Ford Focus Wheel Bearing...

Hoof_Hearted

These really are great cars for reliability but mine now needs a rear wheel bearing. I did one decades ago, but seem to remember it was not easy to get the old one off, so I am opting for a local indy. I am guessing an hour and a bill for around £100, but really have no idea. Can any pros advise?

If one has gone, is it worth doing both while it's in or could the other one go on for years?

Foxy-Stoat_3

Call a motor factors with your reg number and get a price for the part. Prob 1-2 hours work @ £30-£50 an hour.

You'll need a bearing press. You could remove the hub yourself, take it to a garage with a press and pay them £20 to remove old bearing and press in the new one then re-fit the hub.

Good guide here (add www):

focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119824

EdGasket

The bearing is built into the rear brake drum. When you pull off the brake drum, the bearing should come with it so just fit a new drum. Simple on this car; if you have drums that is, you haven't said. The above post assumes rear disks which are only on the top models.

forgotmyname

If you can afford to replace all the bearings then you can but the others may last longer than the new one.

They can be a bit hit and miss. 99.9% of the time a new bearing is OK. But they can and do fail. Even when fitted properly and not hammered in.

But how often do you fit a new engine because its bound to be worn after a years use.

Its not like springs and shocks that affect the handling. Who wants a soft and weak spring on one side and a stiff new one on the other?
It will handle differently on left and right hand bends.

arcon5

Front or rear? Pads/discs or drums?

The rear ones with discs is easy. Simply remove wheel, remove 2 caliper retaining bolts, strap caliper to one side for now, remove disc, 4 torx bolts to remove wheel bearing and restore reverse way (unplug ABS sensor if applicable).

If brake drum and rear then a little harder.. especially if you replace the whole drum. Several springs which can be a pain in the buttocks to restore. But still not a long or hard job for a pro.

If front... then never done one so not sure.

Bearings can be purchased at a good price (<£30) so could be cheaper to buy the parts then get a garage to fit them, or DIY it - may need some bolt grips and/or heat gun in case the bolts aren't very forthcoming due to rust or something.