My dealer told me it would cost me $500 to replace the ball bearings in just the front driver side wheel. Is this reasonable. Is it something I can do myself?How much does it cost to replace the front wheel ball bearings on a 2004 Mazda Miata?Because it is the dealer prices are high. Not just for labor, but for parts.
Loading wheel bearings has a need for the right torque wrench and specifications, and while not the hardest thing to do, it is a critical part. I would suggest leaving it to a professional.
NAPA wants less then 200 for the part (http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Results This is a unit replacement part by the way and most of the 500 is for the part, labor should not be that much. Maybe two hours at most.How much does it cost to replace the front wheel ball bearings on a 2004 Mazda Miata?As far as I can tell the hub and bearings come as an assembly. One guy said he bought the hub assembly off Ebay for $45.00. Not a bad price. There isn't a whole hell of a lot to do to replace one if you're mechanically inclined. I suggest buying a service manual for the car if you decide to tackle it yourself though. As far as torque specs? If they are like any other wheel bearing all you do is adjust preload on the bearings. Tighten the nut down SNUG on the spindle while turning the hub. Back off a little (usually a quarter of a turn or so) until the key or tab will lock the nut on the spindle. Not much else to tightening a front wheel bearing. If they are held on like a front wheel drive then you'd need correct torque specs for the assembly. There is going to be a difference in price from ABS (antilock brake system) and NON-ABS. The price difference would be because an ABS hub assembly has a reluctor ring on it to be able to sense wheel lockup. Could be you have ABS and that is why the parts are so high? As stated though, if you're not a %26quot;technical%26quot; type person or don't know a good do-it-yourselfer, leave powertrain and driveline repairs to professionals.
