Had my 08 LS 460 in for service, they showed me pics of the leaking bearing. Said cost is $2,000 for the front. Car has only 73,000 miles on it. Every 3rd time I go in to Lexus for oil change, they say , "I need to show you some pictures" I instinctively grab for my wallet ! Anybody run into this problem with leaking grease of the bearing??

 

Just got the call...... you need a front wheel bearing! Luckily, I have an extended warranty. Anybody know how much this would cost if it were on my dime? The part is about $500 and the labor is supposedly 3 hours.

 

If you need wheel bearings save yourself a fortune. Assemblies are like $60 or so on rock auto. Should be easy job for independent mechanic - search on forums

 

$48: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-513313-New-Axle-Wheel-Hub-and-Bearing-Assembly-Front-Left-RWD-/261876747942?hash=item3cf9120ea6
The labor is due to one hub bolt being in a place you can't put a socket on (have to use a crow's foot open end). The official service procedure probably has the tech pop the lower control arm's ball joint stud out of the knuckle to get access to said bolt.

 

It would cost me $400-$500 for two Timken bearings and new clips for the ball joints. It would take about 2hrs. because someone would see my garage door open and come over to ask a ton of questions slowing the process.

 

It is a pretty easy repair for an experienced tech...probably take an hour tops. I replaced my right front a year ago...bought a Beck Arnley aftermarket wheel bearing assembly...big mistake. The thing only lasted 7,000 miles before it failed. They warrantied it, but I had already bought an OEM bearing at a local parts store (Koyo). The Koyo was $325, which was a lot better than the $500-$600 Lexus charges. Supposedly Koyo makes the bearings for Lexus...did some research, seemed to be the case and the guy at the parts store told me it was an OEM bearing....30,000 miles later and I haven't had any issues with it, unlike the $150 dollar Beck Arnley that only lasted four months.