What is the average cost of replacing wheel bearings?
Vehicles with traditional, tapered wheel bearings should have them serviced every 25,000 to 30,000 miles — replacement may not be necessary as long as they're maintained. The average cost for a Wheel Bearing Replacement is between $240 and $267 but can vary from car to car.
How much does a wheel bearing cost to get fixed?
When labor is factored in, the total labor costs can cost anywhere from $150 to as much as $350 per front or rear bearing. If more than one bearing needs to replaced, this quote can easily double. This will all depend on the shop’s labor rate, but most will be between $40 to $75 per hour, and each bearing should take about two hours to fix/replace.
What tools are needed to change a wheel bearing?
Things You'll Need
- Wheel bearing assembly
- Breaker bar
- Jack
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Screwdriver
- Rubber mallet
- Sandpaper
When should I replace my wheel bearings?
What to look for when buying or replacing bearings
- Beware of cheap bearings constructed of low quality steel with poor heat-treating. ...
- Cheaper hub assemblies might include bearings that are smaller than OEM, which is another factor that could lead to early part failure. ...
- Note that manufacturers recommend a torque wrench rather than an impact wrench when installing. ...
Can you drive with a damaged wheel bearing?
Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.
How much does it cost to replace both wheel bearings?
Both Sides The cost to replace both front wheel bearings is going to be between $260 and $480. The parts alone for the front wheel bearings are about $120 to $200. However, the labor costs will be a bit more extensive at around $140 to $280.
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.
Can I change just one wheel bearing?
If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle.
What happens if you don't fix a wheel bearing?
Ultimate damage: If you don't replace a damaged wheel bearing before it fails completely, the wheel will completely seize up. If this happens while you're driving, the results can be catastrophic. This is not a component to take chances with.
Is wheel bearings a big job?
A front or rear wheel bearing replacement isn't a huge job, however it is fairly complex and can be time-consuming even for the most experienced mechanics.
What does a wheel bearing sound like when it's going out?
0:563:16What Does a Bad Wheel Bearing Sound Like? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDo it so you're gonna hear a sound that sounds a little bit like a growl. So you hear that growl.MoreDo it so you're gonna hear a sound that sounds a little bit like a growl. So you hear that growl. Sounds like the right front. Wheel. That's a pretty significant growl now the faster we get going the
What makes a wheel bearing go bad?
Driving conditions – driving through deep water or mud can cause your wheel bearings to fail. Water, mud or other contaminants such as dust or road salt could get past the seals and enter the bearing, polluting the grease and wearing away the bearings.
How much does it cost to replace rear wheel bearings?
Rear Wheel Bearings. On average, you can expect to pay between $190 and $310 for the parts associated with replacing your rear wheel bearings. The average labor costs will be between $225 and $350.
What happens if your wheel bearing is worn out?
If a wheel bearing is worn out or defective, it will cause your car to slow down unintentionally or it will prevent your car from moving at all. If the car slows down then you’ll notice a lot of shakiness and loud squeaky noises when it moves.
Why do bicycles have bearings?
You’ll even find them in bicycles because they use wheels to move as well. Bearings come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the make and model of your car. The job of a wheel bearing is to help the wheel spin without causing much friction. If a wheel bearing is worn out or defective, it will cause your car to slow down unintentionally ...
What is a wheel bearing?
What’s a Wheel Bearing Do? Wheel bearings are the component that allow the other parts of your wheels to work smoothly. The wheel bearings are a series of steel balls encased in the hub of your wheel. They are packed with grease, and as your wheel spins they move inside a race, the metal ring that holds them in place.
How to tell if wheel bearings are bad?
The first of these feelings that you’ll find is vibration . When a wheel bearing begins to go bad you’ll feel it in one or two places, either vibrating through the steering column and into your hands, and/or in the entire vehicle itself. This vibration is a pretty good indicator that a wheel bearing may be starting to go bad.
Why does my wheel bearing make a groaning sound?
They tend to grind, making a loud groaning sound. This is a result of the steel balls making contact with the race due to a lack of lubrication.
Why do tires wear unevenly?
Often, tires can wear unevenly due to alignment issues , but in the case of a bad wheel bearing you’ll most often find that the wear on one tire is worse than the others. This is the bad wheel in the bunch. This uneven wear is noticeable, and will persist on the wheel with the bad bearing as you rotate your tires.
Where is the wheel bearing on a skateboard?
Think about it like a skateboard bearing, if you’re familiar, but on a much larger and more complex scale. The wheel bearing is at the center of the wheel, in its hub , and it allows for the wheel to move smoothly. Without it, your wheels wouldn’t spin efficiently, or spin at all, really.
Do you have to replace a wheel bearing?
Now, you may never have to replace a wheel bearing, as they’re typically pretty hardy. However, if you do, there’s a chance that the wheel bearing opposite the bad one has suffered through the same experiences that the bad one has. Keeping that in mind, it’s safe to say that it’s nearing the end of its life, as well.
Can a wheel bearing go bad?
Well, as a general rule of thumb, yes. When you’ve identified that one wheel bearing has gone bad, then it’s likely the problem has affected the other side of the vehicle. When a part goes bad on one side of the vehicle, the other side of the vehicle tends to compensate, affecting its overall performance, as well.
What Is A Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing plays a crucial role in the movement of a vehicle’s wheels, as it allows the wheels to rotate with minimal friction. It’s part of the assembly that connects the wheel to the axle and consists of a set of steel balls or tapered bearings held together by a metal ring.
Types of Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings come in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose, which is to allow your wheels to rotate freely without being impeded by excess friction.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
Now that you know what a wheel bearing is and what could happen if it fails, let’s look at how much it costs to replace one. As stated earlier, the cost will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the labor cost charged for the repair.
Why Wheel Bearings Fail
Wheel bearings are designed to withstand a lot of abuse, but many variables can cause them to fail prematurely.
Symptoms Of Bad Wheel Bearings
When a wheel bearing becomes faulty, you will often notice one or more of the following symptoms. Don’t ignore them — get your car or truck inspected.
Wheel Bearing Replacement FAQs
Why are we not surprised that you have even more questions not only about how much it costs to replace a wheel bearing but also about wheel bearings in general? Well, keep reading for more answers.
Final Thoughts
The wheel bearing is a part of your car’s wheel assembly responsible for spinning each wheel smoothly with as little friction as possible.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
For most vehicles, wheel bearing replacement cost is usually between $125 and $750, and rear-wheel bearing replacement cost is usually the same as a front wheel bearing replacement. For example, you might pay between $125 to $750 at your local mechanic for both labor and parts needed to replace the wheel bearing, with a 12-month warranty, ...
Why is it important to have your wheel bearings inspected?
It’s important to get your wheel bearing inspected on a regular basis, especially if you have an older vehicle model. A faulty wheel bearing can significantly affect the essential functions of the car such as acceleration, braking, and steering, so you want to take care of any problems as they arise.
What is the role of wheel bearings in cars?
The wheel bearing is primarily responsible for enabling the wheels to spin while experiencing very little friction. Below you will find how much does a wheel bearing replacement ...
How Much Does Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?
On Average, Wheel bearing replacement costs between $200 and $800. The labor costs for replacing a wheel bearing are between $140 and $200, while the parts cost between $150 and $400. This price range does not include taxes or fees and does not consider your vehicle and unique location.
What Are Wheel Bearings?
Typically, a wheel bearing consists of a metal circle with a set of bearings inside. This ball bearing helps your car wheel spin smoothly with very little friction.
Types Of Wheel Bearing
These are the most common types of wheel bearings. Different manufacturers use different types. Some are made to be simpler, while others will give the vehicle more power.
Bad Wheel Bearing Symptoms?
There are some common indicators that can be used to determine the condition and health of your wheel bearings. Here are some bad wheel-bearing Symptoms.
What Do Various Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
On Average, Wheel bearing replacement costs between $200 and $800. The labor costs for replacing a wheel bearing are between $140 and $200, while the parts cost between $150 and $400. This price range does not include taxes or fees and does not consider your vehicle and unique location.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost For Front Wheel Bearings
Here is the average wheel bearing replacement Cost For One Side of the Front Wheel Bearings and for both sides of the front wheel bearing.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost For Rear Wheel Bearings
Here is the average wheel bearing replacement Cost For One Side of the Rear Wheel Bearings and for both sides of the Rear Wheel Bearings.
What Is A Wheel Bearing?
As mentioned previously, a wheel bearing allows the wheel to rotate seamlessly. In a car, the bearings are usually tapered rolling bearings, but roller and ball bearings exist as well.
Symptoms Of A Bad Wheel Bearing
Unless there is a sudden problem with the wheel seal or you hit a large pothole, wheel bearings usually deteriorate gradually and therefore give you enough time to act.
Replacement Cost
A bad wheel bearing should be replaced as soon as possible, and you should keep your driving to a minimum.
Summary
Wheel bearings are important components of your car that help your wheel rotate smoothly. They usually have a long lifespan, typically lasting for around 100,000 miles.
What happens if a wheel bearing fails?
If the wheel bearing fails completely, it's possible for the wheel to come off the vehicle and cause a wreck.
How long do tapered wheel bearings last?
Vehicles with traditional, tapered wheel bearings should have them serviced every 25,000 to 30,000 miles — replacement may not be necessary as long as they're maintained.
Why is the wheel bearing lubricated?
The wheel bearing is lubricated with grease in order to further reduce friction.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
If you have to replace both the front and rear wheel bearings, it will cost anywhere between $800-$1000.
How to tell if a wheel bearing is bad?
You can easily detect whether it’s a front or rear bearing problem by listening to both the passenger and driver sides. Wheel bearing noise can be confused for sound coming from defective tires, though, so it’s always best to get your car checked by a professional mechanic.
What type of bearings are used in cars?
There are four common types of wheel bearings, but standard ball bearings and precision ball bearings are the only types used in cars. Wheel bearings are essential for your wheels to move correctly. Hence, when they begin to wear out, you have to replace them as soon as possible.
Why do my bearings make a grinding noise?
The grinding noise occurs as the bearings begin to lose their lubrication, and the metal parts rub against each other aggressively.
Why do my car bearings wear out?
Over time, your bearings will naturally begin to wear out. Excess wear on bearings can occur if your vehicle is overloaded, causing the bearings to break down. A lack of lubrication can also contribute to the typical wear and tear of the bearings.
How long do sealed bearings last?
Most vehicles have sealed bearings that do not require any maintenance at all. Sealed bearings will last 100,000 miles or more. Weather conditions also play a role in how long your bearings will last. For those that drive in moist conditions a lot, the bearings are likely to rust relatively quickly.
What does it mean when your steering wheel is wobbling?
Vibration and Wobbling. If you begin to notice any wobbling or vibrating in your steering wheel, this is a good indicator that you have bad bearings, and you need to replace them. When your bearings wear out, your car will feel loose for the most part, resulting in a shaky or vibrating steering wheel.
