Replacement Wheel Bearing Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively common repair that can save you money in the long run. A wheel bearing is a crucial component that allows your wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause a number of problems, including:

• Noise: A failing wheel bearing will often make a grinding or growling noise.
• Vibration: A failing wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: A failing wheel bearing can increase your vehicle's rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Premature tire wear: A failing wheel bearing can cause your tires to wear unevenly.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing?

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the severity of the damage, and the location of the repair. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the parts and labor.

What Are the Signs of a Failing Wheel Bearing?

There are a few signs that can indicate a failing wheel bearing, including:

• Noise: A failing wheel bearing will often make a grinding or growling noise. The noise may be more pronounced when you are turning or braking.
• Vibration: A failing wheel bearing can cause your vehicle to vibrate. The vibration may be felt in the steering wheel, the seat, or the floorboard.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: A failing wheel bearing can increase your vehicle's rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Premature tire wear: A failing wheel bearing can cause your tires to wear unevenly. This is because the failing bearing will cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to uneven tire wear.

How to Replace a Wheel Bearing

Replacing a wheel bearing is a job that is best left to a professional mechanic. However, if you are confident in your mechanical abilities, you can replace a wheel bearing yourself. Here are the steps involved:

1. Gather your tools. You will need a socket wrench, a torque wrench, a ball joint separator, and a hammer.
2. Safety first. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
3. Remove the wheel. Use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Then, remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way with a bungee cord.
5. Remove the rotor. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the rotor in place. Then, remove the rotor.
6. Remove the hub assembly. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Then, remove the hub assembly.
7. Remove the old wheel bearing. Use a ball joint separator to separate the old wheel bearing from the hub assembly. Then, use a hammer to remove the old wheel bearing.
8. Install the new wheel bearing. Use a hammer to install the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly. Then, use a ball joint separator to press the new wheel bearing into place.
9. Reassemble the hub assembly. Install the rotor onto the hub assembly. Then, install the hub assembly onto the vehicle.
10. Reinstall the brake caliper. Install the brake caliper onto the hub assembly. Then, tighten the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.
11. Reinstall the wheel. Install the wheel onto the vehicle. Then, tighten the lug nuts.
12. Torque the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
13. Test drive your vehicle. Once you have replaced the wheel bearing, test drive your vehicle to make sure that it is operating properly.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for replacing a wheel bearing:

• Use the right tools. The right tools will make the job easier and safer.
• Safety first. Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your vehicle.
• Take your time. Replacing a wheel bearing is not a difficult job, but it does require some time and patience.
• Don't overtighten the lug nuts. Overtightening the lug nuts can damage the wheel bearing.
• Get an alignment. After replacing a wheel bearing, it is important to get an alignment to ensure that your wheels are properly aligned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when replacing a wheel bearing:

• Using the wrong tools. Using the wrong tools can make the job more difficult and dangerous.
• Not following the proper steps. Not following the proper steps can lead to damage to your vehicle.
• Overtightening the lug nuts. Overtightening the lug nuts can damage the wheel bearing.
• Not getting an alignment. Not getting an alignment after replacing a wheel bearing can lead to premature tire wear.

Conclusion

Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively common repair that can save you money in the long run. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can replace a wheel bearing yourself and save even more money.