Sorry if this seems like a silly question, but I haven't had the pleasure of replacing the front wheel bearings in my 01 A4 yet...

I found some replacement bearings from Autozone for $37 shipped to me for each one. I can hear some tell tale signs of one of them going bad so I figured I would replace both before the winter starts here in Wisconsin.

After I replace them (any suggestions on how to do this would help too) do I need to have an alignment done? Just wanted to line everything up, if I do need one I can probably get it close enough to drive over to the shop to have it done, but didn't want to schedule one if it really wasn't necessary.

Thanks for any input!

 

I wouldn't put a Timken bearing in my car, or whatever Autozone is using these days.

 

^^^^^^^

pretty much what that guy said, i wouldnt put anything in my car from autozone. not even a bag with their name on it.

try getting wheel bearings from here

ecstuning.com

 

Thanks SickB5,, they had two versions of the wheel bearing on that site too. One for about $45 and the other for $118..

Do you guys think there is that much of a difference in the bearings to justify double the price?

Any thoughts on the alignment after I replace the bearings too?

 

You don't need to buy the genuine VW one there. They don't even make the part, anyway. They probably use *** or SKF. I'd take either over Timken.

 

normally the difference in the price is the brand and how well they are known... its kinda up to you.
i trust about everything ecs sells.

and the only reason you would need to do an alignment is if you take the hub off to do the wheel bearing which you shouldnt have to but if you do it only might change the alignment and if your car is already out of alignment then yes.

 

Even if you do take the hub off to get the wheel bearing pressed, an alignment shouldn't be necessary. The only thing they could align in the front is toe, but if you don't adjust the tie rod end, there's no reason why it would go out of alignment (or at least by an amount significant enough to justify an alignment).

 

Thanks guys,, The car doesn't pull at all and tires are wearing pretty evenly so I don't need an alignment now and thankfully shouldn't need one after the job is done!

i appreciate all the input!