Author Topic: Please explain this to me. (Read 3177 times)

SausageCat · « **on:** July 29, 2013, 07:39:55 pm »

Why is pressing out bearings and bushings so expensive: $200 - $300 on average?
12t press cost $199 brand new ($100 used), on most of the videos I watched pressing out a bearing or bushing takes minutes. Where is the cost coming from then?

Jay89 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2013, 08:45:13 pm »

Are the said parts still on the vehicle or loose?

If it's still on the vehicle, obvious answer is that it takes time to remove from vehicle and reinstall.

If parts are loose, then, you essentially are paying for the knowledge and expertise of the tech performing the task.

Idk for sure as its not very specific as to what you wanted pressed out. It could be simple like a control arm bushing, or something more complicated like wheel bearing (ok not that much more). Most places you go to would use big hydraulic presses rather than the small hand ones you can buy at princess auto. Those I would imagine are around 3-500 ish. Perhaps more.

Again, I could be wrong.

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GrantC · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2013, 08:48:25 pm »

Because you didn't show up with a 6-pack 15 minutes before closing to ask nicely?

Soobnoob · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2013, 09:33:12 pm »

Mostly it's getting to it that costs money. Pressing a bushing (control arm) is usually a 15 minute job. It usually takes another 30min to pull the control arm. Your basically paying for the time it takes to tear it apart, fix it, and put it back together. You are also forgetting about book times. Just because it takes a few minutes to press, doesn't mean that's all you pay. For example; a Subaru timing belt can be done in under an hour quite easily, book time is like 3 hours.

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Asstuna · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2013, 09:36:47 pm »

Plus, some control arms are a itchbay of a shape and just getting it to sit steady whilst you apply many pounds of pressure can be pretty difficult or risky.

SausageCat · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2013, 09:47:19 pm »

It is the LCA and it is out of vehicle. It is pretty simple shape too.

I'll try the 6pack approach

Jay89 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2013, 10:03:28 pm »

I'm assuming you mean the small ones towards the inside and not the rear.

Those come out fairly easily. But it's not that easy to get to sit nicely.

Did those places know it's loose parts? Sometimes advisors just go by book times to give you a quote.

Most places don't care how long it actually takes to do a job. I know guys that can do 8 hour book time jobs in an hour. They are still going to charge you the customer 8 hours of work. Mainly because they have to pay the tech 8 hours of work. Kinda how flat rate guys make lots of money.

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SausageCat · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2013, 11:22:37 pm »

Yup, small front ones.
So, socket and hammer should be enough?

A.J. · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2013, 09:39:41 am »

if you were in Edmonton I'd tell you to come over and use my press.

SausageCat · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2013, 03:58:00 pm »

Found this DIY: http://www.rs25.com/forums/f9/t42663-how-2004-sti-control-arms-gc-chassis-alloy-arm-specs-alignment-specs.html

CamB · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2013, 05:39:53 pm »

Quote from: A.J. on July 30, 2013, 09:39:41 am

if you were in Edmonton I'd tell you to come over and use my press.

Is that an invite?

Would it work for wheel bearings too?

A.J. · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2013, 09:36:11 am »

I've done wheel bearings and bushings on it. The only thing it hasn't handled yet was axle U-joints from my truck. I had to use a vice and a bfh to make those come out.

It only collects dust while I'm not using it so I'd be happy to help out anyone in need.

SausageCat · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2013, 09:48:41 am »

Wish you were in Calgary

canehdianJ · « **Reply #13 on:** July 31, 2013, 04:23:54 pm »

Quote from: SausageCat on July 31, 2013, 09:48:41 am

Wish you were in Calgary

I have been bugging him to move but no joy yet. And he could actually LOOK at the planes he controls down here!

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CamB · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2013, 05:16:47 pm »

Quote from: A.J. on July 31, 2013, 09:36:11 am

I've done wheel bearings and bushings on it. The only thing it hasn't handled yet was axle U-joints from my truck. I had to use a vice and a bfh to make those come out.

It only collects dust while I'm not using it so I'd be happy to help out anyone in need.

I may take you up on that if I decide to remove my hubs to do my extended studs myself

A.J. · « **Reply #15 on:** July 31, 2013, 07:25:50 pm »

Quote from: canehdianJ on July 31, 2013, 04:23:54 pm

I have been bugging him to move but no joy yet. And he could actually LOOK at the planes he controls down here!

it's not just up to me.

Quote from: CamB on July 31, 2013, 05:16:47 pm

I may take you up on that if I decide to remove my hubs to do my extended studs myself

Sure. Let me know if you decide to do it.

CamB · « **Reply #16 on:** July 31, 2013, 08:29:18 pm »

Quote from: A.J. on July 31, 2013, 07:25:50 pm

Sure. Let me know if you decide to do it.

Will do.
Thanks

canehdianJ · « **Reply #17 on:** August 01, 2013, 10:02:53 am »

Quote from: A.J. on July 31, 2013, 07:25:50 pm

it's not just up to me.

I know. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna bug you about it. With the new runway opening in the spring I'm sure there will be plenty of vacancies

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reeskm · « **Reply #18 on:** August 08, 2013, 10:08:47 am »

Easy: It's expensive because most people don't have a clue about bearings or have the tools or the presses.

This is one of the hugest ways to save money on your own repair. Get your own press and DIY.

You may not even need a press for most things. I fixed my A/C idler on my STI with a bench vise and a $6 bearing. Saved over $100 than buying new idler wheel from the stealership.

Jay89 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 08, 2013, 10:52:33 am »

Quote from: reeskm on August 08, 2013, 10:08:47 am

This is one of the hugest ways to save money on your own repair. Get your own press and DIY.

I don't fully agree with this statement. Someone who doesn't know what they are doing, really shouldn't be going the diy method. I've seen more than enough cars that are so badly messed because the owner thought "how hard can it be?"

If however, you do know what you are doing, by all means. But if not, seek help from someone who does

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seat safety switch · « **Reply #20 on:** August 08, 2013, 09:14:41 pm »

I saw a car at the junkyard once that had a diagonal (i.e. not parallel) crank pulley with a series of very deep vise grip tooth marks in it and a (somehow) torn up keyway. I'm guessing they couldn't get it off after they wedged it in there and didn't want to buy a new crank either.

Indeed, not everyone should do their own press work.