I have a 1998cc Y reg 2001 Nissan Primera. Recently I put it into Kwik-fit for an M.O.T. They replace a wheelbearing on the left passenger side. The car now squeaks & makes an awful "scrunching" sound when I brake. Kwik-fit now say that the "flange" [their descriptive not mine] & the hub are not a tight fit due to wear, & have quoted me £300 just to replace the part. Which seems a bit steep for a 6 inch circular disc

Pete, May 2009

I think they may be referring to the bearing hub, which is not uncommon, if the outer race of the bearing does not make an interference fit in the hub, it will spin, causing the noise you describe.The problem is wear in the hub. It may be possible to 'patch' the problem by peening the hub surface with a sturdy centrepunch (as you create indentations, the surrounding material will bulge outwards) 10 to 12 if these indentations should be sufficient to prevent the bearing from spinning.
Incidentally, this should have been realised and corrected at the time of bearing replacement if they claim to be competent professionals. I would suggest taking this issue up with the franchise head office if the store management are not co-operative.. a refund on the original repair costs(parts and labor)should not be out of the question.

pomandrew, May 2009

The problem seems to stem from the wheel bearing that was butchered when it was removed....these things have to be pressed from the hub using a press capable of more than 10 tons, and I would guess that the hub flange was distorted when this was done. Its only the bearing that wears - the hub (which holds the bearing) and the flange (that the brake disc fixes on to) should be unaffected if the job was done right. I think you should go back and ask what they are going to do about it....but its all very well to give advice from the keyboard of a PC. Best of luck with this one - I think you've been wronged.

John, May 2009