My 2000 XKR coupe with 106000 miles has a bad rt frt wheel bearing. I took it to an independent shop that specializes in front end work. The owner said he's never seen anything like it, his press can't get the bearing out. He's recommending replacing the spindle and knuckle assembly with a used unit that includes the used bearing; parts $125.00 and labor $185.00. He will replace the bearing if it fails within a year for just the cost of the bearing, $40.00 with no charge for labor. Has anyone encountered this situation were the bearing won't come out with a press? Because I'd rather replace bearing and not replace spindle and knuckle thereby saving $85.00.

 

This might be a stupid question but has he removed "both" circlips

 

Thanks, I will ask.

 

He says there is only one clip that he can access, says the hub covers the other side. Any suggestions?

 

He has to remove the ABS ring/nut, remove the hub, behind that is another circlip, then the bearing can be removed

 

Thank you. it took some convincing, but he's checking it out.

 

Once he has the ABS ring off he can push the hub off, behind that he will find the other circlip, I have done dozens of these, trust me it is there

 

I'm sure you are right. I've read a lot of stuff and they talk about a special tool to remove the abs nut. I'm sure he doesn't have one. The problem is getting a guy with 30 years of experience to listen to me quoting someone on the internet in the UK.

 

Apparently, that's the problem with "old dogs". You might need a new hub if he's been beating on it.

BTW: Great information racer.

 

LOL, Yeah good luck with that..... He will need a special tool to remove the nut and about a 6 foot scaffold pole over a 4 foot breaker bar, they are done up VERY tight, if he tries to chiesel the back of the nut it will come off in bits as it is made of cast and then you will need a new nut, possiblely a hub and upright, = loads of money

 

i doneone of these today. tookalot of heat. aspecial socket and a hgv 1"drive wheel gun. deffo 2 clips

 

It's the 1st time I've used this garage. The owner has been very nice and he's trying. But if he destroyed the hub and we need to get the the used one for $185.00, then really he should eat the $185.00 and put a new bearing in the used hub and do it for the the original estimate of $225.00.

 

Even dumber question: In the event that the used bearing fails within a year, how does he plan on replacing it? For $40? Why not go that route now?

 

That was the offer when he wanted me to buy a used hub/spindle for $125.00 plus $185.00 for labor. Then if the used bearing died within a year all I had to pay for was the new bearing and he would due the labor for free. This was because he was trying to convince me that these bearings rarely fail. But thanks to this forum, I knew he was wrong. So what I want is for him to put a new bearing in my original hub/spindle with a total cost of $225.00. The only way I lose is if the new bearing dies and I have to pay full price for another bearing.

 

The bearings do last well........ But without knowing the history of the secondhand part you could end up with something that does not last long at all.....

Doubt this will be much help to you but over here in the UK EuroJag will supply a secondhand hub assembly/verticle link for £50 ($75) or they will supply and fit a bearing in for £90 ($135) this includes the assembly, so for £90 you get the lot (just to save confusion), dont ask me what the shipping would be on that, at a guess around $75

 

XKRacer,

Good info - it may not help David'sXKR but I'll file it away for future reference as Eurojag are only forty miles down the road from me. From the problems described in this thread, these bearings sound a nightmare to replace.

 

Supposed to be from 2001 XK8 with 70k miles

 

At its limits maybe around halfway through its possible life.... All very much guess work and supperstition.

You are taking a gamble, the problem is if it all does go wrong what is he going to do then, he will need to buy the tool which cost about $50-$75, and basicaly doing the job for free, let alone your time......

If it was me I would want it done right first time around, but its your choice

 

Let's face it-- you never know where you may be when that bearing decides to fail hopefully it would give warning but you can't ever tell. Do the job right the first time or as my brother in law (the manufacturing boss) always says "inspect before you expect" Good Luck!

 

I made my 1st mistake not confirming that he had done an XK before and that he had all the correct tools. After that there really wasn't anywhere to go but wrong. I gave in and let him put the used hub/spindle in with the used bearing for total cost of $325.00. Not a bad deal if that's what I wanted.