Front wheel bearings/axle rods

[SilentWolf8293]

My eagle has started making a quite unpleasant howl from the front end. I took it to the mechanic and he said that both my wheel bearings and front axle rods are going bad (not sure how) and need to be replaced. Besides the ridiculous charge for labor ($382) the parts are also very expensive. Expensive to the point where I am becoming suspicious of being overcharged. I am honestly beginning to think that I am just banging my head against a wall trying to keep this eagle running.  what do you guys think?

[Amc1320]

The front bearings are a pretty tough job and do require a press to replace, there is a good article in the eaglepdia that explains the procedure, the bearings themselves are not too expensive

Not sure what he means by axle rods? Half shafts maybe? They are pretty easy to replace, i followed the instructions in the eaglepdia didn't take too long, I found them at the local parts store. Replaced both of them for way less than a single car payment on a new one!

[AMC of Houston]

And the "axle rods" usually don't howl.   Maybe the boots are messed up, and he's too lazy to replace just the boots.   I also once helped a pal replace the bearings without using a press.  Got them out and in with just a big brass punch and some hammer work.

[vangremlin]

The half shafts are pretty easy to replace on your own, with the shafts being about $60-70 a piece.  The bearings are more involved, usually require a press, and not something I'd take on unless you're a pretty experienced mechanic.  I'd make sure that both bearings need to be replaced.  It could be that its only one side going bad.  Also, if they are replacing the bearings, there should be no charge for labor to replace the half shaft, as they more or less have to remove those to replace the bearings anyways.

Based on labor charges from around here, I'd say the $382 is about right.

[JayRamb]

I had my front bearings done by an AMC guy and he charged me $395, right on the money for labor! It involves a lot of work.