I've gotten a couple of emails saying that lincoln vs. cadillac misses me. So, I figured I would post something, as I haven't in a long time. Took my 05 LS to the dealer to determine what the grinding sound is coming from the left rear. It seems the wheel bearings are going out. It isn't bad at this point, but it will obviously get worse the longer I drive it. Anyway, it seems like just the wheel bearings can't be replaced but you have to buy the whole freaking hub/knuckle assembly, which is $900. Insane! Here is the part #: 2w4z-5b716-aa. The cheapest I have found is right at $700 at Team Ford. They also said I needed a tie rod on the right side, of which they quoted me $177 for that part. Please tell me there is a cheaper solution to my problems. Has anyone ever tackled this job before? I did come across a couple of posts in my search but they really didn't help me.
Rear Wheel Hub Knuckle Assembly
- Thread starter bdj5773
- Start date
hite337
Hite Performance
Rockauto has the bearings for about $30-40. The old ones are pressed out and the new ones are pressed in. Sometimes the axle shaft is corroded. If it is, then you may need to replace those as well. IIRC those are $140/pr. Rockauto should have the tie rods too.
Thanks for the response, but the mechanic at the dealership said it couldn't be done like that. It all comes in one unit and you just can't buy the bearings. But, if it can be done, that would definitely be the way to go.
I have to chime in here and let you know that I have had both of my rear bearings done. Both jobs were a press in job that I had done at a local Mavis facility. However on the left side, I had to get the bearing replaced 3 times because the hub was actually worn out. It was not "holding" bearing correctly and kept going bad. The first two replacements were done on warranty thinking that a bad bearing was sold to me..but eventually entire hub with bearing had to be put in. But basically having just the bearing replaced for my year LS is commonplace, just hope your hub is not damaged...much smarter to buy the whole assembly but of course, expect a increase in price. My shop took about 3 hours to press in the new bearing. There is a difference in the year of our cars, so maybe it is possible in the 00..and not so possible in your year LS.
On my 2001, dealer ordered bearing in for $30 and when he got the the hub out, said you cannot replace just the bearing. He called me and I went and looked at hub, it was impossible to change just bearing. He didn`t know why the bearing could be ordered sperately. I got a used hub ass`y from junk yard for $150, dealer wanted $800 for new one.
I appreciate everyone's response on this. I really hope I can just press new bearings in; that would save a ton of money. How hard is it to take off the wheel hub knuckle assembly? I wouldn't think it would be too hard, but could be wrong.
Well, that is what they said, but they could be wrong. It seems to be the consensus of others on this forum that it can be done. I always get second and third opinions. Maybe others can chime in on this who have actually done the job.
LS4me...that is absolutely correct..my labor costs was about the same..even when I went to Advance Auto to buy the bearings myself in advance..but I know for a fact that the '00 has press in bearings on the rear..that was a nightmare that I had to pay for..I could have easily went to a junkyard to buy a used hub...but along with that comes miles of pre-use. Why would the dealer press your bearings in when he can just bend you over and rape you for the costs of the whole hub..lol.
It's not about making money per-sé, it's about ease and speed of job. The dealer only makes (besides labour, of course) mark-up on the part; they have to buy them from the manufacturer. If it takes less time to replace the unit as a whole, then that's what they'll do. I knew a mechanic at a dealer that booked about 80 hours one week!!
..again, I agree. Not to get away from the wheel bearing discussion...but I have had a new clockspring unit in the box waiting to learn how to install it because the dealer wants $200 to put it in..(the part's cost was $200..lol. wow.) Advance auto sells the wheel bearings for $79 provided they are in stock..the labor to press out the old bearing and put in the new one brings the costs to about $400 per wheel...if I had to do it all over again I would replace the hub unit all together with a vehicle with the age of mine. If anyone knows where to get the rear lower control arms (except from the dealer) please chime in..even Rock Auto does not carry these..
Rapidtransit
Active LVC Member
I replaced the bearings in my rear knuckle assemblies in my 2001 LS about 3 years ago. After getting the Timken rear bearings, I couldn't get anyone to do the install even with the rear knuckes removed from the car. So, I went and bought a hydraulic press to do the job. Even after factoring the cost of the press, I came out much cheaper than buying new knuckles at the dealer. If you live anywhere near central New Jersey, I would be more than happy to remove and replace the bearings for you. It's my way of giving back to society.
...for my '00 3 hours of labor to press out (and in) the bearing per wheel..$80.00 an hour plus the $70 costs of the wheel bearing..about $380. I guess the labor is the bulk of the financial costs here..lol. If you are mechanically inclined it should be a breeze with the press.
Like I said before, got the whole ass`y one from junk yard for 150. Came with 60 day warranty. Installed, still going strong 7 years later. I don`t like spending anymore money than any other person. Some parts are not worth getting at junk yard but a hub ass`y with 60 day warranty. Not sure what warranty is on new one. There was post on here that someone replaced 3 bearings on same hub to find out later the hub was damaged, expensive repair.