Wheel Bearings: just bend me over...

[svxcess]

I went down to one of the Subaru Dealerships where I get parts at a great discount (They discount 25% for SVXWN and NASIOC members) Robyn, the parts department manager is great to deal with. I never used their service department though

But for the past month, I have been hearing that dreaded roaring noise from the back of the SVX, from the right side. I thought it was either a wheel bearing or abnormal tire noise from an uneven wearing tire. So While I was there for some parts, they had an appointment open to check it out.

After having it on a lift and rotating the wheels, listening, checking other things, and doing a road test, the verdict from the SVX Master Tech was that the right rear bearing was definitely going and the left was on its way too. He said if I only replaced the right one and made it quiet, that the left one would then be noticeable.

He also said the backing plates for both rotors were corroded, pitting and the plys of metal were separating somewhat and needed replacing.

So the estimate came out to $1524.76 for two bearings and two new backing plates. Parts were $660.00 and the labor was about $800.00, plus $35.00 tax. They would need it for two days

The charge for the inspection, analysis, and road test was $44.00 plus a $5.00 "shop materials charge" for miscellaneous supplies. When I asked the Service Manager what that included, she said "solvents, cleaners, lubricants, towels, etc." (none of which they used)

Although they will not fix my car at those prices, I secretly believe that one of those lubricants I would be charged for would be K-Y Jelly

""Thank you, ma'am, but I think I may need a little more before I agree to this estimate."

Maybe they did not want the hassle of working on my Polo, so they tried to discourage me with these prices.

The backing plates behind the rear rotors are over $200.00 each; can I take them off and get along without them?

.

[Hocrest]

Isn't this something OT can do without the KY Jelly

Someone is running without the backing plates/dust shields??? Desert Runner maybe?? After reading his post, I planned to remove them next time the racer was that far apart...

[svxcess]

Originally Posted by Hocrest

Isn't this something OT can do without the KY Jelly

Someone is running without the backing plates/dust shields??? Desert Runner maybe?? After reading his post, I planned to remove them next time the racer was that far apart...

I had always planned for OT to do this, depending on his schedule. I just wanted a quick confirmation. I told them that if they replaced both wheel bearings and the noise was still there, that it must have been the tire all along.

I would then ask for my money back and have them reinstall my old bearings.
.

[svxistentialist]

Metal separating?

Do they use a lot of salt in Maryland? How could the plates get that bad so soon?

They are just taking you for a ride, I expect.

This is one of the problems of keeping your car looking like a million dollars, John. They figure you actually want to spend that kind of money to keep it perfect.

Joe

[huck369]

John, I doubt the backing plates need to be replaced..
Worst case take them off have them acid dipped or sandblasted, and powder coat them...still cheaper than $200 each....or just find a nice set od used ones from a west coast car....I'm sure there are some west coast members that could get you a great set for a few bucks.

[GreenMarine]

Yep... Sounds about right... I paid something close to $1400 last winter to have both of my wheelbearings done... It's pretty damn expensive huh?