Wheel bearing replacement from $387

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Average rating for Wheel bearing replacement

starstarstarstarstar_half

4.7 • based on 95 reviews of 75 businesses

Wheel bearing replacement

How much does a wheel bearing replacement cost?

One of the most overlooked components on the modern motor vehicle are the wheel bearings. These bearings sit behind the road wheels and allow them to spin freely.

In the past, the wheel bearings required periodic maintenance to perform at their best, including changing the grease and replacing the seals, but most modern vehicles are fitted with maintenance-free bearings.

These bearing units are sealed for life and need to be replaced if any issues arise.

Most vehicles have four wheel bearings – one for each wheel attached to the car and can be press fit or bolted into the steering hub.

A wheel bearing replacement can cost $150 to $600+ depending on the location of the bearing and whether it requires pressing in and out of the hub assembly. 

What is a wheel bearing?

A wheel bearing is made up of a series of ball or roller bearings located in a bearing cage.

They are kept lubricated by special wheel bearing grease which also provides cooling capabilities to stop the bearings overheating.

These units are located in the hub, usually behind the braking components, and the wheel then bolts up to the complete hub assembly.

On the driven wheels, the driveshaft passes through the middle of the wheel bearing inside the hub, to provide the drive from the transmission or the differential to the road wheels. 

Symptoms of a bad/failing wheel bearing

  • Rumbling noise that increases with road speed
  • Vibration through steering wheel when driving
  • Knocking noise when going over bumps
Wheel bearing replacement costs & repair

How is a wheel bearing replaced?

  • Identify the faulty bearing
  • Remove the wheel and hub
  • Unbolt or press out the old bearing and fit new bearing
  • Refit hub to vehicle, and torque correctly
  • Inspect suspension and braking components and refit wheel
  • Road test to ensure repair has been carried out successfully

Tips to Remember

  • On older and commercial vehicles, the wheel bearings may be of a serviceable design. These bearings can must be cleaned out and have the wheel bearing grease and seals replaced at set intervals to prevent wheel bearing failure.
  • A rumbling noise can also be caused by unevenly worn tyres, so have them inspected first to make sure you are not replacing your wheel bearings unnecessarily.

How important is replacing your wheel bearings?

The wheel bearings are what allows the wheels to spin freely and keep your car moving.

If they have failed or are starting to wear out, your fuel economy will rise, as it takes more effort from the engine to keep the car moving.

Continuing to drive when they have failed runs the risk of the wheel coming away from the vehicle, which is a serious safety issue for you as well as other motorists.

It’s important to have your wheel bearings replaced you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, to keep your car in the best condition possible.

If you've read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru. We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.