So it seems I need new front wheel bearings. My dealership quoted $618 for the pair. (+$230 installation)
I'm seeing a crazy range of price for after market from ~$75 to 200 per bearing in aftermarket and then ~$225 for 'genuine bmw mini' on amazon...

This isn't specifically a wheel bearing question

I can't find much information to make a judgement on quality except the price...
Which parts are worth the risk and which should you stick with bmw mini. I mean after market could be better in some cases then factory...

How do I make the call? When is the frustration of a cheap part not worth the savings? How do I make ane educated decision with all the aftermarket brands and little info on them?

In this case it might be what the local chains, napa, advance, zone, pep, can provide so I can replace this holiday weekend. Which is even more confusing because I think they relabel other aftermarket as store brands...

 

Well when it comes to bearings I would stay away from the very cheap china ones. Go with a good name brand bearing. In most cases the brand name of the bearing is stamped on the bearing even if it is labeled on the box as a different company/name. Ive replaced a lot of bearings on MINIs and I can only tell you this.. The cheap ones will be replaced much much sooner again. Im having a brain block right now and cant think of the good brand I use.. But give me time.. It will come to me! ha ha

 

Beck/Arnley is a good brand also TIMKEN and National too.. They usually run about $180-$190. You will know the cheapies by how long the warranty is.. Good ones tend to run at least a year. Cheap ones tend to run 3 months. I just installed a pair of Beck/Arnleys a few weeks ago for a friend of mine. Good luck!

 

i can tell you the quality of a timkin process is crazy strict. inspecters have to change gloves for each ball bearing they inspect to help control foriegn matter

 

I highly recomend SKF bearings as well. All of the above mentioned brands are good and you will be satisfied with any of them. For some lower prices, try here, not sure what your MINI is so I speced them for my 04 justa. real easy site to navigate though

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,1636

 

Well I just managed to kill a brand new bearing in 5k miles, so as your guinea pig, don't go cheap get the Timkins.

 

Make sure you get the right one. 7/2006 is when they changed the thread size and pitch. So there is pre 7/2006 M12 lug bolts and post 7/2006+ M14 lug bolts in the 4 x100 wheel bearings. Plus front and rears.

Some sites don't show it correctly. Depending on the year and front and rears.

Alos when you replace the wheel bearings you have to watch not to damage the ABS sensor head as people bump them on install and sometimes they crack and turn on the ABS light after install. I would wipe them down and clean the gunk off them also. Just be careful and take your time, if you do it yourself or let the shop know.

What production month/ year do you have?


Thanks

 

I have an early '06 I've been searching for 05 bearings to avoid the 06 thread change
Moog? It looks like moog at advanced auto. Auto zone carries timken "can't even order them" wtf?
So it's either moog from advanced ororder temkin (or beck arnley) from rock auto for next weekend and enjoy the 4th weekend...
Seems like all brands it's a shot in the dark for where made

(I really want the Callahan's from amazon but buying $78 bearings based on an old movie seems like a very bad idea)

 

Here are the ones we carry if you decide something else. Just follow the ones pre 7/2006 ( up to 07/2006) . And watch the ABS sensor on replacement, make sure its clean and the steering knuckles where you insert the new bearing. Some people get gunk on the sensor when removing and then the ABS sensor cannot read the back of the bearing and you get the ABS light.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Drivetrain/Wheel_Bearings/



Thanks