YACT: Rear wheel bearing

[Chaotic42]

My uncle said that he suspects that my rear wheel bearing is bad. When you attempt to shake my rear, driver side wheel, there is a significant amount of play.

Does anyone have an idea of how much this should cost to get fixed? I don't want to get hosed, it's an old car. Also, is this dangerous? Should it be a top priority?

Thanks.

Edit: I took it in. The wheel was about 10 minutes from falling off, apparently.

It seems whoever did this repair last time messed up big. They overtightened some bolts and bent some part of the assembly. I guess that messed up the whole shebang. They're overnighting the parts from Ford. It sounds expensive, but that's why I built up some savings, so I could spend it on this kind of stuff.

 

[SupaDupaCheez]

Dangerous: YES (wheel could actually FALL OFF or cause significant damage to spindle)

Expensive: Maybe (depends on car)

Do-It-Yourself: Probably not (many bearings need to be 'pressed on')

 

[JC]

If it is bad, it could suddenly get worse, and leave you on the side of the road. Happened to me. I'd get it checked out. Cost wise, bearing could be $20-50 prolly, hour or so labor, might need to be pressed on the axle. Also, sometimes when bearings get sloppy, it wipes out the seal and allows axle lube to get on the brake shoes, which could also need replacement. Bottom line, check it out, could save you some $$.

JC

 

[Pepsi90919]

hub for my 91 honda civic at the rear was about $150

 

It would be very helpful to know what the year, make and model of the vehicle is before I give you an answer.

 

[Quixfire]

Chaotic42, your rear wheel bearing are serviceable. You can remove them, clean, and repack the bearings using new grease seals. The only time you need to replace them is if the bearings are pitted or scored from lack of lubricant. I can send you the procedure if you need it.

He drives a Ford Festiva.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Roger
It would be very helpful to know what the year, make and model of the vehicle is before I give you an answer.

Ah, thanks for the reply!

It's a 1991 Ford Festiva L hatchback.

 

[JC]

It's a 1991 Ford Festiva L hatchback.

lol! When I think 'old car', I think '60s-70s. :Q

 

[Chaotic42]

Bumpdate.

 

I didn't bother to reply again because Quixfire already answered your question

 

[Quixfire]

Some of those parts are expensive for that car because they were made in Korea and not in the US.

I'm sorry to hear about you luck; maybe you can find a better mechanic this time.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Some of those parts are expensive for that car because they were made in Korea and not in the US.

I'm sorry to hear about you luck; maybe you can find a better mechanic this time.

I got out of there for $288. It wasn't bad.

They say I need a new water pump, and they want to put a timing chain on there while they're at it. It'll be another $220. I'm going to wait on that stuff.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Quixfire
Some of those parts are expensive for that car because they were made in Korea and not in the US.

I'm sorry to hear about you luck; maybe you can find a better mechanic this time.

I got out of there for $288. It wasn't bad.

They say I need a new water pump, and they want to put a timing chain on there while they're at it. It'll be another $220. I'm going to wait on that stuff.

I think that would be a timing belt and it's a good idea to change it if you are replacing the water pump.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
I think that would be a timing belt and it's a good idea to change it if you are replacing the water pump.

I thought it was a chain?

Anyway, I'm going to have it done in a couple of weeks. He said it's no huge issue, and I only drive about 15 miles per week, so the engine won't have time to get too hot. I want to make sure that my car is well taken care of, since it's taken care of me so well.