I bought a 98 A4 quattro just over a month ago that had a bad rear wheel bearing (driver's side). I finally had time to replace it this weekend, and and thrilled that the annoying 'hummm' is gone.

Overall the job wasn't that bad compared to some other car related projects I've taken on. I found great instructions here : http://audiworld.com/tech/wheel45.shtml - that also include photos. That really helped take the guess work out of it.

The only real road blocks I ran into were related to not having the correct tool. I had to make a trip out to buy a 14mm hex head socket (only available at my Sears in a 4 pack with 3 other sizes for $40). Then I had to stop at Autozone and rent a joint separator. The final missing piece to my puzzle was a trip to harbor freight for a 12 ton shop press (I couldn't find a shop open on the weekend to press the bearings for me).

I don't think I saved a huge amount (total cost including tools was just over $200) - but if another one goes bad the tools should pay for themselves.

charlie

 

www.harborfreight.com

Some of their tools are junk that I wouldn't use. Some of their tools are kind of junky but worth it for the price if you're not a professional. Some of them are great.

Example: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=98229

 

Nice find. For hand tools I pretty much exclusively use Craftsman. I've cracked cheap sockets in the past and this particular application was really high torque so I feel like it was worth the money to go with Craftsman.

The shop press worked great and you can't beat the price. I also picked up a TIG/Arc welder about a year ago from HF for $200 and I love it.

 

I normally buy Craftsman, too. I think 14mm is large enough that the cheaper ones would probably work OK, though. I wouldn't trust them for, say, 6mm.

 

i just did my rear bearing as well and now i cruise in sepulchral silence. so nice. great job!