Originally Posted by UrbanE

As I wrote my original message, I knew that someone was going to comment about the price. The price should never be the first thing factored into the equation.

Here's my take on this;
These cars were not inexpensive when new and the parts prices are still up there.

I know first hand that the prices are less expensive from the Chrysler dealer, when compared to the same item from a MB DEALER.
How do I know, I've recently completed a Powertrain rebuild front to back. Unless Calgary is an exception, the same part from Chrysler was always less. I PURCHASED A LOT OF THEM. I only went to the MB dealer when Chrysler couldn't track down the item.

Yes you can pull the number off of the bearing and purchase a reasonable facsimile but if you're going to pay someone to do it, the labour will be the same. Or you can save on the parts and pay the price for labour to replace them again in a few years. I said it before and I'll say it again. "Buy the best wheel bearings you can find. Especially if you're going to pay for the labour to install them.

If you're in Canada, be sure to add freight and the rate of exchange. When you do this the parts available on-line start adding up to local dealer prices. I understand that there are savings to be had when ordering on-line from Parts distributors but it's worth it to compare against locally acquired parts. If you want a "deal" best to be informed.

This is based upon my experience, I don't just write about it. I actually do it.

On self install of parts;
If you have the desire and tools, anything is possible. If a man can put it together, then another man can take it apart and put it back together again.

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
Warren Buffett