Wheel Bearings need to be replaced on QX4

[hasoon2000]

Got an '01 QX4. My wheel bearings need to be replaced. The previous owner was an idiot and never took care of it AT ALL. Now the wheel bearings need to be changed. Asked my brother who's a mechanic and other friend's who work on cars. My brother doesn't want to do it since he hates my QX4 and despises imports with a passion. So question to you guys, how much do wheel bearings cost and how much is labor for them? I can buy the bearings through my brother's discount from Infiniti and other stores. What do you recommend?

[Towncivilian]

I'm assuming you're talking of the front wheel bearings. If you want to DIY, this guide shows you how to get down to the bearings. You'll want new inner bearing seals and probably outer bearing seals (the dust caps) as well. Use a high quality synthetic grease. Valvoline Synpower is readily available and an excellent grease.

[hasoon2000]

I'm an idiot when it comes to cars. I can work with phones, computers and electronics. Just not cars lol.

Yes, I am referring to the front wheel bearings.

Can you point me to a certain brand for the parts needed? Links if possible. I'd rather buy the stuff and take it and get it done. I'm just a 20 year old who drives to downtown Chicago for school and I really don't wanna mess anything up.

[Towncivilian]

From RockAuto, all Beck/Arnley brand parts:

• Front outer wheel bearing (quantity: 2)
• Front inner wheel bearing (quantity: 2)
• Front inner wheel seal (quantity: 2)

If ordered from RockAuto, be sure to use a 5% discount code.

For the front axle dust caps, I'll need your VIN number. It looks like there are no aftermarket options.

[hasoon2000]

Man, I thought parts were gonna be more expensive! lol. I'll PM you my VIN when I get it. Gotta sleep now. Gotta take 2 finals!

Are those known/trustworthy brand? Better than OEM?

[Towncivilian]

I've used some Beck/Arnley parts before and they are great quality - in fact I'm using Beck/Arnley inner wheel bearing seals right now (though I bought them for way more than $2.60 ea).

[Buzzman]

My brother doesn't want to do it since he hates my QX4 and despises imports with a passion.

Jacking your thread for a second here, but does your brother realize this whole domestic vs. import thing is completely irrelevant these days?
The auto industry is global, and most car companies have side deals and contracts with other car companies for parts and products.
The new Toyota Avalon for example is totally a U.S. car. Designed and engineered in Dearborn, and built in Kentucky, with American made parts and American labour.
The new Ford Focus on the other hand is as European as it can get. So, which one is the import?
The latest Car and Driver magazine has a flow chart that illustrates the connection between all the major car manufacturers.
They are all intertwined. Your brother should check it out.
I doubt he'll change his outlook, but maybe you can help educate him a little on the current state of the worlds' auto industry.
Just sayin'.

[thaomyt]

BigOtires gave me an estimate last year for $485 (just the front)

[ltsnotme]

The latest Car and Driver magazine has a flow chart that illustrates the connection between all the major car manufacturers.

Not the latest anymore; the September issue came in today!

[hasoon2000]

I've used some Beck/Arnley parts before and they are great quality - in fact I'm using Beck/Arnley inner wheel bearing seals right now (though I bought them for way more than $2.60 ea).

Is this the full wheel bearing? My cousin asked me if my bearings were "pressed in". I have no clue, are they?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 5653.m1253

My brother doesn't want to do it since he hates my QX4 and despises imports with a passion.

Jacking your thread for a second here, but does your brother realize this whole domestic vs. import thing is completely irrelevant these days?
The auto industry is global, and most car companies have side deals and contracts with other car companies for parts and products.
The new Toyota Avalon for example is totally a U.S. car. Designed and engineered in Dearborn, and built in Kentucky, with American made parts and American labour.
The new Ford Focus on the other hand is as European as it can get. So, which one is the import?
The latest Car and Driver magazine has a flow chart that illustrates the connection between all the major car manufacturers.
They are all intertwined. Your brother should check it out.
I doubt he'll change his outlook, but maybe you can help educate him a little on the current state of the worlds' auto industry.
Just sayin'.

He doesnt like imports and since I have an import, he despises working on them. He would work on them for customers, but when it comes to me, he slacks on it. This is why I'm gonna take it elsewhere and get it done.

BigOtires gave me an estimate last year for $485 (just the front)

My buddy gave me an estimate of $300 for labor for the front end. I'll bring in the parts though.

[Buzzman]

He doesn't like imports and since I have an import, he despises working on them. He would work on them for customers, but when it comes to me, he slacks on it.

Would be interested to know why your brother feels so strongly about the import thing.
That's not to say I don't have my own biases of course, but most of my car choices are based on past and present experiences, and I always try to keep an open mind when it comes to car companies.
The auto industry is constantly changing. Some brands get better, and some get worse.
Blind loyalty to a certain brand can bite you in the a** if you're not careful.
Cheers.

[Towncivilian]

See AX-6. Looks like the part you and I linked (which is cheaper on RockAuto by the way) is just the bearing race. If I recall correctly from when I regreased the inner wheel bearings, the inner wheel bearing is smaller than the outer. I'm not quite sure whether you can obtain this part anywhere. Look at the exploded parts view on Courtesy Parts:


(click image to go to Courtesy Parts axle section)

It looks like the Beck/Arnley part pictured - just the race. Or maybe the diagram is lousy and it does indeed include the entire bearing assembly. Since both the outer and inner look identical on the diagram, I'd wager that it includes the bearing too. The actual parts don't have additional pictures on Courtesy Parts, unfortunately. Confusion abounds!

[hasoon2000]

I was fixing my customer's phone and I remembered he was a mechanic. He looked at it and he said my wheel bearings are fine. I need to get them regreased. My front passenger side axle needs to be replaced and my driver side is getting bad. I also need rotor shields and the front driver side link is broken.

[ferrariowner123]

IM glad this was posted, because my bearing have been whining REALLY bad, so thank you!

[hasoon2000]

Just to keep everyone posted. I took it by ny buddy's shop on Monday. The readjusted my wheel bearings and the thing that made all the sound was my swaybar links. One was broken and the other one was about to break.

[schuss]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but you guys seemed to know exactly what I needed to know. My 2001 QX4 4WD needs new front wheel bearings - at least, that's what i've been able to determine by eliminating other things. I haven't taken it apart yet, because I wanted to have the parts on hand before I did. It has 186,000+ miles on it so they are probably due to be replaced anyway even if they aren't the noise I'm hearing.

I need these three, as Towncivilian said above:
Front outer wheel bearing (quantity: 2)
Front inner wheel bearing (quantity: 2)
Front inner wheel seal (quantity: 2)

FSM says I also need to replace hub caps any time I take them off, not to re-use them. Is everyone just re-using them anyway?

Thanks!

[Towncivilian]

Are you looking for suggestions for parts to replace the ones you listed?

The outer dust caps can be reused as long as you don't mangle them too bad. If you remove the inner bearing seal, you definitely need to replace that.

[schuss]

No, sorry to not be clear. I intend to order the Beck/Arnley parts you listed above. I just wasn't sure if there were additional parts I needed to order, also. But it sounds like not if I am careful.

[yngw13]

jeez...I just finished mine and didnt know that it cost $300-$500 to repack/replace the bearings...last time I checked with the dealer (in for the corrosion check) they offered $300ish for 2 sides repack...
They said my driver side had "VERY LOOSE BEARINGS" but I did the wiggle test and it hardly did...so I dont get it...either way...I changed the brake pads and greased the bearings...so another 30k before the next...

Schuss>>>
the dust caps are re usable....if you want you can replace them with a new one just for cosmetic purposes...
>WHY? do you have to replace them? if its just maintenance...why not...I just replaced 1 inner bearing on mine (133k)
>you DEFINITELY need INNER BEARING SEALS....I DONT see how you can cleanly and patiently remove the orig seal w/o tearing the rubber flaps...and end up using it again
>you might consider replacing the WHEEL RACES as well...if they are pitted who knows...youll have to do a visual...since your doing the job you minus well...
>its a messy job...nitrile gloves are a must
>the wheel bearing grease packer doesnt work well with the Valvoline synthetic grease...the grease is so dense it wont pass through the holes...its thick!

[Towncivilian]

I had no problems using Amsoil Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease to pack the bearings with. Although it was fairly hot outside (85-ish degrees F) so that may have helped the grease not be so thick. I also gave up on trying to use gloves and just used my bare hands.

The wheels should have no axial play at all. If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth laterally (toward and away from you), you have a loose wheel bearing.

[yngw13]

^^^yea your FLA weather could have helped...I was doing it and it was blisterng cold...windy too...my luck...either way I took my time to do it manually-WITH NITRILE GLOVES-trying to sweep up the grease palm technique (kung fu) with the thick peanut butter like grease (mixing it before using helps...VALVOLINE brand...there seems to be oil separation when I opened it) making sure it somewhat covers the nooks and crannies

[BoostMyQX4]

Do you see that piece in the picture, i believe is 440, what do you call it? i have been looking for one because i need to change the driver side one it is all rotted away.
I just changed the Rotors they were warp and one was cracked and in the process i noticed i need to change the bearings as well, because the passenger side bearing is no longer tight, it has alot of play.
And at the same time i will be replacing the Caliper mount because one of the Bolt pins is not moving at all, looks like it seized in the mount.

[Towncivilian]

That is the baffle plate, provide your VIN and I can give you an exact part number. It shouldn't be more than $30 or so.

[hasoon2000]

Had to bring up this thread again. My wheel bearings are actually crapping out on me this time. I just ordered those Rock Auto parts that you linked me earlier. I ordered new KYB Struts and Shocks. I also ordered new inner/outer tie rods. I need new brakes,rotors, etc and I need lower control arms with bushings and ball joint (all one piece). Can you help me find a complete lower control arms with the bushings/ball joints? I found the pieces separately but my brother said it's better to find it complete.