Volkswagen Repair: Jetta Brakes and bearings, jetta glx vr6, berings

Question
I have a 97 Jetta GLX VR6. I need to replace the oter and inner rear berings. I have it at a shop and they are quoting me over $1000 for new rear calipers pads and rotors as well as the berings. I know that I can do the brakes myself, but have never done berings. How hard are they to do? Special tools etc. I know the berings themselves are about $32 for all four. Also if they are worn out as they are telling me how dangerous is it to drive it home about 12 miles. Can the wheel fall off like they are telling me? Hope you can make some suggestions. Thanks for your time.

Answer
I am not 100% sure on your model but I believe that none of the bearings on the rear are pressed in. Which means that you can do all the work yourself.  $1000 is pretty steep for a brake job, and most of the time the rear calipers dont need replacing especially on a car as new as yours.  I'd tell them to fly a kite and do the work yourself.

Good Luck,
Ryan

P.S. - your wheels will not fall off on the way home.