new front wheel bearing.  The local independent that I usually use, and trust, have said it'll be about £200 (using VAG parts).  A nearby tyre and exhaust centre wanted £110 using pattern parts or £130 using VAG parts.

 

I know pattern parts are a big no-no when it comes to wheel bearings, so that option's out.

 

I'm still in a bit of a quandary about where to go, though.  I know the bearings are a PITA on this car, and I was expecting it to be about £200, so I'm a little concerned that the tyre and exhaust centre may not really know what they're quoting me for.  However, £70 is a substantial saving, and if that's what they've quoted to replace the bearing, maybe it'll just be their problem when it takes longer than they expect.

 

Your thoughts?

Is DIY out of the question?

There not to bad to change IMHO!

Just beware your lower ball joint may $hit itself when it comes off,so they may not have quoted you for that!

If I were to do one myself,I reckon 1 1/2 hrs plus a trip to a local garage to press the old bearing out and the new one back in!

I have SKF bearings in mine and there fine altho as you say they are a PITA to do if bearing falls apart when you press it out which they usually do.

I went for the £130 option in the end.  Time will tell but it's looking good so far.

I use skf bearings and never had any problems as good as genuine 

hiya, Tbh, if you look around you will find decent bearing suppliers, ive just done my rear ones and I used this company :http://www.brt-bearings.com/index.php there a well know bearing company, when I went to the parts supplier to get them he showed me some pattern parts and some of these made by BRT, they were much heavier than the pattern and quality was a lot better, I paid £44 each for the complete hubs, they fitted a treat and have the same warranty.

Hi folks,

 

I need a new front wheel bearing.  The local independent that I usually use, and trust, have said it'll be about £200 (using VAG parts).  A nearby tyre and exhaust centre wanted £110 using pattern parts or £130 using VAG parts.

 

I know pattern parts are a big no-no when it comes to wheel bearings, so that option's out.

 

I'm still in a bit of a quandary about where to go, though.  I know the bearings are a PITA on this car, and I was expecting it to be about £200, so I'm a little concerned that the tyre and exhaust centre may not really know what they're quoting me for.  However, £70 is a substantial saving, and if that's what they've quoted to replace the bearing, maybe it'll just be their problem when it takes longer than they expect.

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

Whats wrong with pattern parts?? Main difference is the dealer will have you bent over the counter. Most reputable OE spec parts all use bearings from big manufacturers such as SKF, NSK, FAG, INA, RHP. Aslong as the bearing is fitted correctly, it'll last just as long. 

Day

Whats wrong with pattern parts??

 

Well I tried to be a good citizen and search before posting, and the first five threads I read about wheel bearings were all full of people slating the quality of pattern parts and advising to only use OEM.  This thread has shown that not everybody agrees with that.