2016F150 wheel bearing

The average cost to replace a sealed wheel hub bearing is around $350 per wheel. However, depending on the make and model, the shop labor rate ($47 to $215 per hour, according to AAA) and any additional damage could push the cost beyond $1,000 per wheel.

Older rear-wheel-drive cars or trailers use a set of two tapered roller bearings that face each other. These should be routinely serviced every 20,000 miles, or once a year.

FordF150frontwheel bearing replacement

Cam followers are a specific type of needle or roller bearing that, as the name suggests, follow cams. We carry a wide variety of cam follower designs made of various materials, and we will help you to choose the best types for your applications.

FordF150rearwheel bearing replacement cost

When it comes to cam followers you have many choices! And you can rest assured that we will always suggest the products to you that are best for your needs – regardless of the manufacturer or brand. That being said, we often supply our customers with the high quality options McGill offers, like CAMROL. See the unique construction below:

In my 50 years in the auto repair industry, I can’t recall one good story about wheel bearings. Most involve some sort of brake system failure, tires exploding, or fire from a seized red-hot bearing igniting axle grease. Bad wheel bearings should not be ignored.

2017 FordF1504x4 frontwheel bearing replacement

However, on some vehicles, it can be less than $100 per wheel. And you can save hundreds in labor if you DIY. If you don’t have the tools, most auto parts stores will lend you the specialty tools and equipment needed.

How to change frontwheel bearingon FordF1504x4

Driving on a bad or failing wheel bearing is dangerous. If ignored, it can quickly turn into a safety issue and an expensive repair.

NOTE: Whether you DIY or your mechanic replaces the bearing, always install a new axle hub nut. Most hub nuts are prevailing torque fasteners. They’re used on critical components, like securing axle shafts to hub bearings, where a loose nut could lead to disastrous consequences.

Wheel BearingFordF1504x4

Under normal driving conditions, wheel bearings should last 85,000 to 100,000 miles. They can fail for several reasons, including:

2017F150 wheel bearing replacement

The cage and rollers are held together inside a hardened metal ring called a “race.” The seal keeps grease in and damaging water and debris out. Wheel bearings are installed inside, and secured to, the suspension, either by press-fit, bolts or a snap-ring. Once mounted, the wheel bearing rides on the axle shaft, allowing the tire/wheel to spin effortlessly.

Stud type cam followers are track rollers complete with a stud instead of an inner ring. It operates by the outer ring rolling on the track.

Dealing with higher loads than stud type can accommodate? You might need yoke type instead. These are sealed needle rollers that are designed for minimal friction.

F150 wheel bearingnoise

Wheel bearings allow cars and trucks to run smoother and more efficiently by reducing friction and supporting vehicle weight.

On modern front- and four-wheel-drive cars, wheel bearings are a set of permanently sealed, precisely machined steel ball or straight roller bearings. The balls or rollers are encased in a “cage” that supports the bearings, allowing them to rotate freely.

My opinion? If your vehicle has more than 50,000 miles or has been driven in harsh conditions, then it’s logical to replacing wheel bearings on both axles. However, if your vehicle has low mileage and the other bearing is in good condition, replacing only the damaged bearing should not be a problem.

I’ve replaced hundreds, if not thousands, of wheel bearings. One thing I’ve learned: A bad wheel bearing always gives an indication it’s failing. These include:

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Never reuse any wheel bearing (sealed or tapered) that’s loose, worn, noisy or shows any signs of wear. Trying to fix a loose or damaged wheel bearing can result in an accident and severe injury. Even if a pro suggests repairing a bearing, don’t let them.

These can be a cost savings opportunity, as cam followers may repeatedly fail if there is misalignment or load deflection. The “crown” on the outer ring accommodates for this and allows the component to have a much longer life than a standard one. Read one of our success stories to understand more!