Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly: Which to Buy / Combine Different Brands to Save Money?

[rojocru]

Hello. My vehicle is a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT, RWD. I have been told by mechanics (got more than one opinion), that I need to have the wheel bearing hub assembly replaced on my front tire, driver side.

I am uncertain what to purchase because I see prices ranging widely. They are from $47.84 to $162.99 While like with most purchases this goal is usually impossible, I still like to try, which would be to get a cheap / inexpensive product with great / the best quality.

From the few posts that I have seen on this site and elsewhere, apparently for best quality, the Timken brand is the way to go. Those posts however seem to be referring to the bearings only / as the bearings being the most important part that should be of best quality.

So, my questions are as follows:

1) What are your thoughts on the above comments?

2) Can I purchase a cheap wheel bearing hub assembly, and then also purchase Timken bearings (1 outer and 1 inner), and then replace the ones in the cheap wheel hub assembly?

2b) If the above is possible, is this something anyone can do, or are there specific and complex ways of taking the unit apart to replace the wheel bearings?

And if it is a bit complex, is this something that you think the mechanic will do without charging me extra?

3) Should I just buy the whole assembly made by Timken? (Please don't just say yes or no, but rather explain, and preferably by also addressing my first set of questions above).

Thank you very much. Looking forward to your responses.

 

[Donystoy]

I recently replaced both front hubs on my 4WD. Both Timken or SKF are good quality. Mine came as a complete assembly including the anti-lock brake sensor and wiring harness. Unless hubs for RWD are different I would think that they would also be only available as a complete assembly. This is one area that I would not purchase the cheapest parts.

 

[Carguy3J]

Since '95, all 4wd and AWD Explorers use sealed one piece hub/bearing assemblies in the front. They can NOT be disassembled or serviced, only replaced.

Timken and SKF have the best reputation for quality and durability. However, I had a string of defective, right out of the box, Timken hubs, for my '98 Buick Century. These hubs came from several different stores. They looked liked they had been overheated, with blued metal around the back. I think they may have had a manufacturing issue.

Aside from that, I've had good luck with the Timkens. On the other hand, I did end up using the Duralast ones for the Buick, with no problems so far.

Definitely avoid the cheap Chinese junk, especially if you are paying someone for labor to change them.

 

[esclamada]

I used GMB on mine, seems to be doing OK.
On my 98 Lincoln Continental I used duralast, they are holding up fine too.

You can't go wrong with Timken though.


http://www.amazon.com/GMB-725-0235-...ds=2002+mercury+mountaineer+wheel+bearing+gmb



-----------------------------------------------------------
MY MOUNTY
http://www.facebook.com/diyfordexplorer/photos_albums

 

[okrick1]

Dude if you look at the duralast ones, they're made in China. I got one from Detroit Axle for my 010 Explorer. Duralast was $209, Det Axle $49. Ordered the one for my car part #515078 , they sent me the 515050 the one for the 3rd gen. for 01-06. everybody said they will not interchange, Called Det, Axle, they said they will swap out... I bought the right one from Oreily's just to measure it. The dimensions are the same, the only thing different is the positions of the little rubbers for clamping it down ( you can slice the rubber off the old one and place it where you want on the new one.) I put the cheap one on the car and found play in it, ended up using the OReily's one. Long story short part#515078 cost $209 #515050 $139 will interchange, measure it yourself!

 

[LoKo498]

Funny thing is I had both mine replaced & the driver side still says there's a problem with my ABS.