How Much Does a Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?

How Long Can I Wait To Replace A Wheel Bearing?

As in life, often times in automotive repair, the little things mean a lot. While wheel bearings are some of the smallest parts on a vehicle, these balls or rollers are critical in allowing your wheels to spin without too much friction. Wheel bearings are part of the larger wheel assembly that connects each wheel to an axle. While wheel bearings are designed to last for 75,000 to 100,000 miles, excessive weight can strain the bearings and lead to early failure.

A wheel bearing that is failing will emit a rumbling noise while turning or driving, even at a moderate speed. However, those are also signs of low tire pressure or wheels that need balanced. Lose steering or a vibrating steering wheel also indicate a worn out wheel bearing. A more severe symptom is wheel lock. In this case, the bearings are so damaged that they stop moving. Or, a warning light may light up on your dashboard, signaling that either your traction control or ABS system is malfunctioning.

Wheel bearings immediately need to be replaced if they are worn or loose. The longer you wait to address a bad wheel bearing, the more than can corrode and fuse with other components, making it harder to disassemble the entire wheel mechanism. Failing to replace a bad wheel bearing can lead to severe damage, including the wheel separating from the car.

How Much Does A Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?

Nearly every moving part in your vehicle utilizes some type of bearing. And most bearing sets are housed in large assemblies, like wheel hubs. While wheel bearings are small components, they play a critical role in managing the weight of your ride, while allowing for smooth cruising. There are four hub assemblies on a vehicle, so it is a good idea to replace them all at the same time to better keep track of maintenance schedules.

Replacing a wheel bearing isn’t simply a matter of replacing a single bearing. Instead, the job usually requires a new wheel hub assembly. The cost of a wheel bearing repair depends on your vehicle year, make and model. A premium wheel bearing assembly can cost up to $200 each, with economic options priced at $60 to $90 each. A heavy-duty, fleet-ready wheel bearing assembly can cost as much as $370 each, or even up to $650 with loaded knuckles and sensors.

For a standard passenger vehicle, replacement parts needed for a full four wheel bearing replacement run from $240 to $800. Large trucks and SUVs can require more robust (expensive) wheel bearings. Luxury or high-performance vehicles may demand precision parts, increasing the overall cost. Keep in mind, higher-quality parts often last longer and provide better performance in the long run.

Let The Pros Handle Your Wheel Hub & Bearings Work

There’s a lot riding on your wheel hubs, which is why they are precisely engineered. Many newer vehicles use sealed wheel bearings which are not serviceable, so replacing the entire hub is almost always necessary. Replacing a wheel hub typically takes one to two hours per wheel, depending on the vehicle and your experience.

In order to replace a set of four wheel hub assemblies, you will need a typical socket set, torque wrench and jack stands. This complex mechanic job also requires a specific tool (bearing puller) and shop equipment (hydraulic press). To complete this automotive upgrade, you will have to remove the brake rotors and calipers, which could also require bleeding brake fluid and refilling. And recalibrating the suspension (wheel alignment) is also a factor in the complexity (and potential $100 to $200 in additional labor costs) of a comprehensive wheel bearing repair.

According to the NAPA experts, the DIY cost of a total wheel hub replacement will run $150 to $600 per wheel, depending on whether it is a press-fit bearing or a bolt-on assembly. If you have a professional mechanic perform this advanced job, total costs lands around $350 to $500 per wheel, including parts and labor. When it comes to tire rotation, wheel hub and bearing replacement, tire balancing and even TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensor replacement, a local NAPA Auto Care center is your one-stop-shop.