How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Wheel Bearing? [2022 Guide]

A faulty wheel bearing can cause a variety of symptoms, including noise, vibration, and reduced handling. If you suspect that your wheel bearing is bad, it's important to have it checked and replaced as soon as possible.

Average Cost to Fix a Wheel Bearing

The average cost to fix a wheel bearing is between $250 and $500. This includes the cost of the bearing itself, as well as the labor to remove and replace it. However, the cost can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the bearing.

Vehicle Type	Average Cost
Compact car	$250-$350
Midsize car	$300-$400
Full-size car	$350-$450
SUV	$400-$500

Bearing Location	Average Cost
Front wheel	$250-$350
Rear wheel	$300-$400
All-wheel drive	$400-$500

Benefits of Fixing a Wheel Bearing

There are several benefits to fixing a wheel bearing promptly, including:

Improved safety: A faulty wheel bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to a loss of control.

Reduced noise: A bad wheel bearing can produce a loud noise, which can be annoying and distracting.

Increased fuel efficiency: A faulty wheel bearing can cause the wheel to drag, which can reduce fuel efficiency.

Extended bearing life: If a wheel bearing is not replaced promptly, it can damage the other components of the wheel assembly, which can lead to more expensive repairs.

How to Fix a Wheel Bearing

If you have the necessary tools and skills, you can replace a wheel bearing yourself. However, it's important to note that this is a complex repair and it's best left to a professional if you're not confident in your abilities.

Here are the steps involved in replacing a wheel bearing:

Remove the wheel: Loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheel.

Remove the brake caliper: Remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place and remove the caliper.

Remove the rotor: Remove the bolts that hold the rotor in place and remove the rotor.

Remove the hub assembly: Remove the bolts that hold the hub assembly in place and remove the hub assembly.

Press out the old bearing: Use a press to press out the old bearing from the hub assembly.

Press in the new bearing: Use a press to press the new bearing into the hub assembly.

Reassemble the hub assembly: Reinstall the hub assembly onto the vehicle and tighten the bolts.

Reinstall the rotor: Reinstall the rotor onto the hub assembly and tighten the bolts.

Reinstall the brake caliper: Reinstall the brake caliper onto the hub assembly and tighten the bolts.

Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel onto the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when replacing a wheel bearing. These mistakes can lead to improper installation and premature bearing failure.

Using the wrong tools: It's important to use the correct tools to remove and replace a wheel bearing. Using the wrong tools can damage the bearing or the other components of the wheel assembly.

Not cleaning the parts: Before installing a new wheel bearing, it's important to clean the hub assembly and the other components of the wheel assembly. This will help to ensure that the new bearing is properly installed and that it will last for a long time.

Not torquing the bolts to the correct specifications: It's important to torque the bolts that hold the wheel bearing in place to the correct specifications. If the bolts are not torqued correctly, the bearing can become loose and fail.

FAQs About Wheel Bearing Costs

How often should I replace my wheel bearings? Wheel bearings typically last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the lifespan of a wheel bearing can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the driving conditions.

What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing? Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing can include noise, vibration, and reduced handling.

Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing? It's not advisable to drive with a bad wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to a loss of control.

How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing? The average cost to replace a wheel bearing is between $250 and $500. However, the cost can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the bearing.

Call to Action

If you suspect that your wheel bearing is bad, it's important to have it checked and replaced as soon as possible. A faulty wheel bearing can cause a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, and reduced handling. It can also lead to more expensive repairs if it's not fixed promptly. Contact your local mechanic today to schedule an appointment.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Wheel Bearing? [2022 Guide]