Front Wheel Bearing

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:15 pm

Hi Guys,
Have just had the 5 serviced by my local Mazda dealer. He advised me the front right wheel bearing needs replacing. I did the normal thing and asked how much to do the job. His reply was $700 for the part (with ABS). I asked why so much ? It appears the bearing and hub are a complete assembly. Has anyone any ideas on this subject? Where can I get the part cheaper? Can it be done at home without any special tools? Is an easy job to do? Can you just replace the bearing? All ideas & help greatfully received. :NB8A:

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:33 pm

I have a 10AE (1999) with ABS
Have just been looking on the internet and find I can get the part (to suit ABS) from MX5 Parts UK for Approx $188 to $190 delivered.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:49 pm

I, like most, wasn't that excited to part with $250+ per side from mazda and went to a local bearing shop who could supply the complete hub assemblies for my non abs NB8A for $130 pair.. 1/4 the price!!
They understandably didn't have them in stock but it only took a few days to get them in..

Still good 18mths, 15 track days, and 2500+ very hard kms later...

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 1:26 pm

Robbo wrote:Can it be done at home without any special tools?
Is an easy job to do?
Can you just replace the bearing?

And to answer the above;
Yes, 14mm socket/spanner for calipers, large socket and breaker bar for hub nut. Bearing grease.
Yes, Jack up & support car, remove wheel, remove 2x 14mm bolts for caliper, slide off caliper and brake rotor and put to side. Big socket and breaker bar to remove hub nut. Slide off old hub, grease new and slide on., Tighten hub nut to specs. Refit rotor, caliper and wheel. lower car. Done.. Wouldn't even take an hour, (dependant on beer consumption levels...)
No, the bearing is integrated into the hub assembly.

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:42 pm

Thanks for the info guys.
I didn't think it would be a big job. I have had to fit new rotors and that didn't take long.
Hey Rascal where did you get your hubs from? Did they have them to fit a MX with ABS?

Benny · Postby **Benny** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:57 pm

You can just use the non-ABS version and put the ABS ring on them from your old ones.

Will save you a fortune.

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:32 pm

I can get you bearings dirt cheap.

Check out the link in my sig and click the store for pricing.

We no longer carry ABS wheel bearing units (Reggie bought the last set) but as Benny said you should be able to swap over the ABS ring.

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 12:23 am

Underneath my posts.

Caffeine · Postby **Caffeine** » Thu Jan 20, 2011 6:19 am

$700 a corner is the standard price from mazda dealers.

CBC bearings or somewhere like that should be able to supply the hub assembly cheaper. I paid $120 a corner for brand new ones a few years ago.

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Thu Jan 20, 2011 10:22 am

Caffeine wrote:$700 a corner is the standard price from mazda dealers.

CBC bearings or somewhere like that should be able to supply the hub assembly cheaper. I paid $120 a corner for brand new ones a few years ago.

must of been a while ago, they retail at $250 + tax. But there is no stock anywhere (Yes, I work at CBC).

Robbo · Postby **Robbo** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:11 pm

Hi guys'
Just to let you all know I have just finished fitting the new front wheel bearings. The total job took just over 1 hour.
If anyone is interested I paid $252 for the 2 with ABS rings (part No. MJ130A/kit) from BJ Bearings in Ferntree Gully.
I now hear you can get the ones without the ABS rings for $90 each from Bursons Automotive.
Just a little info for anyone needing new hubs.