Bad wheel bearing/ effects on the...

[Scrwedtxboy31]

I have been researching my options... I know I have a bad front passenger wheel bearing ( began recently, NGP also pointed it out last week when I was getting some work done there) however, I am curious as to the effects that a single bad wheel bearing may have on its counterpart (opposite side) as well as the axles and whatever else maybe involved.

(1.8TQM)

[audi til I die]

It has no ill effects on it's counterparts.


Until the bearings seized and it granades inside your hub. Just fix it while you can. Or else it'll blow on you on the road and then you axle will be hanging around support-less. It's a nightmare. Trust me

[sa_seahawker]

Aside from dismantling the the whole thing...how can you tell if it's going out?

[audi til I die]

While driving you will hear a soft grinding/humming noise on a corner. While curving, the noise will go away when weight pressure is taken off the bad wheel bearing. It gets louder as the bearings seize one by one.

[Boston_USP_327]

another way to check, aside from hearing a hum or grind while driving, is to jack up which ever wheel youre checking off the ground, put hands at 12 and 6 and try to wiggle the wheel in and out. if there is a good amount of play, chances are your wheel bearings are bad.

[Soopaman15]

How much does it typically cost to replace a bad wheel bearing on a B6 A4? My buddy needs one bad in the northern VA area if anyone does this work on the side PM me.

[Scrwedtxboy31]

Yea I can hear a humming.. I guess thats the only way to describe it... its definitely a noticable sound if you are in tune with how your car sounds normally. I also feel a little difference in that side when turning and reg DD'ing.

I wont be tackling this myself, and have scheduled some shop time, however In the near future (when it warms up) I'll consider giving the others a look myself.

I wasnt aware that the bearing itself will actually shatter and explode. I just assumed it would die out, hahaha.

[NvrFllw]

I have two of them. Its finally going in this week to have them replaced. My private mechanic quoted me at 500 plus to do both of them. However, I am using a indy shop my dad takes his mini to and my moms benz. The guy charges a fraction of that to do the job and does great work and also uses all OEM parts.

[audi til I die]

A bearing costs around $50 but it's somewhat of a PITA to do. $500 is ok but I'd rather find someone that charges <$300, which is reasonable since they must be pressed on the hub.

[NvrFllw]

Yea its a real pain to do. Yea the guy is charging me I think around 500 for bearings and brakes. He has to take them off to replace the bearings so might as well do it in one shot. He charged my dad I think 200 for all new brakes. That is parts and labor.

[bmags88]

Would you also hear a little squeaking also?

[NvrFllw]

A bad bearing sounds like you are driving around on bad tires.

[Pufftrees]

As long as the shop has a floor press it shouldn't be more than 2 hours of labor if that.

[NvrFllw]

The biggest pain in the ass is just to take everything off and get the bearing out. I believe they need some kind of press to get the new bearing in but I could be wrong.

[Scrwedtxboy31]

A bad bearing sounds like you are driving around on bad tires.

This is exactly what I would explain it as, if you know what driving on bad tires sounds like it is much like that.

Its like a weening noise coming from what sounds like the tire (wheel well)

Im looking at about 375 for the shop I take it to around my area (parts and labor)

[NvrFllw]

Mine are so shot that i cant even here my exhaust when driving anymore lol

[Scrwedtxboy31]

Mine are so shot that i cant even here my exhaust when driving anymore lol

Hahah well Im dropping it off tonight to get worked on tomorrow while Im at work... My exhaust is at about 50% right now so I know Im inching closer and closer to not being able to hear it at all anymore.. FML

Hopefully this is all it is and it will be solved tomorrow.

I am still curious why is my front passenger side is feeling and sounding different, how that doesnt put any extra strain on the other side. Sorry I am still a noobie at the mechanics portion of this all. Would there be an explaination anywhere?

Oh and thanks: audi til I die for answering my question!! +rep

[A4SoftWalker]

I recently changed out my front, driver-side wheel bearing and both of the rear ones. I took them out and had them pressed at a local shop. Just found out the the hydraulic press can be had for less than $100 so the passenger front is going to be pressed at home.

Independent suspension isolates that wheel.

The effect is isolated.

The only things that might get a side-effect is alignment (hence tire wear) and as u noted handling.

Handling could include braking, steering, & acceleration.

Got to this thread there are a lot of posts and images I included there that I wont repeat...

[audi til I die]

OP: is your passenger side the one with the bad WB? Or is it opposite?

[Scrwedtxboy31]

OP: is your passenger side the one with the bad WB? Or is it opposite?

Scratch that both front bearings < FML > and -$800