Wheel Bearing (03 9-5 2.2TiD)

[CitTone]

Trying to source replacement front wheel bearing for the old bus (03 9-5 2.2TiD) and the bloke that is going to fit it says that there is a chassis number split somewhere, earlier cars having a replaceable bearing, requiring pressing out from the hub, later versions having a hub assembly that is unbolted.

As the earlier version is a £50 bearing and 3 hours' labour, and the later is £180 assembly with 45 minutes' labour, I'm keen to know if anybody can enlighten me as to how I determine which one I have!

[phoenix]

AFAIK all facelift cars  (MY02-) have the later type. The front suspension was altered to a largely alloy construction, and the bearing/hub design changed at the same time, the earlier ones being in tow parts, later a single assembly.

Earlier type bearing:



Earlier type hub:


Later all in one:



IIRC there can be some problems with later ones because the ABS sensor tends to seize in the alloy casting, making removal difficult.

[Audax]

AFAIK all facelift cars  (MY02-) have the later type. The front suspension was altered to a largely alloy construction, and the bearing/hub design changed at the same time, the earlier ones being in tow parts, later a single assembly.

Correct, the split was in 02.

IIRC there can be some problems with later ones because the ABS sensor tends to seize in the alloy casting, making removal difficult.

There's no need to remove the ABS sensor, you just unbolt the hub. It's far easier to do a later one ones as I've known the bearings to seize onto the hub on the earlier cars meaning that you can't press out the old bearing.

[CitTone]

Thanks, chaps - the expensive one it is. Looks like GSF is best source at £138 - unless anyone can advise otherwise...or tell me GSF's bearings are made in China from recycled noodle boxes and won't last 10 minutes.

[Audax]

Some GSF stuff is utter junk. Ask them if they have a manufacturer for the bearing and if it's a no-name bearing then get a genuine one or even second hand in preference.

[stevetreacy]

Hi,

Got a letter last week from local Saab main dealer (Reading) offering genuine parts at 30% off.

Steve

[phoenix]

There's Scantech as an alternative- don't know what there quality is like on these.

You could try Euro Saab Parts Direct for OEM ones, they might be a good price. P/N is 53 92 493

[Steve440]

There is a genuine one here    http://www.carpartsconnexion.com/searchresults.asp?pn=5392493&submit=&rf=1&n=10&p=1&f=Saab&m=Any+model&y=Any+year

For £72

Steve

[Audax]

If the one on car parts connexion isn't available you could try calling Nordic car parts.

[sgould]

I doubt that the one on CarParts Connexion is available.  Adrian Smith closed down around Christmas.

[CitTone]

........ Euro Saab Parts Direct for OEM ones, they might be a good price. P/N is 53 92 493

£185....

Well, I have seen them for as much as £206, so for OEM that may be reasonable!

[phoenix]

I know that's the RRP quoted, have you rang them up to check the price?

[CitTone]

GSF say that their bearings come from Vetech, a name which means nowt to me. I wouldn't be surprised if that's a trading company that multi-sources from a variety of manufacturers and then just badges the boxes.

Have to say that (as usual) these things are staggeringly cheaper in the USA, judging by the prices offered on the 'bay dot com. Almost tempted to get it shipped over - it would be half the price (but could take a fortnight)!

[Steve440]

Dont forget the import duty. This can often be more than you think these days, a few years ago they seemed to not bother with smaller boxes or values even if it was over the magic $50 limit but these days $51 and you will be giving them a handling feel, import duty and dont forget the VAT

You can ask the seller to charge you for the shipping separately so you might get charged less.

I have been buying stuff from the states for years and I am surprised how much more I am getting charged these days for items of a similar value to a few years ago.

Steve 

[CitTone]

Dont forget the import duty. This can often be more than you think these days, a few years ago they seemed to not bother with smaller boxes or values even if it was over the magic $50 limit but these days $51 and you will be giving them a handling fee, import duty and dont forget the VAT 

True enough but.....(example - eBay.com item#170738907826)

Comes out around £90 each even after VAT, shipping and duty. However, I don't know if I can wait another 8-12 business days....I'm going deaf now.