Front wheel bearings

[dubbed]

I was going to do this myself but it looks like a pretty big job and it looks like too much trouble finding the proper bearing puller. I was just wondering if anyone else has had their wheel bearings replaced, and if so what sort of cost did you incur?

[audi-tone]

Hey dude. Just had mine done recently. Took th 3.5hrs so it cost me about 350 in labour. I had already got the parts from ecs. Parts are exxy through vw. They wanted 250 for each rear side so it could be round that.
You are right though. It's a big job and unless you have the tool which cost around 180 (in aus) it's too hard..

[wai]

I was going to do this myself but it looks like a pretty big job and it looks like too much trouble finding the proper bearing puller. I was just wondering if anyone else has had their wheel bearings replaced, and if so what sort of cost did you incur?

If you have the correct tools or are willing to spend a lot of time, you can do them. The thing is that if it goes wrong, you will end up having it done by someone with the experience and correct tools.

Many years ago (getting close to to 30 years ago now) I replaced the wheel bearings on my Torana. Getting the old ones out was not an issue as they were being replaced. It was getting the outer cup of the tapered roller bearings back in that was the issue. When I think back, I am amazed I even tried it as all I had was a pin punch and hammer and time to drift the 4 new cups into place (two for each front wheel). In the end it all worked out and the car did more than 250,000 km with those bearings. I did know what I was doing, but still it is not something I would try now. The same goes for replacing the harmonic balancer and timing cover oil seal (twice 80,000 km apart) and pulling the distributor apart to re-calibrate it myself.

So if you are prepared to give it a go, then go for it. Just have a "Plan B" ready just in case particularly if it is your only car and you rely on it

[dubbed]

Thanks guys. If I had the right puller I would give it a go myself but I'm not paying 200-400 for the correct one. I think I will buy new bearings and hubs from ECS and take it to a pro.

audi-tone, was that for just the rears or did it include fronts as well?

[audi-tone]

That was only for the front bearings.
Rears on the mk4 are super easy. Just need a gear puller, a cold chisel, breaker bar, 30mm 12 point socket and a hammer. I did this myself and with those tools it was pretty easy.
Follow the guide on vortex and it explains it pretty well. I got the rear hubs from ecs but sourced the front ones here as it was actually cheaper.

[balkanac]

ECS has good stuff but their postage is a killer

[audi-tone]

i suppose its a bit over the top but it gets to you in about 4 days.. last time i ordered on monday it came on friday. fast..

[dubbed]

Yeah they're postage is a killer but I've been quoted worse from some of the other suppliers over there. I've just ordered brakes and a couple of other small things from ECS but it should still work out cheaper than buying locally.

It's really only the fronts that need replacing so I will get a quote but just wanted to know what's reasonable.