Vibrations and steering issues are significant indicators of wheel hub problems. When a wheel hub fails, it may cause noticeable vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel. These vibrations become more apparent as the vehicle's speed increases, often a sign of worn or damaged wheel bearings within the hub assembly.

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Poor Handling or Steering: Compromised wheel hubs can affect the vehicle's handling and steering responsiveness, making it feel less stable or more challenging to control.

A qualified mechanic can accurately diagnose the problem, whether related to the wheel hub assembly, bearings, or another component. They have the tools and expertise to conduct a thorough inspection and provide the necessary repairs or replacements.

As the central point where the wheels attach to the car, automotive wheel hubs ensure that the wheels turn smoothly, and they play an important part in your car's braking, steering, and overall stability. A malfunctioning wheel hub can lead to many problems, from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards, making it crucial for every driver and vehicle owner to know and recognize the signs of a bad wheel hub. Understanding the signs of wheel hub issues is essential so that you can do timely maintenance and repairs, helping to ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.

Road conditions like potholes, speed bumps, dirt, and sand can wear down the seal over time. Wheel bearings are designed to last a long time, often more than 100,000 miles, and don’t require routine maintenance. But once they show signs of wearing out, you’ll want to replace them as soon as you can get your car to a mechanic. The cost will vary depending on several factors, so call a few shops and ask for an estimate for the replacement for your vehicle’s make and model—and don’t delay getting it replaced.

Hub style wheel bearings, the most common version used in modern vehicles, cost around $80 to $300 each. Don’t be alarmed if your mechanic says you need a new hub assembly, as this just means that the wheel bearings were installed inside the hub assembly at the factory, making it one complete part.

Worried you might overpay for your wheel bearings replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get a fair cost estimate for your wheel bearings replacement.

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Continued operation with a compromised wheel hub can also cause further damage to the vehicle. It can lead to excessive wear on the tires and suspension system, potentially resulting in more costly repairs, with a need to replace parts like struts. In severe cases, a wholly failed wheel hub can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle, posing a significant safety hazard, as you can imagine the problems arising from losing a wheel while at a speed of any significance.

If a mechanic determines that any of your wheel bearings are worn out, you’ll want to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.

Your vehicle’s make and model, the type of bearings and parts used, labor rates, and where you have it serviced all factor into the cost you’ll pay for a wheel bearing replacement.

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The range of the cost of labor for a wheel bearing replacement should be approximately $150 to $200, but auto mechanic labor costs can vary wildly depending on the region and the level of expertise needed to fix the problem.

Grease and a seal are crucial for protecting a wheel bearing. The seal keeps the grease clean from dirt and moisture. If it begins to deteriorate, the grease can become compromised, which may cause the wheel bearing to overheat and become faulty.

Regular visual and physical inspections of the wheel hubs and bearings are essential for early detection of potential issues. Catching these signs early can prevent more significant problems and ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Unusual Noises: A common sign of a failing wheel hub is strange noises from the wheel or tire area. These can range from grinding to humming sounds, often increasing in volume with vehicle speed.

So, it's essential to address any symptoms of wheel hub problems quickly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs ensure safe driving conditions and help avoid more extensive and expensive damage to the vehicle in the long run.

Andrea Richard is a writer and editor with nearly 15 years of experience crafting content for a variety of industries. In writing for Jerry, Andrea’s mission is to deliver relatable and informative content so readers can better understand the costs associated with car ownership and car leasing. A native Floridian and a road trip enthusiast, Andrea first learned to drive on a Honda Accord when CDs were still a thing. She has served on the Society of Professional Journalists Florida board of directors and volunteers as a judge for national journalism contests. Her work has earned several awards for feature writing, investigative reporting and branded content campaigns.

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It's important to consult a professional if the ABS warning light is triggered or there's visible damage to the wheel hub. Delaying professional intervention can lead to more severe problems, risking your safety and potentially incurring higher repair costs. Timely and expert attention ensures your vehicle remains reliable and safe.

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Determining when to consult a professional mechanic for wheel hub issues is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. You should seek a professional assessment if you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier, such as unusual noises, vibrations, steering difficulties, or uneven tire wear.

One of the most noticeable signs of a failing wheel hub is noise, which can manifest in various forms depending on the nature of the issue. Grinding noises typically indicate that the wheel bearings within the hub are wearing out or have become damaged. This grinding sound may become more pronounced as the vehicle accelerates or makes turns.

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Wheel bearings are a workhorse. They are crucial to your vehicle’s steering, handling and suspension because they join the wheel to the axle, enabling it to turn with limited friction. Replacing one wheel bearing can cost $350 or more on average in parts and labor, which means replacing all four in your car could cost more than $1,400.

Wheel hubs are the central component that connects the wheels to the car's chassis, allowing for smooth rotation. Within the hub assembly, bearings reduce friction and facilitate the free rotation of the wheel. This allows for efficient vehicle movement and handling as well as added stability.

The functionality of wheel hubs extends beyond just supporting the wheels. They are also integral to the vehicle's braking system, especially in cars with disc brakes, where the hub forms part of the rotor assembly. The condition of the wheel hubs can directly impact tire wear and alignment. Understanding how wheel hubs interact with other components like bearings, brakes, and tires is critical to recognizing their importance in overall vehicle performance and safety.

Vibrations: Faulty wheel hubs can cause vibrations that may be felt in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds. These vibrations often indicate issues with the wheel bearings within the hub.

Conducting a visual inspection can often reveal signs of wheel hub problems. One of the most noticeable symptoms is uneven tire wear, which can indicate a misaligned or failing wheel hub. Uneven wear patterns on the tire tread suggest the wheel is not sitting correctly, possibly due to a damaged hub, which would throw the wheel slightly out alignment, causing the uneven wear.

Humming or droning noises are also common signs of a bad wheel hub and can point to issues with the wheel hub assembly. These sounds might be more noticeable at certain speeds and can vary in intensity. In some cases, a clicking noise, especially noticeable during turns, can signal a problem with the CV joint, which may be related to the hub condition.

Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings cannot be repaired and instead need to be replaced, ideally by a professional mechanic.

Physical inspection can also be revealing. While the vehicle is raised, try shaking the wheel by hand. Any noticeable play or movement in the wheel can be a sign of a worn wheel hub or bearings. Visible damage to the hub assembly, such as cracks or corrosion, indicates that the hub may need attention.

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Ignoring signs of wheel hub issues can lead to severe consequences for the vehicle's and driver's safety. A damaged or failing wheel hub can drastically affect the handling and stability of the car, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds or during sharp turns.

Noticing problems with wheel hubs early can prevent more serious issues and ensure vehicle safety. Some common symptoms that indicate potential wheel hub problems include:

ABS Malfunction: Since many modern vehicles have ABS sensors integrated into the wheel hub assembly, a malfunctioning hub can trigger ABS warning lights on the dashboard.

Paying attention to any unusual sound is important, as they often provide the first indication of many different vehicle maintenance issues, including wheel hub problems. Early detection and diagnosis can prevent further damage and ensure safe vehicle operation.

In addition to vibrations, steering difficulties can also arise. A compromised wheel hub can affect the smoothness and responsiveness of steering. Drivers might notice that the vehicle pulls to one side or that steering requires more effort than usual. These symptoms can significantly impact driving comfort and, more importantly, safety.

Vibrations and steering problems affect the driving experience, leading to increased wear on other vehicle components, escalating repair costs, and potential safety risks.

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Loose or Wobbly Wheels: If the wheel hub assembly is damaged, it may cause the wheel to feel loose or wobbly when driving or during a tire change.

Once the condition of your front or rear wheel bearings breaks down, your tires will wear out faster and can do so unevenly. Braking issues can occur. You also risk having your wheels lock up, which could lead to axle damage and other dangerous issues that are not worth the risk. Driving with a faulty wheel bearing is a safety hazard and not recommended.

You don’t need to replace all four if one is faulty. You can just replace the single bad bearing—you don’t need to do the replacement in pairs like you would with new tires.

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Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.