Wheel Bearing

[frahman]

I have a 2001 Jetta VR6. I am replacing my front left wheel bearing since there was a roaring noise coming out from the front left end. My mechanic now saying that I need to replace the right front bearing as well. I am little confused about their comment. Could someone help me with the following questions:

1. Is the left and right wheel bearing different? Meaning can they put new bearing to the left wheel, take the bad one out of there and put it to the right one?

2. They were saying earlier that when they take the bearing off the wheel, the bearing get damaged while taking out. is it true?

3. Can you greece up the bearing and re-use it?

Thanks

[alphalanos]

1. yeah that sounds like a little trick they may have pulled. but if one bearing went, then the other probably is ready too.

2. yes its possible to damage the bearing.

3. ususally FWD bearing are sealed so basically you should just get both replaced.


how much are they charging? i beleive bearings are around 60-130 each.

[frahman]

Thanks.

I just got my car back. The roaring sound is still there with no different from before! I am shocked!!!

They have changed the left bearing and now saying that the right needs to ne replaced and saying the souns will go away 100% if I change the right bearing.

Is there anyway to check if at all they have done anything?

Reagrds

[frahman]

It cost me CAD$ 97.00 for the bearing and CAD$300 to replace the bearing.

[alphalanos]

well they got you on labor. you can take the wheel off and visually inspect the bearing, obviously if it looks old then you have a problem. If the sound is still there then either they did nothing, or the other bearing needs to be replaced which sounds like it might be the case.

[veedubmechanic]

looks like they f-ed up and replaced the wrong bearing. looks like the right bearing was bad all the time and they didnt know. since they didnt fix the problem they should replace your bearing for free.

or they messed up installing the left bearing and are telling you the right one needs to be replaced so they can re-install the left bearing correctly.