4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 2003 Wheel Bearings, wheel bearings, wheel bearing

Question
I was hearing a vibration and humming noise as I turned the wheel to the right.  I took it in to see what the problem was and I was told the wheel bearing was bent and it would cost $527.00 for parts and labor.  Does this seem excessive in price? He couldnt promise whether or not it was the wheel bearing until he took it apart?  Could it be something else?  

Answer
Vanessa,

Please, please go to another reputable shop and get another estimate.  You can, even call a few shops, and ask them what the cost would be to replace a front bearing for your vehicle.  First of all, bearings DO NOT BEND.  Bearings can go bad, and may give you some of the symptoms that you describe.  Many times when a bearing goes bad, you will hear a rumbling sound also.

The price quoted does sound excessive, but this can be due to the type of vehicle you have.  Some of the newer vehicles front bearings can cost up to $200 each, and if you replace both sides (if one is bad, both should be replaced) the labor may take up to a couple of hours at the most.  A good way to check the parts price, would be to call a local auto parts store, and have them look up your cost.  If you are going to a dealer for the repair, most times, the cost of the repair will be higher than going to a private mechanic.

Carl