Toyota Repair: Rear bearing replace, toyota technician, toyota dealer

Question
Hi Ted:

I have a 2002 Camry with 130k miles. There are little noise and vibration from left rear wheel when drive in very low speed. There is louder noise that comes and goes as accelerate in range 40-75 MPH, which sounds from engine but Toyota technician said it could be from same wheel. Have Toyota dealer inspected. They recommend to replace the left rear wheel bearing for $680. I check the part on web only $191. So how many hour work needed to replace it would cost that much? I don't feel it is very sever or very urgent. Is there any danger to wait couple weeks or a month till I can find a good deal? What kind of technician can do the work, like Firestone, XXX Express Gas Lube or he has to be Toyota dealer? Thanks a lot.

Yan

Answer
It sounds like it would be ok to wait a little, the bearing is a sealed unit that comes with the hub attached, it can be replaced by removing the rear brake drum and removing four bolts that hold the bearing housing to the rear axle, buy the bearing and have it installed, any decent repair shop should be able to do it,stay away from the quick lube places for this repair, firestone etc should be ok, that price from the dealer seems a little high. It shouldn't be more than about $150-180 for the labor.