To Repair or not to Repair... (or pay someone else?)

Hello all,

I have usually done most of the repairs on my vehicles and although I enjoy it, I usually mess it up somehow on the first try but seem to figure it out eventually, anyway... I recently sold most of my heavy tools, i.e., compressor, impact, jack and stands, etc., when I sold my house last year since I didn't have anywhere to store them.

Recently, my 2005 Tundra started making whining noises from the left side front wheel bearing (I'm guessing), and I am wondering if I should spend the $1000 to buy the parts (bearings, brake pads, upper and lower ball joints), 20 ton press, compressor, jack and stands, etc., and fix it myself, or just pay someone to do the work? I am guessing that to replace both front wheel bearings alone will be over $1500 at the Toyota dealership.

Looking for any input from those of you that juggle this debate or have had to pay to replace front wheel bearings.

Thanks in advance,

Eric

 

I would think some of those things would be one time use for this repair? Would you use them again in the future? Are you able to borrow them from an auto parts store?

 

Have the mechanic do it and go eat a sandwich.

 

Just spoke to the Toyota dealership and it will be no less than $1200 (per side) for the bearing replacement alone. Any other work will be in addition to that price. I am definitely leaning towards doing it myself now.

 

How much would it cost for a mechanic to do it other than the dealership?

 

I have always been able to find local tire/suspension shops that were MUCH less expensive than the dealership. You have to research them a bit to make sure you're using one that does quality work, but it's worth the effort.

 

Local shop quoted $1200 for both sides.

 

Well, that's quite a savings over the dealership, as long as you feel confident in the local shop seems like the way to go.

SPP

 

I don't know this shop personally, but they have good reviews. I think it's it probably the best way to go though as OMGBOOST said above, I don't know if I'll use these tools all that often.

 

I would go talk to them and have them take a look at your truck. If they charge a fee to put it on the lift it may be well worth it.

 

I agree. It could be something else going wrong and I would waste a bunch of money on the wrong tools. although, I have lost a wheel due to a wheel bearing before and this has all the telltale signs and sounds.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from SoCal. Pics.