How Long Do Wheel Hubs Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most wheel bearings last about

85,000 to 100,000 miles

before they need to be replaced. Some vehicles have wheel bearings that last a lot longer, and some vehicles need them replaced fairly quickly.

How long should a wheel hub assembly last?

The hub assemblies will usually have bearings in them that can wear out over time. When the car is ran, the hub assemblies will have to work to ensure that the wheels turn as they should. The wheel hub assemblies on a car are intended to last for

about 100,000 miles

.

How long do bearing hubs last?

Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of

136,000 to 160,000 km

(approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.

Do wheel hubs wear out?

Good wheel hub assemblies are built like tanks. But

sometimes they break or wear out

, like any other part on a car. When that happens, it’s easy to wonder what went wrong. There are three common causes of bearing failure: impacts, contamination, or improper alignment.

How do I know if my hubs are bad?

  1. Grinding Noise. If you hear (or sometimes even feel) a grinding noise coming from the car, it is often a sign of a damaged wheel bearing.
  2. Humming Noise. …
  3. Other Sounds. …
  4. Vibrating or Wobbling Wheels. …
  5. Car Pulling to One Side. …
  6. Uneven Brake Pad or Tire Wear.

How much does it cost to replace a wheel hub?

The average cost for wheel hub assembly replacement is

between $408 and $522

. Labor costs are estimated between $112 and $141 while parts are priced between $295 and $381. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

When should I replace hub?

A: Eventually, all wheel bearings wear out and will need to be replaced. Assuming normal service under typical driving conditions, the newer, “hub-assembly” style bearings found on most modern vehicles should last around

100,000 miles

when maintained properly.

When should you change hubs?

Why would a wheel hub need to be replaced?

A wheel bearing needs to be replaced only

if it’s damaged or worn out

. What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing? The most common sign is when an internal damage causes a wheel bearing to produce a humming noise. This type of noise is more noticeable at higher speeds.

Should I replace hub with bearing?

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.

Can wheel bearings last forever?

How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?

Although wheel bearings are engineered to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle, they can break and get worn out

. Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced.

Can bearings last forever?


The life of a bearing should be approximately five times the calculated L

10

life

(again, as a solid rule of thumb, usually around eight to 12 years). Check your manufacturer’s specifications for further information and to get a better idea of how long your bearings should reasonably last.

What happens when a wheel hub goes bad?

Steering Wheel Vibrations

A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause

a vibration felt in the steering wheel

. A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. Often, the sensation will change with vehicle speed or while the vehicle is cornering.

What causes wheel hub failure?

There are four primary causes of hub failures. They are

lack of lubrication, overloading the vehicle, installing the axle nut too tight, or installing the axle nut too loose

. Usually, hub failures are progressive and will produce some evidence of the impending failure.

Can a bad wheel hub cause ABS light to come on?


On many modern cars, a bad wheel bearing will trigger a warning light

. The ABS or traction control warnings will often illuminate, since a bad bearing will trip the system to deactivate.

Should you replace both wheel hubs at the same time?

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 drive with a bad hub 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 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

.

How hard is it to change a wheel hub assembly?

A wheel hub assembly is a vital part on a vehicle, particularly in regards to how the vehicle feels while driving and how it handles. These assemblies are exactly the same as a normal wheel bearing and hub, except

they can be changed out by just removing a few bolts

.

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.

How long do front hub bearings last?

The standard wheel bearings on a car will last anywhere from

75,000 to 150,000 miles

. There are several types of wheel bearings that can go on the wheels of your car. Some brands of bearings are unsealed and can be taken out, cleaned and repacked in grease.

How long do MTB hubs last?

Bike wheel bearings will last for

8,000 miles on average

. This can vary to as high as 18,000 miles and as low as 5,000 miles depending on the surface on which they are ridden and the rider’s weight. Notably, sealed cartridge bearings typically last longer than unsealed ball bearings due to separation from the elements.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.