Your wheel bearings have a heavy impact on the handling of your vehicle. It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings
every 85,000-100,000 miles
.
How long do wheel bearings last?
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. It all depends on the quality of your wheel bearings and your usual driving conditions.
How often do wheel bearings have to be replaced?
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.
Should you replace both wheel bearings 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.
Should you replace wheel bearings in pairs?
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 much does a wheel bearing cost to get fixed?
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.
What happens if a wheel bearing fails while driving?
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 do you check for bad wheel bearings?
What causes wheel bearings to fail?
Driving in water that is hub deep or higher may allow water into the wheel bearing
. This will contaminate the lubricant, causing potential wheel bearing failure. This is why the passenger side wheel bearings tend to wear out more quickly, since they spend more time in standing water in the gutter, when parked.
Is a wheel bearing expensive?
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.
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.
Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?
On some cars, you can just replace the bearing and call it a day
. On others, the hub assembly must be removed and replaced. The most difficult type involves removing the hub assembly and setting it in a press. If you’re not sure what type of wheel hub assembly you have, stop by or give your local Pep Boys store a call.
Should you replace all 4 wheel bearings?
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.
Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?
Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools
.
How many wheel bearings does a car have?
4 wheel bearings
. 3 engine distribution bearings: 1 bearing for each of the 2 idler rollers, 1 for the water pump. 2 bump stops-suspension bearings (MacPherson) 2 seat adjustment bearings (roller freewheels for height adjustment)
Does wheel bearing brand matter?
Does a wheel-bearing brand matter?
Yes, a wheel-bearing brand does matter
. A quality bearing in your vehicle will provide you with a safe and simple drive. On the other hand, a bad wheel-bearing brand can put your vehicle in serious trouble.
Can a bad wheel bearing 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
.
Is changing a wheel bearing 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.
How long can I drive on a noisy 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.
