Dealership said my hub bearing is starting to go

[mattjones]

Had my Tahoe in for service at the dealership yesterday and probably overpaid. I originally had it in for a small leak and a squeak coming from my front driver-side wheel (all the time, not just when braking). The leak ended up being a non-issue and the squeak was due to a small crack in the rotor. They did a full break job with new pads and rotors for $470.

However, they also said that one of my hub bearings is starting to go back and recommended I get it fixed for $600+, which I declined. I really don't know anything about the hub bearings. Does $600 seem too expensive? Is it something I can replace myself? Anyone have any experience with them?

EDIT: Just remembered, they also recommended I replace the serpentine belt. I declined because it seemed too expensive and I think I've still got some time left before it really needs replacement. I'll definitely get it done soon, but I'd like to make sure I get a decent price first. That being said, what's a decent price for serpentine replacement?

 

[fiatdale]

The GM part itself is around $425 retail, so for them to do it for $600 really isn't too far off. You can buy an aftermarket from autozone or something for around $250 ish if you wanted to go that route.

It's not hard to replace. Once the wheel, caliper and rotor are off its just three 13mm bolts on the backside of the spindle holding it on. If its 4wd, you'll also need to remove the 36mm nut on the axle.

The GM bearings are far superior to the aftermarket ones though, so if you can afford it, I would get the GM part and fix yourself.

 

[UcanthavemyYukon]

Hi mattjones, if the dealer is telling you your hub bearings are going, you might want to get them fixed. If your truck is dealer serviced, its probably the best way to go although dealer servicing is more expensive than mechanic shops. The possibility of your entire axle coming apart is the result of bad bearings on your vehicle. Of course, that is worse case scenario. As far as the serpentine belt is concerned, no problem there. This belt only controls the power steering, the alternator, the air conditioning, the cooling system, yah no worries. Its a inexpensive belt that you can replace yourself if you have a torque wrench (I generally use a socket wrench) to grab the tention pulley to set the belt. You may need a spare pair of hands to do this. Your truck has a diagram of how the belt is set on the base of your radiator cover after you raise the hood. Hope this helps.

 

[mattjones]

The GM part itself is around $425 retail, so for them to do it for $600 really isn't too far off. You can buy an aftermarket from autozone or something for around $250 ish if you wanted to go that route.

It's not hard to replace. Once the wheel, caliper and rotor are off its just three 13mm bolts on the backside of the spindle holding it on. If its 4wd, you'll also need to remove the 36mm nut on the axle.

The GM bearings are far superior to the aftermarket ones though, so if you can afford it, I would get the GM part and fix yourself.

Thanks for the input. Out of curiosity, is there a way to tell when it starts to get worse? Such as an audible sound or something? The reason I ask is because I would have had no idea there was an issue with it if I hadn't gotten the truck into the dealer for a separate issue.

 

[UcanthavemyYukon]

Thanks for the input. Out of curiosity, is there a way to tell when it starts to get worse? Such as an audible sound or something? The reason I ask is because I would have had no idea there was an issue with it if I hadn't gotten the truck into the dealer for a separate issue.

Over time the bearings would wear out and that would cause a grinding sound. They could also cause a fire because of metal parts becoming exposed. But your tahoe should have sensors which would alert you from the DIC of a problem. But the last thing you want is for that awful sound because its only a matter of time before that wheel or that axle gives.

 

[k9lovr]

Just had a hub replaced after a total failure....you will know when it is getting worse as said it will start to make a noticeable grinding noise and when it fails....the dash will light up with Stability control, ABS, Traction Control, etc lights on....I will be replacing the other soon as well as it is starting to wear......

 

[imi4tth3w]

to check your hubs, lift the vehicle in the air and hold the tire at 12 and 6 oclock positions and check for any play. if there is play, you need to replace your hub.

you can get timken hubs for under $125 all day long on amazon/rockauto and they are FAR superior to even the gm/acdelco wheel bearing.

serpentine belt is a SUPER easy replacement. under $30 for ac delco and a 15mm socket and a breaker bar to hold down the tensioner to remove and replace.

 

[scottg918514]

Ac Delco is GM house brand, $200+ online. Also IMO a hub or wheel bearing is either good or bad. Not "starting to go". How do they define that? If you replace, you should do in pairs.

 

[sumo]

my FL got so bad that it was like leaving the lugs loose. Low speeds there was a wobble and when it did it would push in the Caliper so when i brake, i had to pump the brake pedal to get brakes back. To replace the hub is easy, mine the rotor siezed to the hub and had to replace the rotor too.

 

[livingez_123]

I put a pair of Timken hubs on mine. One was bad so I did them both. I figured the other side wasn't too far behind.