[DagerOne]

This just happens to be on my cougar, but i figure it's a "general rule" sort of thing....

The front left wheel bearing on my '99 Cougar is shot. Would it make sense to go ahead and change the right front bearing while I'm at it? I just called the dealership (yes, I know) and they acted as though changing only the one side didn't make much sense, and I can understand that if one is failing after X miles, the other probably isn't far behind. Just curious on your thoughts.

For those that are interested, the local dealership quoted $53.00 for each bearing ($106 for the pair) and $230 labor for the job. Total $336 plus tax. Anyone in the MC-NECO area with recommendations/better pricing, PLEASE send me a PM. Alternatively, if someone has the specialized tools and a press on hand...I've got the next two weeks off and could GLADLY work around your schedule if we can get this done for the cost of parts and a case of your favorite beer. I'll even make you an official (?) MC-NECO orthodontic retainer if you need one (details coming).

 

[sonza68]

When I replaced my rear wheel bearing, I only replaced the one that went bad.

 

[99CouGSweetRide]

I unfortunately replaced the wrong one when I did it the first time, so I had to go ahead and change the other other. $30 a piece from an auto store.

Mike

 

[finrock]

Was it hard to replace the bearing assembly? I'd like to do it myself, if possible. I just did the rotors, hoping that would help the noise (it didn't).

 

[Frosty]

The pricing you got was around the price that mine were to replace my bearings. The shop I took it to said it was a pain.

 

[EternalOne]

I got it done out in Brooklyn near the racetrack on my car man. They charged $100 total, and said I could do the other at any time. They had the car done in 2 hours, and are great to work with. (They even welded up some special ramps to get my low-ass onto the lift w/o destroying the car.)

Btw, the dealer I went to quoted the entire hub assembly, they said they had to change the whole thing. I know its a press in bearing, so I told them that. They said that any other shop could change just the bearing, but Ford requires them to change the whole hub.

E1

 

[MaverickFlyer]

I think I'm the wheel bearing expert since I've done it so many times. No you don't have to both at the same time. The other one could last another 30K miles before it goes, why change it? As for replacing the whole Hub assembly, I never believed the Hub could wear until it happened to me. Its hit or miss, I changed the left side and it is fine to this day. I changed the right side and it was gone again in 1 month. The hub was worn and the bearing would spin freely on it. So I guess Ford just doesn't chance it.

 

[ToddTCE]

I'd think it depends on the future plans for the car.

If you plan to keep it for years to come and the shop will spot you a small discount to do both in one sitting, with or without new hubs, I'd say it's money well spent.

If you're looking at a new car in the next year or so and don't want the expense and hassle time just do the one. Murphy's law says of course you'll be doing the other next month...

 

[mond12345]

I just replace mine today, the right front. I bought the bearing from Advanced Auto for 25.99, than i toke the wheel knock off the car and brought it to a machine shop for them to press the old one out and the new one in for 35.00. I also replaced the axle but not necessary just when replacing the wheel bearing.