Hey guys, I'm kinda new to the whole working on your own car thing with the exception of changing oil and simple stuff, but one of my wheel bearings is starting to go and I don't really have the money to have it replaced. So, I was wondering if there was anyone in the Philly area who could spare some time to replace it and show me around the car some. I know that walking an unexperienced person through a wheel bearing replacement probably isn't high on more experienced people's lists of things to do but if anyone has the time or willingness to help me in the Philly area that would be fantastic, if not well, no loss, thanks guys.

 

Umm, it always costs me 160 bucks CDN to change a wheel bearing... I've had to change 3 now. 80 for the part, 80 for labour. Hmm! It isn't something you can change yourself, unless you have a bearing press. You could try without it... but then you risk damaging the brand new bearing, and blowing all that money. If you can't get a bearing press, just pay somebody to do it... it isn't too expensive, considering all the other things that can go wrong on these cars.

 

Check out the regional forum for a list of everyone in the Philly area. I'd be willing to help but I've never replaced a wheel bearing and I'm unavailable for at least 2-3 weeks.

 

If you have a second car or a buddy to drive you to a parts shop some of the old school ones do basic work like that.

 

Give the guys at http://www.germanautospecialist.com/ a call, they are reasonable with their prices and know their stuff. If you really can't apay a shop o do it for you, I'm sure we could get some people together and nut it out one weekend (after waterfest! :P)

 

It wasn't just about saving money, I was also trying to gain some knowledge about the car and working on cars in general. It's gonna be a few weeks before I can really do much of anything, so I guess I'll wait a few weeks and see what happens.

 

I hear ya about gaining knowledge... but I really don't think a wheel bearing should be attempted without a bearing press. I guess you could get the hub out... and only pay somebody to press the new bearing in... Hmm.