Does your car need a bearings replacement?
We can help you decide.
Wheel bearings are a low-maintenance component of your car machinery. However, that doesn’t mean they would never wear out.
So, how do you know that you have a damaged bearing?
And, more importantly, how do you replace them?
Let’s uncover the signs of worn-out bearings, the wheel bearing replacement cost, ways to inspect damage, and more.
This Article Contains:
- How to Find Out if You Need a Bearings Replacement
- How Much Does Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost?
- Can You Check for Wheel Bearings Damage Yourself?
- What Is the Process for Wheel Bearings Replacement?
- 3 FAQs about Wheel Bearings
How to Find Out if You Need a Bearings Replacement
Watch out for these five symptoms of bad wheel bearing:
- Unusual noise: Loud grinding, growling, or roaring sounds from the wheel that get aggravated on turns suggest a wheel bearing problem.
- Steering wheel feels different: A worn-out wheel bearing might become loose inside the hub, causing the steering wheel to feel less responsive or vibrate.
- Uneven tire wear: If one of your tires shows greater tread wear than the other (uneven tire wear), you might be dealing with distressed wheel bearings.
- Car veering to one side: Damaged ball bearings can cause your car to randomly keep pulling to one side without your input.
- Lit ABS warning light: A failing wheel bearing might trigger the ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light on your dashboard.
Noticed these bad bearing signs?
Let’s check out the costs of installing new ones.
How Much Does Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost?
On average, you might have to spend around $350 to replace a single wheel bearing — which equates to $1400 for replacing the bearings on all four wheels.
Check out this table with replacement cost estimates for different types of bearings:
| Type of Bearing | Cost of Bearing Unit | Cost of Labor |
| Front Wheel Bearings (Traditional Cone or Roller Bearing) | ||
| 2-Wheel Drive | $6 to $20 | $80 to $100 |
| 4-Wheel Drive | $6 to $20 | $80 to $160 |
| Front Wheel Bearings (Hub Style) | ||
| Complete Unit | $80 to $300 | $80 to $200 |
| Pressed-on Unit | $25 to $50 | $160 to $400 |
| Rear Wheel Bearings | ||
| Complete Unit | $80 to $300 | $80 to $200 |
| Pressed-on Unit | $25 to $50 | $160 to $400 |
| Solid Rear Drive Axle | $25 to $50 | $80 to $400 |
Now, let’s see if you can assess the level of wear on the bearings before calling a mechanic.
Can You Check for Wheel Bearing Damage Yourself?
If you suspect a wheel bearing problem, you can inspect it yourself in five simple steps:
- Raise the car: Use a jack to raise the vehicle above ground level and secure it on a jack stand.
- Rock the tire: Hold the wheel from the top and bottom with both your hands and try to move it by pulling it back and forth. If you sense some movement, you might be dealing with a failing wheel bearing or ball joint. Check for damage on both the front and rear wheel.
- Examine the ball joint: Next, check the lower and upper ball joints for signs of wear. A tightly fixed ball joint might indicate a worn wheel bearing.
- Spin the wheel by hand: Spin your car wheel by hand to listen for any unusual grinding sounds that definitively indicate wheel bearing failure.
- Lower the vehicle: Lower the car to the ground.
If your inspection reveals a damaged wheel bearing, it’s time to install a new one.
What Is the Process for Wheel Bearings Replacement?
Depending on the type of wheel hub assembly, you might have to adopt different replacement approaches.
While some can be fixed simply by replacing the bad bearing, others might need a more complex technique. The most complicated of them all requires removing the wheel hub assembly and setting it in a press. That’s why a wheel bearing replacement and repair is best left to the experts.
Here’s how a mechanic will replace hub-style wheel bearings:
1. Stabilize the Vehicle
The mechanic will stabilize the car by securing each wheel with wheel chocks.
2. Loosen the Wheel Nuts and Raise the Car on a Jack
Next, they’ll loosen the wheel nuts with a lug wrench and jack up the car above ground level.
3. Remove the Wheel and Brake Caliper
The mechanic will then unscrew the wheel nuts and remove the wheel completely from the axle shaft. Then, they’ll unbolt the brake caliper and bracket.
4. Detach the Outer Wheel Bearing
They’ll first remove various components of the outer wheel hub, such as the dust cap, cotter pin, washer, and nut. The mechanic will then retrieve the outer bearing by detaching the circlip (c-shaped fastener) that holds it in its place.
5. Remove the Inner Wheel Bearing
Now, the mechanic will slide off the brake rotor, followed by the removal of the damaged bearing.
6. Fix the New Bearing
They’ll slide on the new bearing (after lubricating with bearing grease) and fix the other components, such as the outer track, brake disc, and inner track in place. The mechanic will restore the outer bearing, followed by the dust cap, cotter pin, etc.
7. Fasten the Brake Caliper and Secure the Tire
They’ll reinstall the brake rotor and caliper, slide the tire on the axle shaft, and tighten the nuts with a lug wrench.
Finally, they’ll lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack stands or wheel chocks.
Next, let’s address some other wheel bearing issues you might have.
3 FAQs about Wheel Bearings
Listed below are some finer details about the causes and safety concerns of a worn wheel bearing:
1. How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?
The typical lifespan of wheel bearings is between 75,000 and 150,000 miles. But, how long they’ll last will depend on factors like:
- Quality of the wheel bearings
- Exposure to weather conditions (waterlogging, dust, rain)
- Road conditions (speed bumps, potholes)
2. What Are the Causes of Premature Bearings Damage?
Common reasons why ball bearings might go bad sooner include:
- Insufficient lubrication: Lack of proper lubrication (with bearing grease) around the bearings can result in friction, causing the metal to heat up and the bearing to fall apart.
- Improper installation: Not installing the bearings according to the car manufacturer’s guidelines can cause excessive strain on the bearings and lead to unexpected wear.
- Excessive load: Overloading your car beyond its capacity can put a massive load on the wheel bearings and wear them out faster than expected.
- Unbalanced tires: Incorrect wheel alignment can put an acute strain on the bearing by forcing it to work harder than it should, leading to a damaged wheel bearing.
3. Can I Drive with a Bad Wheel Bearing?
No. Driving with faulty bearings can be very dangerous. For instance, lack of lubrication can cause friction and excessive heat generation, leading to abrupt wheel bearing seizing. This might cause your wheel to get blocked suddenly while driving, resulting in a crash.
Get Your Wheel Bearings Replaced For a Stress-Free Drive
Your wheel bearings are an integral component of your car’s suspension. They eliminate friction between the vehicle and the wheels, reduce noise, and enhance your driving experience. However, you must replace a faulty wheel bearing immediately to avoid serious instability issues and possibly an accident.
Need a mechanic to help with wheel bearing replacement but don’t want to risk driving to them?
Don’t worry!
AutoNation Mobile Service will replace the faulty wheel bearing in your driveway.
We’re a mobile auto repair and car maintenance company offering upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty on all auto parts.
Contact us for wheel bearing issues or scheduled maintenance procedures.