Time to replace Front Hub/Bearings... need advice!

[Diggman33]

Happy New Year to All!

My '97 Sport 4WD is making that dreaded spinning/rubbing sound from front left wheel well area - coupled with a vibration in the steering wheel and under my feet! Upon inspection (and an educated guess) it is infact the wheel bearing/hub - just over 96K miles, so I guess it's about due anyway.

So, now it's time to replace it! (BTW) excellent write up here from ncc! ).

I've been out to all the usual auto parts vendors but I've also seen the Wheel Hub/Bearings being sold on egay for almost half the price.

Has anyone bought a hub from a seller/store on egay? If so, how did they hold up. I've been communicating with a seller/store that claims that his hubs are premium, made in the USA - his price $89/hub as compared to $177 from the local chain parts store (FWIW Timken hubs).

What's the main difference between guy selling hubs on egay for $89 versus retail auto parts store selling hubs for $177 (besides the price)!

Thanks in advance!
Steve

 

[MONMIX]

I have, with good reason, always been leery of after market parts.

The differance could show up in fit, strength, qualtiy, size, condition, finnish.