My truck has been making a grinding noise from the front that recently has gotten a lot worse. Since I finally had some spare time, I took it to my buddy's place (much more knowledgeable than I am) and we came to the conclusion that I need new front wheel bearings. Now our plan is to do them ourselves, because based on all that we read and his firsthand experience, it shouldn't be too bad at all. My question however, relates to the "wheel seals". Just for the hell of it I called my local mechanic and got a quote for how much he would charge. I was told 650 for the bearings, parts and labor, and that while he was in there it would be a good idea to change the wheel seals because "you will be about 70% of the way into them" - direct quote from him. The total cost with the seals included went up to 800 bucks. My question is, and it may be a dumb one, but what exactly are "wheel seals", and is it a good idea to change them out when I do the bearings? Also, are they something that two fairly wrench friendly guys can do in a driveway? Thanks.

EDIT: In case it matters, my truck is a 2003 1500 4x4 5.7L HEMI Quad-Cab, Short-Bed. I also have torsion bars that I have cranked a little bit to level the truck.

 

wheel seals on the front? This guy must be thinking of a solid front axle like you have in the rear. I always thought we had SEALED hubs, meaning you must buy the entire unit which is an easy replacement. HERE is what i am talking about

 

dirty dog would be correct in that analysis. no wheel seals on this truck. hub bearings up front are totally sealed and come as a unit.

 

Ok, cool. I figured it had to be something like that, because I had never even heard of them, nor had my friend. When buying these bearings, do you guys recommend a certain brand or store? Should I just hit up Autozone/O'Reilly's/Advance Auto Parts, etc.? It kinda looks like I can get them cheap online based on that E-Bay link posted, but this something I kinda need done ASAP, because I drive my truck everyday for work/school/other.

 

I would compare prices and see what's reasonable. it's much easier to get a replacement from a local store if one wer to fail in the first year than to go through ebay for a replacement from the original seller. however, if the prices are drastically diff. then it's worth it to buy off of ebay.

 

Well, at first I thought the prices on E-Bay were awesome, like 50% less than from a local store. Then I realized that the really cheap ones were not for a 4x4 truck with ABS all around, like mine. Once I factored that into my search, it ends up only saving me like 10-20 bucks to buy them online. I am willing to pay that much more to get them right now and have my truck back.

 

pss i wheel bearing you could prolly doin in a hr or two taking ur time dependingon if the old one wants to be a ***** or not ......im not shure what a wheel seal is