I'm pretty sure I need new bearings, and I figure I might as well do all 4 (I have yet to jack it up and wiggle the wheels, but I'm pretty convinced).



My questions: How difficult? Will the hubs need to be removed? Overall cost? What special tools are needed?



Or am I better off taking it to the dealer?

 

I've done the rear wheel bearings, you need a hub shark or a press to do em. One of the more annoying tasks, especially if you don't have the right tools.

 

hhmmm...after reading this, and your response, I'm inclined to take it to the dealership



damn, I hate paying people to do stuff, and not knowing how honest they are...I get all paranoid when they tell me I need something else

 

have you no trusty mechanic so you can avoid the dealer?



Fortunetly for me I have a friend of mine who is a import specialist, if he can fix Bentleys, Mercedes, and BMWs, among other cars, he sure as **** can fix a Mazda.



Its good knowing a mechanic that other mechanics send cars

they cant figure out too, lol.

 

Thats extremely depressing. My cheap lil project car is slowly turning more and more expensive and more and more headache related.

 

that's pretty much what I was thinking to myself. Just spread the cost out over time, and don't think about the total.

 

i've decided once i get out of college in one year, i'll buy a RX-8 and then i can just leave my TII in the garage and work on it whenever i get the chance, rebuild the tranny over teh course of like a month and not worry about a mode of transportation.



do it yourself, you learn sooo much more. i changed out my front suspension bushings, even though everyone acted like it was such a pain and a big deal. sure, it wasn't fun, and it took 5 hrs, but i was well worth it. the only thing about things involving sus and wheels, everything takes 4 times as long and it gets real boring. oh well, i say do it yourself, unless you're in a big hurry and you have no other car to drive or any other way to get around.

 

I used the Mazdatrix FAQ to do my front bearings. The bearings themselves I got from NAPA for $20. per side. The first time you do it, it'll take a while, but it's pretty straightforward. Just follow the instructions and be patient.



I believe that all the dealer will do is sell you a complete bearing and hub assembly for major cash. They won't fock around changing out the bearings. I think the assembly goes for over $300.



Give yourself a few hours and do it yourself. You can buy the services of a good hooker with the money you'll save.