Latest in a long line of component problems in my 2001, 68,500 mile Octavia 4 x 4 is the sound of wheel bearing coming to the end of its life. Possible location is front offside wheel.

Is this a common problem ?

Is a replacement wheel bearing best left to the dealer ?

Will any other wheel bearings fail in sympathy in the near future ?

Finally I replaced both front discs one week ago, discs almost fell off the wheel hubs when retaining crew released - a coincidence ?

You need a VAG special tool to chnage the front wheel bearings. rears can be done at an independant dealer. If I remember correnctly, its £197 each for the rears at a dealer. I paid £240 for both rears at an independant. Only one had failed but I had both done in case - this was at 94k miles.

The front discs do usually stick to the hubs even with the screw released. However if yours fell off I wouldnt worry about it.

Goochie

Thanks for the swift and informative reply.

Sounds like the dealer will get all my beer money for the next 6 months

Front discs were highly corroded around the wheel hub and it was a relief to have them detach easily from the hub. In contrast the rear discs were VERY reluctant to be detached and I learnt new ways of swinging a mallet

Always happy to help

the front hubs are not a dealer only job as i removed my own hubs and got a local garage to press the bearings for me and i simply bolted it all back together again:)

bearings aren't cheap though, if i remember right they are about £35 each for a bearing kit so add a couple hours labour to that for it all done

in the real world the removal of the hub is about 30mins if you have the right tools and refitting is about the same. not sure on how long it would take to press the bearing mind as i left it with them overnight

the front hubs are not a dealer only job

errr.... YOU told me it was :P

I've got a bearing press that I bought from machine mart when I was repairing my old golf mkII gti (RIP). If I can be of service give me a pm (east mids).

Bearing should press in in a couple of minutes

Thanks to all for a helpful response.

Car booked into dealer this Friday for wheel alignment - rear offside alignment back to its old tricks, 5mm tread depth on outside 6mm on inside tread. Also for mechanic to test drive and confirm wheel bearing problem.

Dealer is in Inverness - appreciate the offer of the use of a bearing press, unlikely that the bearing would last the journey