How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing?

A wheel bearing is a critical part of your car's suspension system. It allows your wheels to spin smoothly and prevents them from wobbling. When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including:

Noise: A failing wheel bearing will often make a grinding or growling noise.

Vibration: A failing wheel bearing can cause your car to vibrate, especially at higher speeds.

Steering problems: A failing wheel bearing can make it difficult to steer your car.

Premature tire wear: A failing wheel bearing can cause your tires to wear unevenly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to have your wheel bearings checked by a mechanic. Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple repair, but it's important to have it done correctly to avoid further damage to your car.

Cost of Replacing Wheel Bearings

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the repair.

Make and Model	Average Cost
Honda Accord	$250-$400
Toyota Camry	$200-$350
Ford F-150	$300-$500
Chevrolet Silverado	$250-$450

If you're handy and have some experience working on cars, you may be able to replace a wheel bearing yourself. However, it's important to note that this is a complex repair, and it's easy to make a mistake that could cause further damage to your car. If you're not sure if you're up to the task, it's best to leave it to a professional.

Benefits of Replacing Wheel Bearings

There are several benefits to replacing a wheel bearing, including:

Improved safety: A properly functioning wheel bearing will help to keep your car safe by preventing it from wobbling or veering off course.

Reduced noise: A new wheel bearing will eliminate the grinding or growling noise that is often associated with a failing bearing.

Smoother ride: A new wheel bearing will help to make your car's ride smoother and more comfortable.

Extended tire life: A properly functioning wheel bearing will help to prevent your tires from wearing unevenly, which can extend their lifespan.

How to Replace Wheel Bearings

If you're confident in your ability to work on cars, you can replace a wheel bearing yourself. Here are the steps involved:

Safety first: Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the bad bearing. Then, remove the wheel.

Remove the brake caliper: Use a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, carefully remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way.

Remove the rotor: Use a hammer to gently tap the rotor until it comes loose. Then, remove the rotor.

Remove the hub assembly: Use a wrench to remove the bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Then, carefully remove the hub assembly.

Remove the old wheel bearing: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the old wheel bearing in place. Then, carefully remove the old wheel bearing.

Install the new wheel bearing: Grease the new wheel bearing and install it in the hub assembly. Then, tighten the bolts that hold the wheel bearing in place.

Install the hub assembly: Install the hub assembly onto the axle. Then, tighten the bolts that hold the hub assembly in place.

Install the rotor: Install the rotor onto the hub assembly. Then, torque the bolts that hold the rotor in place.

Install the brake caliper: Install the brake caliper onto the hub assembly. Then, tighten the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.

Install the wheel: Install the wheel onto the hub assembly. Then, tighten the lug nuts that hold the wheel in place.

Test drive your car: Take your car for a test drive to make sure that the new wheel bearing is working properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing a wheel bearing, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overtightening the lug nuts: Overtightening the lug nuts can damage the wheel and make it difficult to remove later.

Not greasing the new wheel bearing: Greasing the new wheel bearing is important to prevent it from wearing out prematurely.

Not torquing the bolts to the correct specifications: Torquing the bolts to the correct specifications is important to ensure that the wheel bearing is properly installed.

Conclusion

Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively simple repair, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid further damage to your car. If you're not confident in your ability to replace a wheel bearing yourself, it's best to leave it to a professional.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing?