How long should replaced wheel bearings last?

Lizzyste

Thanks for all your replies. It was the rear wheel bearings and it is the same ones as last time, I really am not confident that the job has been done correctly last year, as I have only done just over 3,200 miles. Should they have gone so quickly? and what would be a reason for them to wear out so quickly any replies would be greately appreciated before I phone the garage to complain.

Lizzyste

With regard to the whistling noise, it did go away after they were fixed, but this time there is no whilstling noise so I just wondering whether things are being added to bump up the bill and take advantage of a woman driver, garages always seem to like to rip women off.

paddedjohn

if the bearings have gone so quick it sounds to me like the garage that fitted them last year either used the cheapest parts they could source, forgot to pack them with grease or they have over tightened them when they re-fitted the hub nut, tapered bearings are only supposed to be nipped up not rammed home with an air gun (i have actually seen this done back in the days of y.t.s)

Lizzyste

s_b wrote: »

front or rear i would ask first

It was the rear wheel bearings last time and same again

Lizzyste

garethgas wrote: »

First of all, I'm not a mechanic.
Wheel bearings should last years or lots of miles. My car has 125,000 miles on it and no bearing noise whatsoever. I'm sure there a lots of other similar examples too.
However, at £80 for replacement, it sounds like a DIY job to me. Can OP confirm or possibly shed more light on this?

As far as I know they were replaced. I understand from other forums where people have replaced the bearings themself that you can buy the bearings for £10 upwards, obviously it is the labour and VAT which bumps the price up at garages. Other people have said £80 is reasonable for the work undertaken.

garethgas

How about going back to the garage and ask them how long would they expect wheel bearings to last (mileage wise).
When they tell you, ask them why is it that when they changed them they didn't even last 4000 miles?
I'd love to watch them squirm their way out of that one!
Grease or not...4000 miles is nothing for a bearing.

Wig

Is it the same wheel?

Lizzyste

garethgas wrote: »

How about going back to the garage and ask them how long would they expect wheel bearings to last (mileage wise).
When they tell you, ask them why is it that when they changed them they didn't even last 4000 miles?
I'd love to watch them squirm their way out of that one!
Grease or not...4000 miles is nothing for a bearing.

I phoned them up and they said that they should not have gone so quickly to bring car back in boss wasnt there at moment. When I phoned and spoke to the boss he had obviously checked back and said that he had been in touch with who they bought parts off but they were just outside 12 month guarantee period so there was not much he could do, they offered to refit new bearings at cost and not charge for labour I'm still weary about letting them do the work now especially as other work needs doing. I have been going to them for years thought they were reliable but dont feel so confident about that now.

Lizzyste

Wig wrote: »

Is it the same wheel?

Yes its same two wheels, offside and nearside rear wheels

garethgas

Lizzyste wrote: »

I phoned them up and they said that they should not have gone so quickly to bring car back in boss wasnt there at moment. When I phoned and spoke to the boss he had obviously checked back and said that he had been in touch with who they bought parts off but they were just outside 12 month guarantee period so there was not much he could do, they offered to refit new bearings at cost and not charge for labour I'm still weary about letting them do the work now especially as other work needs doing. I have been going to them for years thought they were reliable but dont feel so confident about that now.

To be honest, I'd go for that option. Think what your alternatives are. Pay full price elsewhere?
If I understand your post correctly, you'll only pay for the bearings and I'm sure that given your history, they'll make sure its right this time.