Car Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Your car's wheel bearings are vital components that allow your wheels to rotate smoothly. Over time, wear and tear can cause these bearings to fail, leading to a range of problems, including excessive noise, vibration, and reduced handling. If you suspect that your wheel bearings are failing, it's important to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Average Car Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost

The average cost of replacing a car wheel bearing can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location where you have the work done. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for parts and labor.

Vehicle Type	Average Cost
Compact Car	$200 - $300
Midsize Car	$250 - $350
SUV or Truck	$300 - $400

Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing

There are a few different signs that can indicate that your wheel bearings are failing. These include:

Whining or grinding noise: A whining or grinding noise when driving is one of the most common signs of a failing wheel bearing. The noise may be more noticeable when turning or when driving over bumps.

Vibration: A vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard can also be a sign of a bad wheel bearing. The vibration may be more noticeable at higher speeds.

Loose or wobbly wheel: If you notice that one of your wheels is loose or wobbly, it could be a sign that the wheel bearing is failing.

Benefits of Replacing a Wheel Bearing

Replacing a wheel bearing can provide a number of benefits for your vehicle, including:

Improved safety: A failing wheel bearing can lead to a number of safety issues, including reduced handling and increased risk of a tire blowout. Replacing a wheel bearing can help to improve safety and prevent accidents.

Reduced noise and vibration: A failing wheel bearing can cause a variety of noises and vibrations. Replacing a wheel bearing can help to reduce noise and vibration, making your ride more comfortable.

Improved fuel efficiency: A failing wheel bearing can cause increased friction, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency. Replacing a wheel bearing can help to improve fuel efficiency and save you money on gas.

How to Replace a Wheel Bearing

Replacing a wheel bearing is a moderately difficult task that requires some mechanical knowledge and experience. If you're not comfortable working on your own vehicle, it's best to have the work done by a professional mechanic.

Here are the basic steps involved in replacing a wheel bearing:

Remove the wheel: The first step is to remove the wheel from the vehicle. To do this, loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel.

Remove the brake caliper: The next step is to remove the brake caliper from the wheel hub. To do this, unbolt the caliper mounting bolts and remove the caliper from the hub.

Remove the wheel hub: The wheel hub is held in place by a series of bolts. Unbolt the wheel hub bolts and remove the hub from the vehicle.

Press out the old bearing: The old bearing is pressed into the wheel hub. To remove the old bearing, you will need to use a bearing press or a hammer and chisel.

Press in the new bearing: The new bearing must be pressed into the wheel hub. To do this, you will need to use a bearing press or a hammer and chisel.

Reassemble the wheel hub: Once the new bearing is installed, reassemble the wheel hub. To do this, bolt the hub back into place, then install the brake caliper and wheel.

Call to Action

If you suspect that your wheel bearings are failing, don't wait to have them replaced. A failing wheel bearing can lead to a number of safety issues, including reduced handling and increased risk of a tire blowout. Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively inexpensive repair that can help to improve safety, reduce noise and vibration, and improve fuel efficiency.

Contact your local mechanic today to schedule an appointment for a wheel bearing replacement.

Car Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost: Everything You Need to Know