New bearing or steering knuckle?

[Hwycruiser]

I have a bad front wheel bearing and also need suspension rebuilt. So I will be having a pro shop replace struts, etc. I have read that the front bearings can be difficult to replace. Would I save the labor cost by just getting new steering knuckles with the bearings already installed? If I have to pay an hour + of labor plus the cost of a bearing, seems it would add up about the same.

 

[Curious Chris]

Ah yes I have replace front wheel bearings a few times on my cars and it is not difficult but time consuming. You an buy a front hub with bearing installed for like $90. Having said that if they remove the steering nuckle to get the strut out it would be a walk in the park to remove and replace the bearing.

 

[Powder Hound]

The best way would be to ask the shop for the price difference. They would be able to give you the bottom line for both methods.

Doing it yourself you can save by just swapping out the bearing, but having a shop do the whole operation - well, they're the ones that are in control of that.

Cheers,

PH