I recently bought a 1998 A4 1.8T Quattro. The past week or so i noticed that the rear wheel bearing might be on its way out. I am thinking of replacing both sides myself and wanted to get input on the difficulty level. I found the instructions posted on AudiWorld News and they seem to be helpfull but would like to know people's experience and issues they ran into. I would rather not have to spend close to $600 to get them replaced at an audi shop (or at least that is what i was quoted in the Boston area).

Thanks

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2004 A4 1.8T Quattro
1998 A4 1.8T Quattro

 

My dealer wanted $500 for both sides on the rear. I took it to my Audi mechanic and was quoted $400. I looked online for the bearing and checked with my shop to see how much to remove & press in the bearing, came out just under $200.

 

My Audi mechanic quoted me $260/side and the dealer was $475/side. I would rather replace both rear ones at the same time but it is a lot of $$ specially if it is something i can replace myself. Was the process easy and how long did it take you.

 

It's not easy. Removing the bolts is a PITA. Took about 2 hours per side. If you plan on doing the job, get a Bentley manual, a friend to help/drive, a six pack, and some band-aids.

Little more info

 

Parts are pretty cheap - rear bearing kit at my store is $67.88 per side. You will need to do the math to see if it is worth it to do your own.

Make sure you have good air tools. It will make the job quicker and safer.

 

yeah.. if you can afford it get the mechanic to do it.. they can be a real PITA

 

Before you spend any $$$ on wheel bearings, make sure it is not tire noise. Switch the tires and if the noise follows the tire, then you don't need bearings.

 

I guess after reading everybody's response I think i will take it to my Audi mechanic. It seems to big a big PITA to replace it, so it might be worth paying the $$ to avoid the agrevation. Thank you all for your response.

 

Do what David9999 said. If the noise does not move have the mechanic replace that bearing. When the other bearing goes replace it then.

I had the dealer replace the R/L bearing under warranty at 50K mi. The R/R went at 84K mi and cost me $235. I now have 98K mi.

 

it's not all that hard in the rear. the hardest bolt is the 14mm allen axle bolt. As long as you have access to a press and press kit you can do it on your own.