I just brought the car into the dealer for a 125,000 mile check up, oil change, etc and got a call that one of the rear hubs is going out and needs replacement. $1100. They say they go dry over time and if I leave it too long the wheel might fall off.

Has anyone heard of this? Thoughts? Comments?

 

While theoretically possible, the wheel falling off would be an extreme case. I've seen plenty of hubs need replacement but never one where the wheel fell off. Eventually it will get so loud you won't be able to ignore it any more.

 

Yeah. That's what I thought and I spoke with an indy mechanic who said to drive it behind a large store like a Home Depot and roll the windows down. If you hear it, it's a problem. I did that and nothing. No noise whatsoever. This particular dealer likes doing this. They told me two years ago that my motor mounts were shot. The same indy mechanic looked at them and said I had plenty of time. I just replaced them a few months ago - using the indy mechanic.

 

It is not possible to diagnose them by inspection. they're just crooks.

 

 

It is absolutely possible to diagnose them with inspection.

If you don't hear a roaring noise form the rear (that gets louder when slightly turning one way to load the bearing), then it's not bad enough yet.

 

I went to my indy mechanic today and he said first the brakes look fine - maybe need to change them within the next 2000 miles but they're ok. Also, I drove it today alongside a concrete highway wall, and the backside of a Target with someone in the passenger seat listening and we heard nothing except maybe the wear indicator on the right rear wheel. I'll bring it back in a month and let him change the brakes out and inspect the hubs.

Thanks for all the great feedback

 

There are no wear indicators.

I find it strange the dealer didn't recommend brakes if they are that close.

 

The actually did recommend rear brakes.