I went to get an alignment today and after waiting an hour for the service guy he said he can't do it until I fix a problem.
He said I have to change my Hub Assembly on right rear tire. Can anyone explain what this is and if it's doable by yourself. He quoted me for the hub assembly like $215 and labor $97 and some cap $24. Please help me out people. Thanks a lot.

Felix

 

That's probably the wheel bearing and hub. Here is the procedure for the front (not the rear so get a manual): http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/704 I would let a shop do it to save myself the trouble, but you decide

 

The rear is MUCH easier than the front. If you can get the hub assembly (with bearings installed) the only special tool (if you want to call it that) is a big socket for the retaining nut (36 mm??). Call DaveB and see what he can do for you price wise. Or you can remove the hub yourself, buy new bearings, and pay a garage to press out the old ones and press in the new ones. The fact that the shop is only charging you one hour labor is an indication that it's not that bad a job.

 

So would I need the whole hub assembly or just new bearings?

 

I'm guessing the whole hub since the guy said hub

 

Instead of guessing, just ask him what the problem was. He most likely wanted to replace the whole assembly since it was easier for him to do (doesn't have to worry about pressing the bearings out/in). I can't think of what on the hub would have gone bad.

 

ok, thanks for the help guys!

 

Before he makes a $50 allignment into a $500 job, ask for other OPINIONS. It's not like some mechanics aren't out there to screw everyone over.

 

i can tell there's a problem, the wheel(tire) seems to have play and sharp left turns i hear a noise. it's almost like too much pressure on that tire.

 

yup, sounds like a bad wheel bearing then.. If he says it's that wheel, and you notice play in it, then there's something wrong with the bearing.

I'm not sure on 4th gens, but on 3rd gens you have to replace the entire hub- you can't replace just the bearings...

This is a 10 minute job for someone with air tools. not a hard job at all.
remove wheel, remove brake caliper, remove rotor, remove hub cap, remove hub nut, remove hub. replace.

 

I think you're right. I just looked in a Haynes manual and noticed there is no procedure for replacing just the rear wheel bearings. It does look like you replace the entire hub assembly.

 

anyone know where i could get a hub assembly cheaper than the shop quoted me?

 

Try calling DaveB like I suggested earlier. His number is 888-254-6060 and his
e-mail is daveb@adpub.com.

 

thanks Dan. I'll give him a call tomorrow. it sucks he lives so far though.