net1994

I have a 2013 A4 that needs a wheel bearing replaced, front left. I took it to a shop I always use and trust. They said it would be about $500. They charge $95hr for labor. I live in Boston, so thus the high labor rate. Does this sound right? Not sure how much the bearing part costs. This isn't something I can or would do on my own. I'd say it got busted going over a pothole a few weeks ago. Ever since then, there has been a loud buzzing sound coming from the front of the car and has just gets louder as time goes on.

Thanks!

jagtoes

You can buy the whole hub assembly for around $150 which has the bearing already pressed on. You can buy the bearing itself for around $30 but there is a fair amount of labor to install it. So if you get the hub assembly at $150 plus $95 in labor you should be able to walk away for around $250

net1994

So maybe I am getting ripped off. He is only doing one wheel and he didn't say if its just the bearing or the whole bearing assembly. Maybe he is adding on the Audi tax.

net1994

Just got my car back after spending $500. They itemized the bill and the part alone was $260 for the hub bearing assembly. Maybe it was a genuine audi part? I called the local audi dealership and they quoted me $7-800 JUST FOR ONE WHEEL!! I think I still got ripped, but I guess it could of been worse.

Also after doing this, do I need to get an alignment?

jagtoes

Sounds like you got the Audi part and he took 2 hours to do the job. As for the alignment if you damaged the bearing by hitting a pot hole then I would get it done. Normally when you replace the hub assembly you wouldn't need an alignment but if it was damaged by an accident then I would get it done.

jfo

No, you didn't get ripped off. A decent bearing without hub is about $100 (Timken, F.A.G) and the hub is similar for after market. I've replaced several, reusing the hub and pressing on a new bearing. Labour is OK at about 2 hrs and $95 /hr is a good rate.

Uwon

+1. You did OK. It’s a pig of a DIY project!

JoA4Sline

Just throwing this out there but is it possible is quoting your entire front end on the assumption that the passenger's side bearing is due to fail anytime soon?

shawfm

Hmm, the Audi labor rate here is just about $145/hour- same for Porsche dealership.