The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel
. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more. Please note: If the wheel bearings need replacing at one wheel, you don’t necessary need to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. It’s not like matching a pair of tires.
How long does it take a mechanic to change 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.
How do you know if your front wheel bearings are bad?
The symptoms of bad wheel bearings include: Noise:
A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns
. A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.
How long will a wheel bearing last once it starts making noise?
However, a wheel bearing can last an average of anywhere from 136,000 to 160,000 km which is about
85,000 to 100,000 miles
.
Can you replace 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
. Don’t let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.
Can you fix a wheel bearing yourself?
Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools
.
How much do new wheel bearings cost?
The average cost to replace a wheel bearing is
around $400
on most cars for both sides. The cost of parts for the wheel bearing usually runs about $150 to $200, while labor costs add another $200 to the job.
What happens if you don’t fix a wheel bearing?
The bearings won’t allow the wheel to turn freely, which exacerbates the problem. It also puts stress and strain on the hub, the CV joint, the axle, and the transmission. Ultimate damage: If you don’t replace a damaged wheel bearing before it fails completely,
the wheel will completely seize up
.
Do wheel bearings affect brakes?
If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This wobble causes the rotor to push the caliper piston into its bore (See Image 2). Now, when you hit the brake pedal, the piston has to travel farther than normal to apply the brakes. This
causes a low or spongy brake pedal
.
How long can I drive on a bad wheel bearing?
As to the distance covered on a bad wheel bearing,
you shouldn’t exceed 1000 miles
regardless of your speed. Driving distances over 1000 miles could lead to more severe complications and also puts your safety in jeopardy. Moving at a slow and steady speed of 40mph would be a good idea.
Can you drive a car with a bad 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.
What noise will a bad wheel bearing make?
How much do bearings cost for a car?
On average, a wheel bearing will set you back
$50 to $120
, while a new wheel hub costs around $200 to $500. Be careful when buying new bearings and wheel hubs as many cheap parts are unfortunately of low quality.
What causes wheel bearing damage?
Driving Conditions
Frequently
driving through mud, water, or road salt
can cause wheel bearing malfunction. Contaminants can get past the seals and enter the bearings, which pollutes the grease and damages the bearings.
Do I need to get an alignment after replacing wheel bearings?
Yes, you will need alignment if you unbolt the knuckle
. If you separate the ball joint, remove the axle from the knuckle, you can press the bearing in/out with the right tool.
Should I change wheel bearings in pairs?
Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it’s logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking,
it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.
Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?
Your wheel bearing may have been damaged slightly in the past and has now worn to the point it is starting to make noise. Your mechanic is correct in that
the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub
. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.
How much does a hub bearing cost?
The vast majority of vehicles today use a complete-unit hub bearing. Here, the cost of the bearing is usually the bulk of the expense, as most hub bearings run between
$80.00 to $300.00
.
How often do wheel bearings need replaced?
Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance
every 25,000 to 30,000 miles
, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
