Replacing the front wheel bearing/hub

[Popeye1959]

I need to replace the front wheel bearing/hub on my '03 Exp Sport. It's pretty straight forward (I watched a video). AutoZone parts and Advance Auto parts are pretty expensive. I see AM Auto Parts has one for $51.25 with free S/H and 1A Auto has the same thing for $64.95 with free shipping. Are these companies selling reliable parts or are they going to fail a year down the road?

 

[masospaghetti]

Don't get the cheap bearings. Based on what I've heard on this forum, they are not reliable and you get what you pay for.

RockAuto shows a $44 bearing from "ValuPro", which is probably the same vendor selling at the stores you listed.

If you want to do it right, get a Timken bearing from Rockauto ($100) which is the same as OE. As of a couple years ago, these were still made in the USA. As an alternative if you want local, you can get a Moog/National bearing for about $100+tax from Advance if you use online code "TRT30" when you check out.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

The cheap bearings might be ok for a year or two so long as you are careful to properly torque the axle nut and stick to street driving with highway type tires. Generally 165-175 foot pounds depending on the brand. Want it to last longer or drive bad roads, offroad, or any heavy AT or mud tires -- get Timken

 

[Popeye1959]

Not sure where you see the $100 bearing on Rock Auto. The only front hub/bearing I can find using their dropdown menu is a $172.79 part. I can buy 3 of the cheaper ones for that price. At least with the discount code the cheaper Moog from Advance is $112. Sure glad I’m going to be selling this thing soon. This thing is all stock and never go off roading.

 

[koda2000]

if you're going to get rid of it soon, i wouldn't spend a penny more on it than necessary.