What Is My Best Option For A Wheel Bearing Replacement?

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Jul 19, 2012 | 09:05 AM
  #1  
2006 G35X Sedan

So my front right wheel bearing went out about 6 months ago and I got it replace by a local mechanic who seemed like he did a good job but definitely over-charged me at just under $500. When I brought it to his attention that Infiniti only charged $400 for the job he took some money off which was nice but I was still a bit salty because after reading this forum beforehand I was under the impression I could get it done for around $250.

Fast forward to now, my front left wheel bearing seems like it is going bad as well. I want to get it done for the best price as possible obviously. Just looking for some suggestions I guess so I dont pay out the *** like last time! Should I buy the part myself somewhere and bring it to someone?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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Jul 19, 2012 | 12:29 PM
  #2  
Were you planning on replacing the hub and bearing or just the bearing? If you bring him the part, it might save some money. If you are doing both, you can get them pressed together ahead of time and it makes it just a bolt in process that you could do yourself if you are interested in doing that.
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Jul 19, 2012 | 01:35 PM
  #3  
If you can do a brake job, the wheel bearing isn't much harder. The toughest part is taking the axle nut off so a long steel pipe will help.
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Jul 19, 2012 | 02:09 PM
  #4  
Quote: Were you planning on replacing the hub and bearing or just the bearing? If you bring him the part, it might save some money. If you are doing both, you can get them pressed together ahead of time and it makes it just a bolt in process that you could do yourself if you are interested in doing that.
Hmmm I'm not sure haha. I believe I had both replaced when I got the front left done. I was under the impression that I had to get them both replaced. It's making that low humming noise like an airplane. Why wouldnt I replace the hub as well? Is there a benefit to replacing the hub?

Quote: If you can do a brake job, the wheel bearing isn't much harder. The toughest part is taking the axle nut off so a long steel pipe will help.
Honestly I dont think I'm far enough along to do it myself. I wish I was so I could save some money but all I've really done on a car before is oil/filter change, ATF drain and fill and a few other small things.
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Jul 19, 2012 | 02:10 PM
  #5  
OK, then maybe you could find someone in your regional forum to do it for $100, plus parts
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Jul 19, 2012 | 02:13 PM
  #6  
Quote: OK, then maybe you could find someone in your regional forum to do it for $100, plus parts
Yeah I mean I'd definitely be willing to pay someone on here to do it. Any idea on the best place for me to actually get the parts myself and how much a front wheel bearing for an AWD would cost?
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Jul 19, 2012 | 02:14 PM
  #7  
If you can do an oil change, you can probably learn, but it's good to have someone around that really knows. I learned everything myself. But I learned it all on my Mustang, which is my secondary vehicle. So if I snapped a bolt, break a part, don't have the right tool, it's not a big deal to have to wait for the car to be driveable again. I'm lucky now to have two modes of transportation (motorcycle and car) so I can work on things that take more than a day. Being in the rust belt, a simple job is never a simple job.

The hub is in direct contact with the bearing, so sometimes the bearing surfaces can get worn out. Most likely doesn't need to be replaced though.
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Jul 19, 2012 | 02:16 PM
  #8  
Call your dealer, give them your VIN, and tell them you need the front wheel bearing. Should be around $100 I think.
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Jul 21, 2012 | 09:36 AM
  #9  
What do you guys think about this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Timken-BM500...ca032f&vxp=mtr

$96 shipped.

Seems like the best price for just the bearing I can find. Now my next question is how much is labor going to cost doing it this way? It seems as though it is more labor to replace just the wheel bearing because the bearing and hub installation is easier from what I've read.

Also, how will I know if the hub needs replaced as well? I don't want to replace just the bearing and have it go bad again because the hub was bad as well.
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Jul 21, 2012 | 10:29 PM
  #10  
You can get it from RockAuto for $88.79 with warranty .. not sure if something you get off eBay carries a warranty ..
TIMKEN Part # BM500013 Wheel Race; Ball Bearing; Rectangle (Mod) Flange Shape
New Item, Check For Availability.; Front; Sedan; AWD; X Model $88.79
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Jul 22, 2012 | 03:49 PM
  #11  
My front driver bearing is bad as well so ive been looking alot.. here's the best i could find so far.. http://www.hubbearing.com/ShopByVehi...=True&rewrite=
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Jul 22, 2012 | 06:37 PM
  #12  
Quote: My front driver bearing is bad as well so ive been looking alot.. here's the best i could find so far.. http://www.hubbearing.com/ShopByVehi...=True&rewrite=
Well if you change one side you might is well change the other. They have the same time in use. Before you know it the other one will start making noise. I.E original post. You dont change one side of brakes.
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Jul 22, 2012 | 08:46 PM
  #13  
Gee, I know I haven't been around in a while, but you think someone would remember the work I put into this thread.

https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-...-bearings.html
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Jul 22, 2012 | 10:56 PM
  #14  
Quote: Gee, I know I haven't been around in a while, but you think someone would remember the work I put into this thread.

https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-...-bearings.html
Excellent write up .. the problem is most people don't have a hydraulic or arbor press at home ...
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Jul 23, 2012 | 06:10 AM
  #15  
Quote: Excellent write up .. the problem is most people don't have a hydraulic or arbor press at home ...
The press I used is under $200 from Harbor Frieght, just in case someone is looking for an excuse to buy tools.
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