Hi, my front left wheel bearing needs to be replaced, but I need some advice. I've called around to get estimates from a few shops, and one shop told me that you can't just replace the wheel bearing, and that I'll need to replace the hub as well. Another shop told me that I'd have to replace both front wheel bearings because it will mess up the suspension if I only replace one side. I don't know who to believe and don't want to spend more than I have to to get it fixed. Does anyone have any advice?

 

First shop is right. You do not have to replace both. If one died, it might be a good idea to replace the other, but not necessary

 

The second shop is feeding you BS. Don't go there. Considering the cost, and the fact that a worn bearing gives plenty of warning before leaving you stranded, I wouldn't pre-emptively replace the other side.

The hub should be re-usable. Its the back wheels where the hub and bearing are an integrated unit. You need a press to press out the hub and put a new bearing in. You can save considerable money on labor by taking the knuckle + bearing + hub assembly off of the car yourself and using another car to take it to a shop that has a press.

 

you can just replace bearing but going to need presser to get bearing out. also dont need to do both, could if you want but dont need to.