Hey Brad both these things are a pain in the butt and the big part of the prices you are being quoted is labor time. Brake pads cost $50, the wheel bearing nut/gaskets are like $10 for everything. I also was able to get all the valve cover gaskets (spark plug donuts and grommets too) along with all of the intake gaskets for less than $100.

I would suggest to take it in if you don't have other transportation or if your time is worth a lot. You might find something needing attention (scored wheel bearings? decide to rebuild brake calipers?) and could have to wait for parts, go find parts, etc.

Both jobs are essentially taking it apart and putting it back together. They will take a LONG time and parts can be frustrating. You might have to buy some tools, like a torque wrench, axle nut socket, and brass punches. Patience is your best friend here.

But if you DIY you can also save some cash if you plan ahead - for just the cost of parts you can replace brake rotors, rebuild your calipers, reshim the valve clearance, clean the throttle body and change all the intake gaskets, etc - since you will have these all apart anyway. And you will probably do a better job than the shop if you go by the book and use dealer parts, for instance you will know you spent twenty cents on the hub gasket so a ten year old piece of paper is not going to let water in. Even the dealer techs cut corners.