Front end Bearings - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

gmboxster · 08-09-2018, 10:38 AM

Has anyone had to replace their front bearings on their Boxster ? If so what kind of sounds or noises did you notice that led to believe it was the bearings ?

thstone · 08-09-2018, 01:21 PM

I assume you mean the front wheel bearings.

I've replaced all my wheel bearings at least twice (I think I'm on my third set in the rear). Racing with stiff suspension and sticky r-compound tires is really hard on stock wheel bearings.

They will typically make a low growling or humming sound - especially around a corner of the opposite direction (left wheel bearing hums on a right hand turn since the outside tire gets most of the load).

The noise typically gets steadily worse over a few weeks (or months depending on how many miles you drive) so eventually it will be really easy to hear if that is the problem.

gmboxster · 08-10-2018, 07:40 PM

thstone if you dont mind how much did it cost to replace both front wheel bearings ?

dghii · 08-12-2018, 09:47 AM

Can't speak for thstone but I replaced front bearings in my S last summer. I bought the bearing for $40/side IIRC, pulled the wheel carrier and had the hub/bearings R/R'ed at a local shop. Shop charged $45/side.

rexcramer · 08-12-2018, 03:58 PM

Fast and simple unscientific test. Get the front wheels up off the ground and turn them slowly and listen. Then grab the outer sides of the tire and see if you have any play.

Syracuse986 · 08-13-2018, 11:29 AM

Any shop can tell you if your problem is wheel bearings. There’s a series of test they do to listen for grinding noises coming from your wheel bearing. I went to Midas and they replaced my front bearing for $350.

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kbrandsma · 08-13-2018, 03:46 PM

You'll hear a noise like a warped rotor rubbing against the brake pads every rotation. Just put the car in the air (place in neutral with the emergency off for rears) and spin the tires. You should hear no noise. Replacement bearings are under $100 each for the DIY. Book says shop costs including time and parts are $500-$750 a side.

thstone · 08-13-2018, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmboxster

thstone if you dont mind how much did it cost to replace both front wheel bearings ?

Wheel bearings are typically around $300-$400 per side.