Ripoff? $2000 for wheel bearing replacement?

rybateman · Post by **rybateman** » 02 Jul 2011, 19:26

Hey guys,

I just recently bought a second 1989 740. This one is a 740 GLE 16 valve. I test drove the car and realized that when applying the brakes I would get a pulsing grind sound and a pulse on the brake pedal like ABS was being applied, almost. Anyways, I just took it into a shop today, assuming that the problem was probably brake rotors and pads, maybe tie rods.

Apparently, I was very wrong. The mechanic said that I'm looking at $2,300 in repairs (paid $1,250 for the car) for all four wheel bearings, sway bar links, front struts and springs, and rear springs. However, in the price breakdown that they gave me they said that wheel bearings will run me $500 per wheel for both parts and labor WITHOUT SHIPPING. I live in Alaska, so shipping is going to be a killer on this one. Needless to say I just about soiled myself when I heard that number, especially because I had gone into this thinking it would be a $300 dollar fix.

A quick search on FCP groton I find that I can get the bearings for $39 or get the whole hub for $99.

Is this repair shop trying to rip me off? Is this repair something that I could do at home (I'm definitely not too competent, but I've been able to manage a few repairs, but with tons of complications.) I'm going to get an estimate after the holiday from a shop that does Volvo and import work specifically, but I want to go into this next shop prepared to talk about these parts. What should this sort of repair cost, and what should I know so that I can talk with the mechanic competently?

Thanks a ton guys, I really appreciate this forum. The few times I have posted this place has been a life saver.

Post by **igel513** » 02 Jul 2011, 19:35

With a pulsating brake pedal, I suspect it's warped rotors or bad pads. Do the brake check yourself to save yourself a bundle. It's so easy to replace rotors and pads. Time to get your hands dirty. The shop u mentioned is trying to rip u off.
Bad bearings could be checked by jacking ur car up, hold tire on opposite sides, wiggle and a bad bearings would emit a clunking sound indicating its worn out.

Post by **bronxnativ** » 02 Jul 2011, 19:51

rybateman wrote:Hey guys,

I just recently bought a second 1989 740. This one is a 740 GLE 16 valve. I test drove the car and realized that when applying the brakes I would get a pulsing grind sound and a pulse on the brake pedal like ABS was being applied, almost. Anyways, I just took it into a shop today, assuming that the problem was probably brake rotors and pads, maybe tie rods.

Apparently, I was very wrong. The mechanic said that I'm looking at $2,300 in repairs (paid $1,250 for the car) for all four wheel bearings, sway bar links, front struts and springs, and rear springs. However, in the price breakdown that they gave me they said that wheel bearings will run me $500 per wheel for both parts and labor WITHOUT SHIPPING. I live in Alaska, so shipping is going to be a killer on this one. Needless to say I just about soiled myself when I heard that number, especially because I had gone into this thinking it would be a $300 dollar fix.

A quick search on FCP groton I find that I can get the bearings for $39 or get the whole hub for $99.

Is this repair shop trying to rip me off? Is this repair something that I could do at home (I'm definitely not too competent, but I've been able to manage a few repairs, but with tons of complications.) I'm going to get an estimate after the holiday from a shop that does Volvo and import work specifically, but I want to go into this next shop prepared to talk about these parts. What should this sort of repair cost, and what should I know so that I can talk with the mechanic competently?

Thanks a ton guys, I really appreciate this forum. The few times I have posted this place has been a life saver.

Do yourself a favor and research the work on this site and on You tube. They have PLENTY of videos on car repairs, which are very decent by the way. I recently did brakes for the first time in my life 3 months ago, on both of my Volvos and I learned how with this forum and you tube. The "shop" you mentioned above is not ripping you off, they are trying to rape you while ripping you off. Personally, I would never go back their again. The repairs you mentioned above are not that hard. Check for yourself online. You will be amazed!

bugeye58 · Post by **bugeye58** » 07 Jul 2011, 08:59

If they quoted you $2300 for everything, and then said the wheel bearings were $500 a wheel, I'd tell them no thanks on the wheel bearings, but please do the struts, springs, sway bar links and rear springs for the $300 left on the original estimate.
Something tells me that they won't go for it.
Run, do not walk, away from these scam artists.

Jeff

rybateman · Post by **rybateman** » 07 Jul 2011, 11:11

Okay, so I looked into this a little bit more. After checking out their estimate invoice a little more the price of 2300 only includes the front two wheel bearing replacements. I had the same reaction as you, Jeff, in thinking that they probably weren't about to do my struts and springs for 300.

Regardless, 1000 is way too high for this work, so I went ahead and ordered the whole hub assembly for the two front wheels and the sway bar links for under $300 and I feel fairly confident I should be able to do them myself. The only reason why I took this car into the shop to begin with is because I'm currently working a ton and my other car is waiting for parts also, and I wanted to make sure my new daily driver stayed up and running.

Which brings me back to the problems with this car: when I apply the brake there is a distinct shake and pulsating brake pedal, along with a loudish rubbing/grinding sound, which I first confused with worn rotors. Should replacing the front wheel hubs and sway bar links fix the immediate problem? I intend to do the shocks and struts when I get together the money to buy those parts.

Thanks for the help and advice, guys. I think that doing the repair myself will be worth it.

bugeye58 · Post by **bugeye58** » 07 Jul 2011, 11:24

The pulsation and grinding noises are consistent with metal to metal contact with the brakes. I'd have a good hard look at the calipers and rotors. I'll bet you'll find the pads have worn down into the backing material. If so, you will probably have to spring for new rotors, as well as the pads. Make sure the calipers retract smoothly when you force the pistons back to replace the pads. If it were mine, I'd spring for new front hoses, too, as a hose that is collapsed internally can act as a check valve, and cause the brake to drag.
I just did all of this to my '89 740 Turbo wagon.