Front Wheel Bearings - Best Brand (SKF, OEM, etc.) To Use?

[A4orce84]

Hey Guys,

I need to replace both of my front-end wheel bearings on my A4. I have 200K+ Miles on my original ones, and they are starting to make noise. Doing a quick look on ECS, I see several brands listed:

ECS:
https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4...earings/Front/

FCP:
https://tinyurl.com/u8kuyto

Is there any major differences between OEM, SKF, Vaico, etc.? The last thing I want to do is replace the wheel bearings, and then 6 months later, I have to replace it again due to them having some noise or wearing out prematurely.

Thanks everyone for your time and help, it is greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Asif

[Tahoe3.0]

I can't speak to which brand as I don't have direct experience with replacing the bearings yet. I can speak to vendor choice, though. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with anyone.

Get your parts from FCP. They offer a lifetime warranty for everything they sell. Basically when a part fails you pull it, put in a new purchased one from FCP, send the old part in and get refunded. If the part has increased in price you'll still have to cover that portion but still a sick deal. I've ordered a bunch of stuff from them and their customer service has been great as well.

just noticed you're in Austin! If you don't know about it yet check out the "Austin DIY Shop". They rent lifts with a full set of tools including air for like $25 an hour. I worked on my car there quite a bit, great guys. I miss the shit out of TX BBQ lol.

[EuroxS4]

I have used some very cheap wheel bearings in my B5 S4 which were also bolt in like the b6 a/s4's. The bearings I purchased were the cheapest I could find and I never had any issue with them. I owned the s4 for 5 years. The only downfall of the bearing I am giving the link to is the hardware. If you dont have the tripple square bit in all the way they tend to round out easier than factory hardware. Other than that I was really happy with the bearings and never had to replace them for the 5 years or ownership that I had them. Now having said that I have never replaced bearings on my b6 a4 avant. I have nailed some pretty big potholes but never had any issues lol.

https://febestparts.com/FRONT_WHEEL_HUB_KIT/1782-A4F

[Kevin C]

I bought SKF FW179 from Rock Auto for $63 each and picked up the bolts separately. They look to be a high quality part. The SKF kit from Rock Auto is about $93, $22 less than FCP but you dont get free shipping.

[A4orce84]

I bought SKF FW179 from Rock Auto for $63 each and picked up the bolts separately. They look to be a high quality part. The SKF kit from Rock Auto is about $93, $22 less than FCP but you dont get free shipping.

And lifetime warranty.


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[Kevin C]

And lifetime warranty.


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Your paying 22 dollars more per bearing for a lifetime warranty on a part that typically lasts 140,000 miles. While the Rock auto part only gets you a 1 year warranty you save $35 (two bearings and ^4 in shipping) on a set of parts that will most likely outlast your car. Basically your paying $35 for a warranty on a set of parts that almost never fail. Since I bought four at once it made even less sense (I put S4 aluminum hubs on the back of my A4).

[gmudan]

I used SFK and been happy with mine. 60k km so far on the fronts.

[Turbo510]

I used *** bearings in back (Autohausaz) and Optimals from FCP in front, all done at around 200K miles. Nice and quiet on all corners now!

Edit: Opps, I didn't realize that by spelling out *** bearings, that the software, programmed to flag ***, would use asterisks in place of the letters ***.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I believe I used Optimal bearings (they're the after-market, German-made ones, yes?), on my right-front maybe 30K miles ago. Totally been fine. These are sold as just the bearing. Put them in the freezer overnight and installation in the housing is easy.

[A4orce84]

I believe I used Optimal bearings (they're the after-market, German-made ones, yes?), on my right-front maybe 30K miles ago. Totally been fine. These are sold as just the bearing. Put them in the freezer overnight and installation in the housing is easy.

What does putting them in the freezer do? Interested, because I have not heard this before....

[ReinS]

Changed original bearings to SKF seven years ago and now after a 150k kilometers still silent.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

What does putting them in the freezer do? Interested, because I have not heard this before....

It shrinks the part. You can also put the housing in the oven to grow it.

[Jayz691]

Also recommend getting from FCP, if ya plan on keeping the car for a while. Great service!!

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