You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles . However, this number is only a guess, as it also depends on the quality of the bearings. Unless both bearings on all side of the wheels are overworked, there is no need to replace them all at once. You should only swap out the ones that need it.
How do I know if my wheel bearing needs replacing?
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. ...
- Squealing, Growling. ...
- Clicking Sound. ...
- Wheel Wobble. ...
- ABS Failure. ...
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration.
How often do wheel bearings need replacing?
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.
How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?
The average cost for wheel bearing replacement is between $265 and $347 . Labor costs are estimated between $158 and $200 while parts are priced between $107 and $147. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Should you replace wheel bearings in pairs?
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.
How do you check for bad wheel bearings?
Can you replace 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 .
Does a wheel bearing noise come and go?
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily .
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 .
Is it hard to replace a wheel bearing?
Is it easy to replace a wheel bearing at home? Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual . Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.
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.
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.
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 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.
How much is a front wheel bearing?
The cost to replace both front wheel bearings is going to be between $260 and $480 . The parts alone for the front wheel bearings are about $120 to $200. However, the labor costs will be a bit more extensive at around $140 to $280.
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.
