My non-abs 92 hatchback needs a new bearing up front, drivers side. I plan on replacing both front bearings. Mechanic suggested buying a hub assembly which includes the bearing in it, which will also save on installation time.

My question is this, shopping for just a bearing seems simple, I'm not sure what I'm looking for in a hub assembly. They all seem the same, but the price gaps can be huge. Help me out?

 

You're looking for a hub assembly that fits a 92 hatch. OEM is always best. Am I misunderstanding the question?

 

Another option:

Buy OEM bearings.

Remove knuckles yourself.

Call around to reputable shops for price charged to remove old bearings and install new ones.

Take knuckles to reputable shop with lowest price (my guess ~$35/knuckle).

Re-install knuckles.

Enjoy self-congratulatory beer.

 

You can't buy a hub assembly for the front because they aren't a hub assembly, it's simply a double ball bearing pressed into knuckle, the hub is then pressed into the hub. Unless your mechanic is talking about buying a whole front knuckle with the hub and bearing already in it (I'm not aware of anyone selling these new as an assembly)

You can remove the knuckles yourself and remove the hub and bearings yourself (beat the hub and bearing out with a hammer and large socket, you can't put them in this way though as you'll ruin the new bearing) then take the knuckles and new bearings to a shop and have them press the new bearings in.

Also, I don't believe in replacing bearings in pairs. It's pretty uncommon to have wheel bearings to fail around the same time, sometimes the other side will go for several more years, sometimes it'll outlast the car.

Oh, and if you've ever thought you needed new brake dust/splash shields (black tin thing that goes behind the rotor) now would be the time since you have to press the hub out to change them.