Hi all,
After a routine dealer inspection/maint visit, they told me that my 2002 XLT needs a new front left hub/bearing assembly (Quoted me $350). I don't notice anything while driving (no noises, etc.). They didn't drive it, either -- just had it up on the lift.
A local independent shop tells me that if I don't notice anything while driving then I probably don't need a new bearing/hub. They say that "I will know" when the bearins go bad -- either steering will be funny or I will get some serious noise from the front end.
I'm nervous about just driving until I hear terrible noises. Won't I do more damage or have the wheel sieze or something?
What can I do to check this out and make sure I don't need new bearings? Maybe check for play in the wheel when it's off the ground? How much play is tolerable?
Thanks for any advice!
From what I've read, it looks like I could probably change this thing myself -- but I don't have any "specialized" tools. I think I would need to buy a large socket (and a breaker bar?) to remove the driveaxle nut, maybe a puller to get the old hub assembly off the driveaxle, and obviously a torque wrench.
Is it worth buying all the stuff to try it myself, or should I go with a local quote I've got for $272??? I found the part online (Timken SP470200) for $125. How hard would this be for a "rookie"?
Finally -- are there any additional seals or other parts I'd need to buy, or just the hub/bearing assembly?
Thanks a million!