Wheelbearing....

[RichardW]

To celebrate passing 100k, one of the front wheel bearings (OS I'm pretty sure) has gone noisy on the C4 Not unexpected as I replaced both on the 307 (which is the same bearing I think) between 90 and 95k. I got SKF bearings for the 307 from Mr Auto - I thought at about £50 - but they are much more than that now. Looking around for the C4 reveals a remarkable variation in price.

Ebay starts at £12/13 - wouldn't touch one of these; had cheap ones in the Xsara Picasso and they lasted under 12 months. However, there is also one with a 3yr guarantee for about £20. SKF can be had from there for £55. Mr Auto want £94 for an SKF. Citroen price is £110 for the original bearing - or you can have their 'older car' part for under £40. Can there really be that much difference in the quality?

What makes do people trust? I'll go with the e-bay SKF I expect.

It needs new front discs and pads in the near future, so might as well do it at the same time - there's another tale of widely varying prices!! Might as well replace the bottom ball joint too, since both have been done on the 307 (again same part), it only costs £10 or so for a Lemforder one and it's only(*) a 5 minute job with the hub in the vice anyway, whereas the hub has to be stripped off the car again if (when) it goes later.

* well, one side was; the other was comically tight (due to a poorly cut thread in the hub) and need a LOT of persuasion to get it out!!

Oh, and I need to get some circlip pliers - whilst you can beat the old clip out of the hub, getting the new one back in without a decent set is trying - any recommendations?

[Gibbo2286]

This is my local supplier who I've used for many years without problems. Ask for advice and prices, always obliging.

http://www.rwbearings.co.uk/

[Old-Guy]

...Oh, and I need to get some circlip pliers - whilst you can beat the old clip out of the hub, getting the new one back in without a decent set is trying - any recommendations?

If you buy good ones they'll last a life-time or two - I 'inherited' mine from the widow of an engineer neighbour and promptly threw away the cheap pair I bought when an impecunious apprentice and had cussed every time I used them over the previous 30+ years! I had been tempted with (expensive) combination ones with interchangeable tips and which double as both internal and external pliers. The cheap reversible ones are cr4p!

[lexi]

My circlip pliers are Sykes Pickavant. Had them a lifetime now. Are GSF any good with the discount for WB? I find their retail price is set high with some things though. There is also place in Rutherglen AEP? Not usually the cheapest, but good gear.

[myglaren]

If you register with GSF they will regularly send emails with discount codes, usually around 30~50%

[elma]

I have Teng circlip pliers, they are good and don't slip or anything but I don't expect them to last my lifetime.
SKF bearings are what I used to buy for the machines I looked after and they were reliable.
Although you didn't ask I think Mintex brake kits are the best value/performance of the brands available.

[jgra1]

when i did the boxer recently I bought some cheaper bearings and will see how they go.. they are skf but i then found myself with a magnifying glass comparing the fonts of the logo / part number with others on skf website.. I only fitted one in the end so have the other new one in the workshop..
fakes are about..

[myglaren]

I have read that the fakes have much better engraving on them.

Just been reading about SKF's CEO running around the world chasing the counterfeiters.

[moizeau]

I used to use Misterauto, but have since changed to piecesauto24. The web site is in French, but I believe to parts are shipped from Germany, If you know a bit of French or have the part number it's easy. Delivery is just less than 10 euros to the UK. It takes 3 days to arrive by courier to mainland France, so probably the same to the UK. Prices are very competitive. For example I got a rear trailing arm repair kit (2 SKF bearings, plastic long bush and long nut and bolt) cheaper than 2 SKFs from a local independent.

[harryp]

For choice would use Japanese for reliability, if available in size required. Had a Corolla many years ago. All wheel brgs and driveshafts untouched at 200,000 miles when the body fell off.
Chap I worked with once used to sell them and said that their selection process of the balls was an order better than anyone else; make of that what you will Think they were Koyo.