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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Installation Tip: Using a feeler gauge takes practice. They are called feeler gauges because you have to fit them between parts and "feel" for the proper drag. Ideally a particular thickness gauge will be inserted between two parts easily and only a slight drag will be felt as the gauge is being pulled out from between the parts. A quick test is to use the next thicker size up feeler and see if it does or does not fit. It is often easier to use the gauge set by taking the assembly apart and holding the only the desired gauge in hand as to keep the weight from the rest of the gauges from affecting the feel of the one in use.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Note: This Feeler Gauge Set is riveted together, so they are not able to be individually removed. If you find yourself wanting to take one or two out, the rivet can always be drilled and replaced with a bolt.

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.

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

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Why You Need This: The feeler gauge set is the most basic of measuring tools. Yes it looks like a pocket knife, but it is actually made up of several slivers of metal, each one are of a very exact thickness. Often times referred to as a thickness gauge set, they are an invaluable tool box staple for working on vintage engines. For your vintage Honda CB350, CB360, CB450 or CB550 there are numerous standard tune up and engine rebuild processes that utilize the feeler gauge set; setting valves, point gap, piston ring end gap to name a few. We have been able to source a very high quality feeler gauge set that ranges from 0.002" (0.05mm) to 0.025" (0.63mm), in size increments of 0.001" starting with 0.002". Since we are in the United States the majority of the precision measurement tools like the feeler gauge set will be in inches (in gradations of 0.001" or thousandths of an inch), however the metric equivalent is also marked on each leaf of the gauge. Additionally the factory Honda service manual publishes values in both Metric and SAE (inches).

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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