Topic: 38k and it's already blown a wheel bearing!

[Hush]

My partner bought a Suzuki Swift this year with only 38000 on the clock, so far really impressed with it, so much so the step daughter has followed mum and bought a racy Swift version.
All the mechanics we use have said they can't believe how reliable these wee super minis are, they don't get to work on them at all!
Anyhow I noticed a wee rubbing noise from the rear end this week and as it was dead quiet when we bought the car I thought I'd take a look.
Right rear wheel bearing is shot! at 38k it shouldn't be!
OK so no point crying just go get another wheel bearing right?...nah, because these things are so ultra reliable and fail proof....you can't get bloody wheel bearing for them off the shelf!
A mate pressed the old one out and finally Saeco Bearings found a match in Auckland, overnight courier and I'll have it tomorrow.
Cost of bearing $155, plus GST tax at 15%= $177 plus courier $6.50 = $183.50.
Last time I did a wheel bearing it cost $20!!!!?

[mick7504]

What sort of bearing is it Hush? (Ball or tapered)
Is the car a front or rear wheel drive?
Are there any numbers and manufacturers name on it?
20 bucks sounds more realistic unless it's a Suzuki specialty bearing.
Mick

[Hush]

Front wheel drive and it's a wierd type of bearing, "angular contact bearings" they are called!
Never heard of them before and at the price don't want to again.

[dave500]

later commodore front bearings you have to replace the entire hub,about 400 bucks.

[j squared]

That sounds familiar, my RX7 requires either new factory hubs ($511 each) or the mightiest shop press ever, and a steady hand with a dremel to get the old ones out.  Needless to say, I went the second route, but holy smokes I think I burned $500 of my own labor in the process.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Woof. 

[74cb750]

Ha! I knew there were many reasons to not buy a Mazda,
even if they do look nice.