I need to replace the front hubs and bearings on my 2005 1500 Suburban 4x4. it is the 4 wheel wheel drive not the AWD. I saw there are big price differences in the parts.

Auto Zone has them 119.00

Duralast/Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly-Front (DL515036) | 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 8 Cylinders Z 5.3L SFI Flex Fuel | AutoZone.com

and they also carry a timken bearing assembly for 191.00

Timken/Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly-Front (SP500300) | AutoZone.com

the truck has 283k on it and is mint and I plan to keep it for about 5 years. I only drive less that 8000 miles a year and wonder if I need the more expensive one ? What might I pay for the labor to install these bearings ? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Larry

 

Larry, if you have the money go Timken. They have been making quality bearings for over 100 years. I am always hesitate on the store brands, had a duralast assembly on my jeep for a while it was going out almost yearly if not sooner. They were great on their warrentee, no questions asked gave me a new bearing, however I got tired of installing them and 2 times breaking down on the road side. Granted I was running 35" tires which did not help the issues I am sure. Got tired of it and sprung for a new Timken assembly, not a problem after that. This is one of those parts you will not see any difference in how the suburban handles, however if you plan on holding on it you will not have to worry about redoing the bearings for many years to come.

 

Timken.

This is an easy DIY job. If you have ever done anything in the hub or bearing mechanical world, it will be easy for you.

 

+1 timken! ask for 20%off they can give you that! or go to advance auto. the cheaper brands are chinese/korean made garbage. when you go back ask the guys to show you both brands and just a visual inspection will give you your answer. and the cheaper will only last about a year. and can take you an hour each side if you have any diy skills. if you can do brakes and rotors. you can do this yourself!

 

Thanks for the info guys. I only drive the truck about 5000 miles a year so I went with the cheap stuff and had my buddy help me out putting them in. Hopefully I can get a couple of years out of them.

 

partsgeek.com has those bearings (SP500300) for $112.,free ship,no tax

 

very good price + free shipping, can't beat that, good to know for future