Feedback Request on Front Hub Bearings Estimate on a 2003

[geigs]

Hi all,
Just got an estimate from the Ford dealer to replace both front hub bearings on my 2003 (77,126 miles). The cost is $360 for 4.0 hours of labor and $402 for OE parts for a total of $762. They also stated that I have 10% left on the rear brakes and I was quoted $225 for 2.5 hours of labor and $80 for parts. The labor includes machining the rotors and lubing the caliper slides. They also mentioned that sometimes they need to replace the e-brake shoes and if they do that will run $180 for 2.0 hours of labor and $132 for parts for a total of $332 . Lastly, they recommend a brake flush and $90 for 1.0 of labor and $43 for parts for a total of $133.00. The grand total including tax is $1644.62 . For the record, I've mentioned the bearing noise to them over the last year and this is the first time they isolated with a stethoscope. Everything is tight underneath, it just sounds like driving on a flat tire. Any suggestions/thoughts? Thanks!
:roll:

 

[eXcali]

$700 isn't to bad for both front hubs, but 2 hours labor is a stretch. I'd consult someone with a chiltons on hand because I do believe this is a 1.5 hour fix making 3 hours labor for the job, that would be 1 extra hour charged.

As for the brakes, don't get them done there. You can find $99 brake specials all the time, or do them yourself for $60.

Back to the wheel hub bearings, if you are any good mechanically, I'd do it myself. Parts will run you between $300-400, but it's just a 30 minute fix per side. There are plenty of write ups on this site with pictures to walk you thru it. So basically it's either $500ish to do it yourself, or 3X that for them to do it.

 

[guillo99]

Hey don't do it a dealer.

i went to regular tech he charge me $400 w tax for the 2 of the back and the parking brake including parts.

 

[jrford]

Some shops will not install owner bought parts on but i have one guy that will.
i bought them for $110 each off fleabay he charged me $117 each to install. He wanted $200 each for the bearings and then like an hour each to install for about $500-600.
I tried to install them myself but you really need the right tools to do it.

 

[geigs]

Thanks

Hi all,
Thanks for the information. Looks like I got a quote from the cleaners. I'll shop some independents for better pricing. Thanks again.

 

[geigs]

Update

Got a price from an independent. It will run around $1300 for the bearings and the rear pads (and machine the rotors). I still thought this was high and was told that the bearings are $384 each (aftermarket), which is a lot more expensive than the OE parts from the Ford dealer. You would think the prices for parts would be more in line.

 

[jrford]

prices seem really HIGH. Whats the price for the bearing. I did pay in $300 for brake parts but that was all new, including the parking brake kit. . .
where do you live???? Maybe the shops are starving around here.

 

[geigs]

prices seem really HIGH. Whats the price for the bearing. I did pay in $300 for brake parts but that was all new, including the parking brake kit. . .
where do you live???? Maybe the shops are starving around here.

The more I think about, I think that second quote was for the WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY, and I don't need a new hub assembly to replace the bearing, correct?

 

[jrford]

We are talking fronts? Its a combine unit, Comes with bearing and hub.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-0...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[fordbluefamily]

I just did both front hubs on ours yesterday. I took about 3 hours total for both sides even adding some extra time dealing with the front brake calipers as I did a full front brake job in there too, and that includes changing the passenger side inner tie rod... They are taking you for a ride on that labor. If you have a 2wd the hubs are very simple to change. AWD means you will have a driveshaft to deal with and adds a bit of time, but still not too bad.
I used the 110 dollar Ebay front hubs. I found some that have Timken bearings in them. Quiet as can be up front now. Hopefully I have time for the rear bearings this week, they are LOUD.

 

[Sleb]

you can do it yourself for under $400 its not hard, just read some threads, all the info is in this forum. I'll post pics and a guide if you want.

 

[Kovalchuk]

I just got a single hub/bearing assembly done.

253.00$ for the part. (Dealership)

85.00$ for the labour. (private mechanic)

All Canadian dollars and taxes included.

 

[mjp3262]

Yeah, you definately have to learn to do this stuff yourself or you're gonna get ripped off. I'm in the process of doing my rear bearings, did the right side Friday and the left bearing is being pressed as I reply here. Rear Bearing / Hub assemblies were $45 each and $45 each to press them. Front bearings are on ebay now for $60 - $80, you can get front and rear rotors and pads for around $200 and rear parking brake shoes with hardware kit for around $60. So, what's the total ? About $600, learn this stuff and if you get stuck, there's plenty of reference material here in the forum. You could probably do all this in a weekend or quicker with a friend.

 

[RickM]

I paid $208.40 for both fronts w/ Timkens off Ebay. They have been on since winter '08 and all is well.

($92.95 each + $22.50 ship)