Wheel bearings and getting bent over

[miktip]

The "2 hours" you were charged is what the "book" calls for to r&r the bearings "on the car"
With this in mind, since you handed them the struts, and saved them the time and effort to r&r from the car, they over charged you!

Rule to live by: "Not all bearings are the same"-

I have seen Audi wheel bearings come right out of the strut, with ease.  Also I've seen them
so badly corroded in the strut (salted roads) the press was damaged trying to remove!(12ton)
I own the "on car" removal tool, as well as two presses, a 12 and a 30 ton,  just for Audi wheel bearings 
and bushing removal.  

In an effort to combat the corrosion, some mechanics have "greased" the newly installed bearings
to aid future removal.  It works, depending on which type of grease you use.  However,
I would only grease those wheel bearings which are held in the strut by the two lock-ring's.
The "newer" style hubs, Mr. Bentley states "Do Not Grease", and for good reason.
With the older style hubs, you can also grease the hub to prevent the inner race from sticking as badly.
I've found a good "synthetic" grease (Mobil 1 Red) works the best for the bearings!  I've actually removed the hub,  without the inner race stuck to it!  Not always the case though!  It doesn't mean its worn.  The bearing is designed to wear before the hub.  When in doubt, measure the hub shaft with a Micrometer.

There are different bearings out there.  German, Brazilian, Mexican, United Kingdom, and Japanese.
All these different bearings will fit differently in the strut, and their longevity and performance varies as well.  So far the  "German" bearing last the longest, and are the hardest to remove.

Removing the inner race from the hub is "simple" with the proper tool.  An ordinary bearing separator
(medium)does a fine job.    Its basically two pieces of steel with a half-circle in each, clamped down with two bolts. Support the bearing separator and press out the hub.

As for the shop over charging you, I would go back and complain heavily!  Have them show you in their book, the rate.  And remind them the struts were already removed!    The most they should charge you
is at best 1 hour's labor!   30 minutes in the norm for pressing two wheel bearings.   Unless they had some
Kid off the street doing the job!

                                            Mike
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