pbguy

hi I am in San Diego with a 1997 A4 V6 Quattro 2.8l.

I need both rear bearings replaced. I plan to order them online and bring them to a shop.

How many hours should the shop charge me? Anyone know a good San Diego mechanic?

thanks!

Also, I was thinking of order at Autohaus AZ. thoughts? IS this a good place for parts? http://tinyurl.com/4748xs5

also, should I replace the control arm bushings also per this link? http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MA21014-B

GomerPyle

I had both rear wheel bearings replaced on my A4 and S4 for a total of 4 bearings. Parts and labor in Madison WI were under $300 each. The dealer was actually cheaper than an indy shop at about $250.

pbguy

you mean for each wheel?

thanks.

mtroxel

I'm sure he does. A good mechanic can spend 2 hours on each wheel. Me? I can spend the better part of a day on 1.

joloya

I spent about 45 mins to remove and install my right front bearing. Used a bit of heat while avoiding the ABS sensor, sprayed cold water then, used a super duty Air Hammer/chisel to drive the bearing out. ****Regular air chisel won't drive it out.

By removing it this way, it prevented me from removing wheel spindle to press out the bearing. This also saved me from doing an alignment cause, those linkages doesn't seem to seat at the exact spot even though you mark it.

GomerPyle

Yes, each wheel.

MonroeS4

I did my '00 S4 rear and it's a PITA. But can be DIY if your really experienced and mechanical. Took me about 1.5 hrs first time, 1hr second time. That's from jack up to jack down. The $300 price is good considering it's parts and labor. If the mechanic had to use a press then he had to do the realignment too. Make sure your mechanic is including an alignment in the price so you don't get surprised. Replacement of the control arm or bushing depends on their condition and milage. If the bearing job entails taking the spindle asm out to use a press and you have high miles(perhaps just the age too) then do it now and suffer only one realignment.