I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

Hey all, I've never really done any repairs on a car so forgive me if I sound stupid but I have a few questions. My rear wheel hub bearing was diagnosed by a mechanic as needing to be replaced. He quoted $600 for both rear hubs and brakes. After checking prices online and looking at how much work it requires, I think I can handle this myself for no more than $150-$200 depending on the parts I use. Here's my question.... how do you know which manufacturer to choose? I've heard Autozone and Pepboys sell lower quality stuff (no disrespect to anyone). I've heard Napa is better but is Napa the brand? Can anyone suggest where to get good parts? And how to tell who makes good parts?

Re: I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

Buy factory (dealer) bearing/hub assemblies and there will be no question about quality.



Rhode Island dealership, sells internet/mail order at wholesale prices: http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

Re: I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

Thanks, I've been told that dealer parts are more expensive and some after market manufacturers are just as good. I was hoping for a less expensive option with the same quality. Are you saying that doesn't exist? If you think that's my only option then, thanks!

Re: I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

Not always.

Getting the right part on the first try, AND having it last as long as the original is definitely worthwhile to some people.

Others just don't see it that way.

Do your own research, and I don't mean ask other people about prices.





EXAMPLE: Rear hub and bearing for a 99 Civic,

NAPA has 10 different choices ranging anywhere from 43.20 to197.10, and the highest price part also says "IMPORTANT INFO: NTN Brand - NTN is an OEM Manufacturer"

But you can get the factory part much cheaper than that.
On the majectic site linked above:

$165.73 for EX with ABS or 117.97 for DX without ABS.
Both are NTN brand.
Simple, no question about the quality. Definitely not counterfeit. Only one option to choose from when you pick out the correct vehicle on the build page, or enter your VIN to get it correct.



Autozone, 7 choices, $27.99-106.99, none are the OEM brand (NTN).






04 Civic, Majestics price: $79.57(DX w/o ABS) or 93.16 (EX w/ABS)

NAPA $45 at the low end, and if you want their OEM brand - NTN version you will pay (GASP) 147.60 (w/o ABS) or $215.10 (w/ABS)


Depends.
How much time and money do you have to experiment with? Try a few cheapo parts and see what happens.

If you want quality and name brand, quite often you will be paying pretty close to factory part prices.

Counterfeit name brands may be commonplace at cheapo parts places.

There are always options.

I certainly can't afford to install cheap parts for my customers.

Re: I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

This was worth repeating.....
You believe everything people tell you?


Look this up for yourself

Rear hub and bearing, 04 Civic:
Majestics price: $79.57(DX w/o ABS) or 93.16 (EX w/ABS)

NAPA -- $45 at the low end,

and if you want their OEM brand - NTN version you will pay (GASP) 147.60 (w/o ABS) or $215.10 (w/ABS)



Now is aftermarket worth it?

Re: I'm a rookie in need of advice
 

Here's a thread about counterfeit bearing/hub assemblies someone got:


https://www.civicforums.com/forums/36-mechanical-problems-vehicle-issues-fix-forum/352274-rear-wheel-bearing-problem-help.html

Follow the links in my posts there for more info on counterfeit parts