Dtone99

Hi! I had this obnoxious humming coming from my vehicle while driving. Took it to a shop to get checked out and it turns out that the front passenger side bearing is bad. Wanted to if anyone ever had this done and what's the average cost? Also would a problem like this subsequently cause and ESP malfunction errors? Thanks in advance!

kajtek1

Just confirm this is on 4M as those have different bearings than RWD ?
It would take bearing with big play to affect wheel speed sensor, but yes, it is possible.
Is the shop that did the troubleshooting equipped with SD?
You choose to not post your location, so I can only guess about labor cost.
Expect about $20 in 3-rd World country or $2000 in Beverly Hills.

Dtone99

Sorry about that.
2006 E350 4Matic
I'm in New York, but went to a Mechanic in Jersey. They were actually recommend by a MB agent.. (long story)
Weird thing is since I left the shop there haven't been anymore ESP errors whereas before, I got them pretty much every time I drove somewhere.
Not sure what SD is, but I'm willing to bet they have it.

kajtek1

Star Diagnosis.
Would they have it, most likely hooking it up would be first thing after you reported ESP errors?
Could be that you had loose plug on wheel sensor and while inspecting the bearing they push it in?
Wheel bearings usually work for some time after showing bad symptoms, but don't plan on long driving and schedule the job ASAP

cgmotorfactors

Are they not a "active sensor bearing" Magnetic coder ring? if its worn could be playing up, just a thought?

Dtone99

I've scheduled an appointment for Tuesday. Soonest I could get because of holiday and other factors. At this point I just have to get it done. The noise is getting so loud that I'm starting to worry. The shop quoted me 475, but I just wanted to get some input from Benz World. I'm tempted to believe it's a reasonable price. I've gotten a quote from them before on another matter. I ended up fixing somewhere else and it cost me more.

cgmotorfactors

Just had a look, and it is a active sensor bearing they are around £50 GBP plus tax in the Uk, general labour rates here are 100 per hour plus tax 20% at a Main Dealer. taper bearing adjustable require special green grease.

Dtone99

Thanks! Labour is where they all get you.

kajtek1

I check the part # for my 2004 4M and it is a2203300051
Net shows over $50 for the bearing alone.
Can't comment on labor charges, but hard part of the job is pressing the bearing out.
Lot of members bypass the step by buying bearing/hub assembly for about $200 or bearing/steering knuckle what suppose to make for easy DIY. Check the net for pictorials if you want to consider this way.

Dtone99

I looked around as well and the cheapest I saw was about 60 on ebay. Other places were quoting $80+. I'm really not a DIY guy when it comes to cars. I just like to know that I'm not being jerked! Thanks for all your replies. I guess I'll comment again after the job is done. Let you know how the car feels and sounds.

2MERKS

Recommend getting to know your ride, besides you'll save yourself a "merk" load of loot!!

Dtone99

Ok, Here's the update. I canceled my Tuesday appointment with that other place because at the last minute I got a better deal. $280 parts and labor. I just got it done today. Car feels great and sounds great. Unfortunately, now I have a parking light that's out. I want to correct that as soon as possible because I want to see if the ESP code corrected itself.

wjcandee

My guy on Long Island is a very good Indy. Michael Singh at Cove Tire in Glen Head. Michael will never sell you anything you don't really need. (I use the example of when one of my xenons went out, he was going to replace just the one, because the other one was still working. I had to ask him to please replace both. Bottom line is that he isn't going to waste your money.) He is scrupulously-honest, and goes out of his way to find part alternatives that will save you money, but there are a million crappy aftermarket options that he will just refuse to install.

He will also take the time to figure out actually what is wrong. There was a noise from the left front that I couldn't figure out, which he eventually traced to the transmission bushing. That seemed impossible to me, but he replaced it and he was absolutely-right. So a little bit of labor and an inexpensive (for Mercedes) part, and I was back in business with no noise. It's a lot for me to say that I trust this guy completely; I don't say that about many people.

And he owns our car. He drives a 2005 (I think) E500.

And if you want to see good prices on parts, look at partsgeek.com, which has OEM and aftermarket parts. For Dealer parts, I have spent thousands (and saved thousands more) buying parts from a Mercedes dealer in Nebraska who will ship almost anything for $11.50. It's Huskerparts.com. If you email Vic, their parts guy at the address on their web site, he will answer questions and won't be mad if you still buy online from him at the online price. (And I tell people, just don't be a pest with questions. But if you give him your VIN, he will confirm that the part you are considering is the right part. He will also tell you if there is a MB remanufactured part available at a lower price.)