As wheel bearings wear out, they can cause excessive play and looseness in the wheel, which translates to vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard or seats. You may feel the vibrations at all speeds, or only at certain mph ranges. If the vibration changes when you turn left or right, that's another indicator of a potential bearing problem.

However, like any other mechanical component, wheel bearings can wear out over time due to age, mileage, driving habits, and exposure to the elements. When they fail, it compromises the wheel's ability to turn freely, which creates a host of problems ranging fromannoying to downright dangerous. That's why it's crucial to address wheel bearing issues promptly.

Remember, even with the best maintenance, wheel bearings are still a wear item that will eventually need to be replaced. Staying on top of regular inspections and addressing any issues promptly can help you avoid more costly repairs and keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.

2. Put the vehicle in first, reverse, or neutral gear - or ‘park’ if it’s got an automatic transmission: Be sure that the handbrake is engaged as tightly as possible.

In some cases, your mechanic may recommend additional services or repairs along with the wheel bearing replacement. For example, if the bearing failure caused damage to the brake rotors, CV joints, or other suspension components, you may need to replace those parts as well. This can significantly increase the overall cost of the repair.

Caption: They’re usually hidden away behind your car’s wheel rims, but wheel bearings are vital to its smooth running. These are actually from roller skate wheels, but a car’s wheel bearings look much the same, apart from being much bigger.

Wheel bearings are generally considered a wear item and are not typically covered under a vehicle's basic factory warranty. However, some extended warranties or service contracts may include coverage for wheel bearing replacements, so it's worth checking your specific policy to see what's included.

Some cheaper, low-quality bearings may not last as long or perform as well as premium options, so it's important to choose a reputable brand and supplier. Don't just go for the lowest price; consider the long-term value and reliability of the parts you're putting on your vehicle.

Don’t leave it too late to start getting wheel bearing replacement quotes. Just register - for free - with MyCarNeedsA.com, then you can start posting details of jobs you need to have done on your car in minutes. All you have to do after that is watch as the quotes come in, and you can liaise directly with your chosen repairer to have the work done when it suits you.

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12. Dismantle the hub assembly. To gain access to the bearings, you'll need to take apart the hub. You'll probably need to use a wrench (and/or a hammer) to remove the end of the hub and any anti-lock brake wheel that may be part of your hub. A special tool may also be needed to remove the central bolt. Then, the bearing assembly should come apart easily.

Depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the job, a wheel bearing replacement can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete. Some vehicles may require additional steps like removing the steering knuckle or axle shaft, which can add to the labor time and cost.

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle, your location, and the other factors we discussed earlier. It's always a good idea to get a detailed quote from your mechanic before agreeing to any repairs.

5. Make sure the car is secure on the jack before removing the wheel: Or preferably you should use a purpose-made axle stand, which is designed to be able to take the weight of at least one end of your car.

Most wheel bearings on a car consist of a series of spherical steel balls, held in place by a metal track, called a race. Imagine a ball when it is rolling up the chute on a pinball machine - there will be many balls like one of these in each set of wheel bearings, while their movement is closely restricted by a set of metal rails on either side.

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When a wheel bearing is damaged, it can cause the wheel to wobble or tilt at an angle, which leads to uneven or rapid tire wear. If you notice that one tire is wearing out much faster than the others, or if the tread is wearing unevenly across the width of the tire, it could be a sign of a bad bearing.

If you’ve ever seen a set of ball bearings, they are usually very small, but each one has a vital part to play. And for this reason alone, fitting new wheel bearings is a tricky job which is best carried out by a qualified and experienced mechanic.

17. Once you’ve done all this, carefully lower the car back down to the ground. Using your jack, lower it and once all four wheels of the car are safely back on the ground slide it out carefully from underneath the car.

For most people, it's safer and more cost-effective to leave wheel bearing replacement to the professionals. A qualified mechanic will have the knowledge, tools and experience to do the job correctly and efficiently, and they can also spot any related issues that may need to be addressed.

6. Unscrew the lug nuts and take off the wheel. If you loosened these earlier (see 4 above) this should make this easier. Keep them safe so that you don’t lose them - an upturned wheel cover could do the job - or just a saucer!

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In some cases, a faulty wheel bearing can damage the sensors that monitor wheel speed for the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If you see the ABS warning light illuminate on your dashboard, it could be related to a bearing issue. A scan tool can help pinpoint the exact cause of the ABS fault.

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A severely worn wheel bearing can make your vehicle feel loose, sloppy or unstable when steering, especially at higher speeds. You may notice the car wandering or pulling to one side, or the steering wheel may feel wobbly or hard to control. These symptoms can also be caused by alignment issues or worn suspension components, so it's important to have a mechanic diagnose the problem.

The cost of the replacement wheel bearing assembly itself can range from $100 to $800 or more, depending on the quality and brand. OEM bearings are typically more expensive than aftermarket ones, but they may come with a better warranty and assurance of proper fitment.

Now that you have a basic understanding of wheel bearings, let's look at the various factors that can impact the cost of replacing them:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a bad wheel bearing can lead to more extensive damage and costlier repairs down the road, not to mention the safety risk of a potential wheel separation or loss of control.

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface: As with most types of maintenance on any car, the safety of the person doing the work, and anyone who happens to be close by, is the most important factor. There is a risk when you start changing your wheel bearings that your vehicle might suddenly move or roll away. Before you begin, park your vehicle on a level surface.

One of the most noticeable signs of a failing wheel bearing is a loud, constant humming, rumbling or growling noise coming from the wheel area. The noise may get louder or change pitch as you accelerate, decelerate or turn. If you suspect a bad bearing, try swerving gently from side to side in an empty parking lot. If the noise gets louder when you turn one way and softer when you turn the other way, it's likely a bearing issue.

Frontwheel bearing replacement cost

In summary, the cost of a wheel bearing replacement can vary widely depending on your vehicle make and model, labor rates in your area, and the specific type of bearing assembly required. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 per wheel, with some luxury or heavy-duty vehicles costing even more.

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9. Remove the rotor. Hold the peg in the middle of the rotor assembly firmly with your thumb. Then, firmly but gently, hit the rotor itself with the palm of your other hand. This should loosen the wheel's outer bearing should or force it to fall out completely. Remove the outer bearing, and finally, remove the rotor itself.

10. Unscrew the hub bolts and remove the old hub. The wheel bearing is inside the hub, which is usually held in place with several bolts which screw in from behind. These bolts can be tricky to reach because they're tucked away in the car’s underbody, so a skinny socket wrench and/or a breaker bar is recommended to loosen and remove them.

The make, model and year of your vehicle play a significant role in determining the cost of a wheel bearing replacement. Luxury and high-performance vehicles often use higher-quality, more expensive wheel bearing assemblies than economy cars. Additionally, some makes and models may require specialized tools or procedures to replace the bearings, which can drive up labor costs.

Wheel bearing replacement is a pretty common task carried out by a skilled and experienced mechanic, simply because the bearings do deteriorate and fail over time. Striking a kerb with some force can also cause wheel bearing damage, possibly prematurely. Otherwise, you’ll find a full rundown of what your car’s wheel bearings do in our earlier article here. This also includes the warning signals you need to be aware of which could suggest that you need to start investigating wheel bearing replacement.

3. Use wheel chocks to secure wheels whose bearings you aren't replacing: For added stability, it would be wise to use sturdy chocks to hold your vehicle's wheels in place. Put one under each of the wheels on which you won’t be working, as those on which you’ll be changing the wheel bearings will be lifted off the ground. For example, you would place wheel chocks behind the rear tyres if you are fixing a front wheel bearing and behind the front tyres if you are working on a rear wheel.

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So how do you know if you need a wheel bearing replacement in the first place? Here are some common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing to watch out for:

But as part of our mission to de-mystify many of the jobs involved in looking after your car, MyCarNeedsA.com presents this brief, and hopefully easy to follow, guide to what fitting replacement wheel bearings involves.

The main job of wheel bearings is to enable the wheel to rotate smoothly with minimal friction. They support the entire weight of the vehicle while in motion. Most modern cars, trucks and SUVs have sealed wheel bearing assemblies that are pre-lubricated at the factory and designed to last for the lifetime of the vehicle under normal driving conditions.

It's also a good idea to have your vehicle's alignment checked after replacing a wheel bearing, as misalignment can cause premature wear on the new bearings and other tire components. An alignment typically costs between $50 and $150, depending on the type of vehicle and the complexity of the adjustment.

While wheel bearing replacements can be costly, they're a necessary part of maintaining your vehicle's performance, comfort and safety. By staying on top of regular inspections and addressing any issues promptly, you can help extend the life of your bearings and avoid more expensive repairs down the road.

Use lots of grease on the bearings, applying it by hand or with a special tool called a bearing packer. Rub plenty of extra grease around the outsides of your bearings and any sealing rings.

However, rear-wheel drive vehicles may put more strain on the rear bearings, especially if they're frequently used for towing or hauling heavy loads. If you have a bad rear wheel bearing, you may end up paying more for the replacement due to the added complexity of the job.

13. Remove races and clean the knuckle. Removing the bearing assembly's races usually means physically breaking them with a grinder or hammer and chisel. Because of this, you should have your replacement races ready. After removing the races, take the opportunity to clean the inside of the bearing assembly around the knuckle.

Another key factor is whether you need to replace a front or rear wheelbearing. In general, front wheel bearings tend to wear out faster than rear bearings because they carry more of the vehicle's weight and are subjected to greater stress from turning and braking. As a result, front wheel bearing replacement costs are often higher.

15. Replace all respective parts in reverse order. Now that you've changed the bearings, you basically just have to re-assemble your vehicle's wheel. Don't forget, however, that this means installing a new outer bearing after the rotor is in place. Put the hub assembly back together and install it on the axle shaft. Put the rotor back on and secure it back in place with its bolts. Install a new, well-greased outer bearing at this point.

Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $140 per hour for labor, with most wheel bearing replacements taking between one and three hours to complete. If your vehicle has a more complex suspension setup or if the bearings are particularly difficult to access, labor costs could be higher.

If you're experiencing wheel bearing issues and your vehicle is still under warranty, it's best to contact your dealer or warranty provider to discuss your options. They may require an inspection to determine the cause of the failure and whether it's eligible for coverage.

While it is possible to replace wheel bearings yourself if you have the right tools and experience, it's generally not recommended for the average DIY mechanic. Wheel bearing replacement requires specialized equipment like a hydraulic press, torque wrench and bearing puller, as well as a clean, well-lit workspace and a good understanding of vehicle suspension and braking systems.

8. Remove the dust cover, cotter pin, and castle nut. You’ll find the first of these, a small plastic or metal cap, in the middle of the exposed rotor. Its job is to protect the parts which hold the rotor in place, and the best way of removing it is the cap is to grip it with a pair of pliers and tapping them with a hammer. Then unscrew the nut, and its washer, and remove them.

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Toyotawheel bearing replacement cost

If you suspect a bad wheel bearing, don't ignore the problem or put off the repair. A failing bearing can cause serious safety issues and lead to more extensive damage if left unchecked. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the issue and get a detailed quote for the repair.

Note that if you've purchased a new hub assembly, at this point, you can install the new hub and put the wheel back together and you'll be finished. To install a new set of bearings inside the hub, read on.

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If you've started hearing strange noises coming from your car's wheels or noticed unusual vibrations while driving, it may be time to consider a wheel bearing replacement. But before you head to the mechanic, you're probably wondering: how much is this going to cost me? Don't worry, we've got you covered with all the details on front and rear wheel bearing replacement costs, what factors influence the price, and how to tell if your bearings have gone bad. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about getting your wheel bearings replaced. Let's dive in!

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14. Install the new races and new wheel bearings. Secure the new races in place in the bearing assembly with a few taps from a hammer. Finally, grease a new inner bearing and install it in the assembly. Ensure the bearings are properly aligned, that they're pushed in as far as they can go, and that any sealing rings are flush with the outside of the assembly.

16. Lightly tighten the castle nut and secure it in place with a new cotter pin. Replace the dust cap. Put the caliper and brake pads back in place and secure them with the appropriate bolts. Finally, put the tyre back in its place and secure it with the wheel nuts.

Wheel bearings are a vital part of a vehicle's suspension, ensuring that the wheels and tyres stay as level as possible and can rotate smoothly and causing as little friction as possible.

In rare cases, a wheel bearing failure may be caused by a manufacturing defect or faulty material, in which case it may be covered under the vehicle's powertrain warranty. However, this is unlikely unless the failure occurs very early in the vehicle's life and is not related to any external factors like accidents, modifications or abuse.

First, an important note. Every car is different, so the steps listed below are only a general guide and they will vary according to the vehicle. Always get help from a professional mechanic, as this will save time, head off the possibility of causing further problems with the car, and almost certainly save you money in the long run.

4. Loosen the lug nuts and lift the wheel using a jack: You will need the vehicle to be off the ground in order to have the right measure of access to the internal parts of the wheel. This is why the jack which is usually supplied with your car is such a useful little piece of kit. But before you hoist the car partly off the ground, it’s a good move to use the wrench - which should also be part of the same tyre replacement kit - to start to loosen the wheel nuts. It’s marginally easier while the car’s still on the ground, as it helps provide some resistance against which you can work while applying force on the lug wrench which you’ll need to help you loosen them. Importantly, make sure that you place the jack under the right part of your car before letting it take any weight. Importantly, make sure you know where the jacking points are on the inner sills of your car. These are reinforced and so designed to take the weight, but areas around them won’t be, so if you place the jack in the wrong place, you could damage the frame of your car - nasty!

If you notice a humming or whirring noise while you are driving or your ABS warning light comes on, it may be time to arrange wheel bearing replacement.

7. Remove the brake caliper. Using a socket and a ratchet, remove the bolts holding the brake caliper in place. Then remove the caliper itself using a screwdriver. When removing the caliper, take care not to let it dangle freely, as this can damage the brake hose. Instead, hook it over a secure part of the undercarriage or use a short length of string to tie it in place. A bungee cord or a bent coathanger are two items you could use to do this.

Under normal driving conditions and with proper maintenance, wheel bearings can last anywhere from 85,000 to 100,000 miles or more. However, their lifespan can be significantly shorter if they're exposed to harsh conditions like frequent driving on rough roads, heavy towing or hauling, or extreme temperatures.

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The cost of labor can vary widely depending on your location, the type of repair shop you go to, and the experience level of the mechanic. In general, dealerships charge more for labor than independent garages, but they may have better access to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and specialized tools.

Before we talk dollars and cents, it's important to understand what wheel bearings are and the critical role they play in your vehicle's performance and safety. Wheel bearings are small metal balls or tapered rollers enclosed in a metal ring called a race. They inside a hollow piece of metal called a hub, which attaches to the vehicle's suspension on one side and the brake disc or drum on the other.

Incorrectly installed or adjusted wheel bearings can fail prematurely or cause other problems like uneven tire wear, vibration and steering issues. In some cases, a botched bearing job can even lead to a wheel separation or loss of control, which could have catastrophic consequences.

Warning - if the rotor gets stuck and you resort to a rubber mallet to hit it loose, this could damage the rotor - so only resort to this if you don’t plan to reuse the same rotor.