Noisy centre diff bearing MY05 WRX
 

Over the last couple of weeks my WRX has developed an annoying whining noise which is apparent at higher road speeds (>50mph). I've just taken it down to my local dealer who has diagnosed it as a worn centre diff bearing which needs replacing. Their parts/servicing guy wasn't in on a Sat AM so they weren't able to give a quote. Has anybody had a similar bearing replacement who can give me an indication of how much it might cost? I'd be interested in dealer and specialist prices.

Reposted from ScoobyNet General due to lack of responses.

Cheers!

i had a new centre diff fitted to my 02sti and with labour came to just over £450

I've been on the phone this morning and got two quotes. The first from a dealer came in at £1800. They said it required 12 hours labour and the whole 'box assembly to be dropped and re-shimmed. The second from a specialist came in at £270, £90 of parts and 3 hours labour. Apparently they can do it with the 'box in-situ.

I was expecting a difference but not this enormous. Either the dealer is trying to take me to the cleaners or the independent is underestimating the scale of the job. I have no idea who to trust. Any suggestions?

hi mate the first one is having a laugh,it can be done with the box insitu labour as you said about 3-4 hours,second quote seems about right. where are you from as a matter of interest

Thanks for your reply, I've asked a second dealer for a quote to see exactly how off-base the first one was. I'm in Cambridge. The specialist was Zen, the dealer shall remain nameless...

Dealer does say the car is safe to drive until fixed; second opinion? I need it this week and either can't touch it until Monday next week.

hi mate mine started making a loud clunking noise when i turned slowly or did 3 point turns in a straight line nothing, i drove it like this for about a year hope this helps good luck

Another dealer quoted £1120 for the work all inclusive. Still taking to specialist! Thanks for all your help.