I have been quoted $465 to replace the 2 right front wheel bearings on my 05 Crossfire from the Chrysler dealership. Is it just me or does that sound a bit outrageous? I have viewed the videos here and it looks like a straightforward job I could do myself. I have done other types before and it worked well but is this a more complicated process?

Also, should I buy the Chrysler bearing kit or the Mercedes one, or is aftermarket OK to use as well. Any tips would be appreciated.

Mike

 

Buy it from a dealer and you will pay for them getting them. Good quality bearings from another supplier using the bearing number will be cheaper and you will get a good bearing as well.

 

My personal experience has been that the Chrysler parts are on average 30% less than the same part from a MB Dealer

When it comes to Wheel bearings, pay the money and get the best ones you can. It's not a part you want to swap out for a "value" replacement.

They are easily swapped out (at least the front ones are). If you're handy, dive into it. If the not, source out a local shop (not the dealer) that specializes in MB and BMW. If you're in WPG I can reach out to the specialist I use in Calgary and perhaps he can refer one.

Good luck

 

On the contrary Crossfire parts frim Chrysler are the same part from Mercedes but given a hefry mark up.
Anyway if you get the part number from a wheel bearing and use that number at a bearing sales outlet and buy a good brand it will be just as good as a dealer sourced bearing and cheaper. Different makers have different numbers for the same bearing but the sizes are what is used to determine your bearing and they are all made to the same sizes and accuracy for the same bearing class. Just don't buy a cheap Chinese bearing.

 

As I wrote my original message, I knew that someone was going to comment about the price. The price should never be the first thing factored into the equation.

Here's my take on this;
These cars were not inexpensive when new and the parts prices are still up there.

I know first hand that the prices are less expensive from the Chrysler dealer, when compared to the same item from a MB DEALER.
How do I know, I've recently completed a Powertrain rebuild front to back. Unless Calgary is an exception, the same part from Chrysler was always less. I PURCHASED A LOT OF THEM. I only went to the MB dealer when Chrysler couldn't track down the item.

Yes you can pull the number off of the bearing and purchase a reasonable facsimile but if you're going to pay someone to do it, the labour will be the same. Or you can save on the parts and pay the price for labour to replace them again in a few years. I said it before and I'll say it again. "Buy the best wheel bearings you can find. Especially if you're going to pay for the labour to install them.

If you're in Canada, be sure to add freight and the rate of exchange. When you do this the parts available on-line start adding up to local dealer prices. I understand that there are savings to be had when ordering on-line from Parts distributors but it's worth it to compare against locally acquired parts. If you want a "deal" best to be informed.

This is based upon my experience, I don't just write about it. I actually do it.

On self install of parts;
If you have the desire and tools, anything is possible. If a man can put it together, then another man can take it apart and put it back together again.

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
Warren Buffett

 

You seem to be under the misaprehension that these bearings are solely made for the car industry. They are made for general use in other applications. If a bearing for your car has the same number as one you buy in an industrial supply house it may been made beside the one that is on your car.

 

180

Let me be the first to compliment you on your writing skills and your ability to drill down with "suggestions".

Your opinions are noted. Every forum member has been made of your position, on just about every aspect of the Chrysler Crossfire.

Advice without action. Impress the hell out of me. Please share with us what you've actually completed with respect to working on one of these. The voice of experience.

A double din would be a great place to start. You badgered me about the steps and then you go on to say it's a waste of time. Never try never fail, never fail, never learn.

I still have a lot to learn and that's why I rely on the forum for great advice. Great advice from people that have actually rolled up their sleeves and got it done.

 

This was my total involvement in your Double DIN. Not once did I say it was a waste of time, although you may be a waste of space.

Quote:

Maybe it would be handy if you just posted the pics so that anyone who is interested in doing this could learn as well. One for all and all for one so to speak. Or should I PM you as well? Thanks.

Quote:

I personally have no interest in the camera, or the double DIN kit for that matter, I thought others might though. So you had your dash kit made for you and now you are attempting to make one like it? Good luck.
Remember most want perfect parts and that is hard to do. There are two subtlety different finishes on these parts remember that.

Quote:

I got you mixed up with the other guy who did the poll, sorry. Yours looks great.

I have since changed my mind on the double din/ rear view camera. I may go to a flip radio or do the face plate for the double din installation.

Have a look through my 'Index of Crossfire problems and repairs' below and in that thread you may find a few things I have done and documented, for the record that post is the longest on the forum and with 135,000 + hits it is one of the most popular. I also converted many posts into PDF's with credit to the originator of the post.

With all modesty I can say that your contributions to this forum have been minimal by comparison.

 

I've gotta go with 180 here. I've changed or modified everything and never did I find the Chrysler part cheaper. You can find fine quality bearings after market if you just look. 180's organizing our problems and fixes is the single biggest thing to happen on this forum, AMEN

 

Thanks for that vote, I try to help out where I can, not having had a Crossfire that needed any repairs to speak I can only do little threads like:

The water in the SRT trunk fix.
The power seat solenoid fix for $1, 10 cents actually but you can only by ten diodes in a packet.
Side window alignment.
Isolator fitting for windshield wiper stem in the DS cowl.
OEM Navigation radio instal.
Mercedes engine cover and 75 mm TB mod.
Crossfire problem index, that has taken quite a few hours in total in developing and maintenance.
Sourced the Crossfire parts lists.
Sourced the SLK32 and SLK320 electronic parts lists.
Sourced the Crossfire electronic parts list and their location inthe vehicle.
Found suppliers for the front turn signal sockets.
There are more but you get the picture.

I'll do a list of your contributions if you like.
You have 100 posts and I could not find anything, maybe you could enlighten us.

 

What's said above is correct, bearings are bearings, Crossfire front wheel bearing are in no way particular to just the Crossfires, other cars and things use them, nobody invents a new bearing size and spec for any car. Essentially bearings are a standard and they are selected from a supplier that makes bearing in sizes, MB and Chrysler do not make bearings, nor does any OEM. Buy quality brand name bearings from any parts store and you'll be getting the same as you would from any dealer.

 

I stand corrected on bearings thank you, but I know first hand that many poor quality parts are cross referenced to the original part number. I'm sure that there are a few of us out there that can agree on this.

What have I done?
Full rebuild front to back
I've touched just about every item on the car and traveled to many points in Canada and the USA to get the parts required.

100 posts in 2-1/2 years, glad you've had time to review them. I'm wondering why you had stated no value, memory serves me correct you contacted me about the head unit.

BTW, many others have too

Guess there's at least one contribution, but I'm sure there are a few others.

I've been to busy doing stuff to post 18,000 times and scolding members at least once a week about starting a new thread.

Signing off, going for a drive with the roof down.

 

Congratulations on the build, you did well. Being retired I have time to waste and I like to keep up to date. I can pretty well find any post that has been made since I joined and I have learnt a lot and that helps point people in the right direction on problems. You could have given us a play by play of the rebuild and on the double din faceplate. I only remind people that adding another post on the same subject that they have already started a post gets them no extra attention. It actually gets them less and adds to the clutter when someone searches a particular subject.
I make absolutely no claim to being an expert but I can certainly find many answers. I use common sense here more than some and having worked in engineering all my life and I have that experience to fall back on. So if someone starts talking about bearings I am not talking about something of which I am ignorant.

 

Just discovered today that the Utube video of the front wheel bearing change from the Mercedes E Class has some very significant differences to what is on the Crossfire. I'm not finished yet and will post some pictures later but the 3 main differences are: 1. The grease cap is very different and does not pry off as described. 2. There are no 13mm bolts that hold the callipers on. Instead, there are two 7mm Allen bolts behind removable dust caps. 3. The large spring clip must also be removed in order to get the callipers loose enough to remove. I'm picking up the bearings tomorrow as well as a replacement grease cap that I inadvertently destroyed so will hopefully put it all back together again with hardly anybody getting hurt! Mike

 

I once told my daughter that it wasn't important that she know everything in her school books but it was important to know where to find the information! She has thanked me many times for that advice!