Rear wheel bearings

[McSaab]

I agree with everything Audax said - and recently had a very similar experience to CitTone, except mine was a front bearing. At least I got a refund. If you are keeping the car, don't skimp.

[CitTone]

I've been quoted this morning by a Saab Specialist £98 for genuine Saab part.

Just to add, that's a very good price for a genuine wheel bearing, My now out of date (2 year old) price list has them at £275+VAT, is that a special offer or the new price?

For the fronts, it seems to depend on the year of manufacture - I understand that the bearing race is separately replaceable on earlier cars, therefore £98 for a genuine item is entirely possible. Later cars - not sure what VIN this may be from - have a complete bearing and carrier assembly at £200+. The latter type - e.g. mine at 2003 vintage - only takes about 45 minutes to change, the earlier one a couple of hours (hydraulic pressing out and back in etc) so overall cost is probably swings vs roundabouts.

Rears, I don't know if the same is true....haven't had to do it (so far!)

[sgould]

Front hubs changed with the 2002 facelift model.  The rears changed in the middle of 1999. 

[Norfolk Jim]

They were rears and obtained from Parts Connexions and genuine Saab. Fitted and fine