96 Explorer XLT wheel bearing price range

[M96TEXPLOREZ]

Took my 96 XLT V6 4x4 to get wheel bearing serviced. Got told I had to replace them because they were bad and can’t be bought individually, the hub come as a whole piece. Anybody knows if this is true? went in for wheel bearing service, I am now dealing with replacing them and expense mounting so far to a total of $945 w/out taxes. Is this a "fair" price?
Needles to say the mechanic on duty shattered my ABS so now I have to spend one more day till that piece comes in (of course he's paying for that).

Had it for two years, till date this is the most unusual thing to happen.
Will surely appreciate some replies on this.

 

[mrboyle]

It is true that the wheel bearings are not serviable and have to be replaced as a unit. The first question I have is, do you have a problem with the wheel bearings or did you just want to do preventative maintainence on your X? If there is no problems with the wheel bearings don't let them do the work. They are a sealed unit and only need to be replaced if they fail (for a lack of a better desription).

As for cost the bearing assemblies typically run between $250 to $300+ per. side.

 

[DocVijay]

If there is no problems with the wheel bearings don't let them do the work. They are a sealed unit and only need to be replaced if they fail (for a lack of a better desription).QUOTE]

What exactly happens when a wheel bearing fails? Is it a catastrophic failure, or will hte vehicle just not drive right? The rear wheel bearings in our Toyota Avalon are going bad. They make a constant, low rumbling sound when driving. I took it to Toyota and they said that the bearings were indeed bad. But you said that they only need to be replaced if they fail. What happens if you drive with busted bearings? I imagine they are similar between cars as they all serve a similar function. They quoted me about $1000 to replace them (about $300 each plus labor). just trying to see if they are worth replacing now. We are trading this car in for a new Volvo in October.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

ummm if you can hear the bearings rumbling i wouldnt drive on them.... they might not come apart or they could fly apart at any moment..... what usually happens with a bearing is it wears out and you start getting some play in it and some noise..(is it worth putting your family/self at risk?) .. well when the bearing doesnt ride right and not where its supposed to it will create extra friction= extra heat... eventually youll cook all the grease up and the bearing will either fry apart... or sieze solid..... advance auto has the bearing units for about 165 a side for the explorer... if you can change brakes you can change these... you basically take off the brakes and rotor and undo the hub bolt... then there are three bolts that hold the bearing unit to the car... undo these .. .hammer the old one out and tap new one in.... put everything back together and voila.... new bearings for 300 bucks.... i would never pay that much for bearings themselves... they are quoting you dealer list prices which = insane..... go to an auto parts store and see how much for the parts there... if you buy them yourself and take it to a well respected mechanic he should only charge you at the most 60 bucks an hour and i cant see it taking more than an hour a side....

 

[Jeff Leavitt]

Wow!
I replaced mine in the front last month and the tab for the parts was about $48.00 for 4 new bearings and races. Took me a half a day to do the job. $900 is way out of line for this job.... Rgds, jeff

 

[97BlackX5.0]

he doesnt have separate bearings and races.... its all one piece and its about 150 minimum .... they went to a new style bearing on almost all new cars and trucks