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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to clean and repack a wheel bearing?
Where can I get my wheel bearings cleaned and repacked?
How will a mechanic clean and repack a wheel bearing?
What happens if I don’t clean and repack my wheel bearing?
What is a clean and repack wheel bearing service?
Can I clean and repack a wheel bearing myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to clean and repack a wheel bearing?

$200 to $250 is the average

wheel bearing

replacement cost, with about $100 to $150 for parts and $100 for labor costs The exact price depends on your vehicle and how many wheels you’re getting serviced. It’ll cost less if you DIY.

How long does it take to clean and repack a wheel bearing? The average repair time is one to two hours for a certified mechanic to clean and repack wheel bearings.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need to clean and repack a wheel bearing?

Here are the parts and tools you may need to clean and repack a bad wheel bearing:

Wheel Bearing Grease: High-quality lubricant specifically designed for wheel bearings, ensuring smooth operation and reducing friction and heat. Cost for new grease: $5 - $20.

Cotter Pin: A small, inexpensive pin used to secure the castle nut after adjusting the wheel bearing. Cost: $1 - $5 for a pack of multiple cotter pins.

Wheel Bearing Seal: A vital component that keeps grease in and contaminants out of the wheel bearing assembly, preserving its performance and longevity. Cost: $10 - $30.

Brake Cleaner: A powerful solvent designed to remove brake dust, grease, and other contaminants from brake components. Cost: $5 - $15.

Brake Parts Cleaner

: Similar to brake cleaner but used to clean other automotive parts, ensuring a clean working environment for wheel bearing maintenance. Cost: $5 - $15.

Shop Rags: Absorbent and reusable cloths essential for cleaning and wiping off excess grease during the repacking process. Average cost: $5 - $10 for a pack.

Latex Gloves: Disposable gloves that protect your hands from grease and dirt, ensuring a cleaner and safer wheel bearing repacking experience. Cost: $5 - $20.

Steps and parts can vary between models, so make sure to research your model carefully.

You can purchase materials to clean and repack your wheel bearings from brands such as Mobil 1, Valvoline, and Red Line. You can purchase these materials from auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, or from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

There are no OEM parts specifically designed for wheel bearing repacking. Wheel bearing repacking is an auto repair maintenance procedure that involves removing the wheel bearings, cleaning them, and adding fresh grease to ensure proper lubrication and performance.

During the repacking process, you may use general automotive grease, not specific OEM parts. The grease used for repacking can be of high-quality, lithium-based, or synthetic grease, which is suitable for wheel bearings. This type of grease can be purchased from reputable auto parts stores or online retailers, and it is not a part specific to any particular vehicle manufacturer.

Where can I buy parts to clean and repack a wheel bearing?

These items can be found at most auto parts stores such as AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts, both online and in physical locations. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay and specialized auto parts websites offer a wide selection of these specialized tools. Additionally, you can visit local auto parts stores or dealerships, where knowledgeable staff can assist you.

You probably won’t need to buy additional ball bearings or new wheel bearings, unless the old bearing has been damaged. But if you do, be sure you’re purchasing the correct type of wheel bearings, like tapered roller bearings. Otherwise, they may not fit in the wheel hub assembly.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my wheel bearings cleaned and repacked?

Don’t have time to scour the town for a repair shop that can clean and repack your wheel bearings? Use Jerry's

GarageGuard™

to compare rates and reviews from shops in your zip code.

With over 2,500 shops on the roster, this tool can help you quickly assess costs. Fair price estimates and diagnostic fees are available, and public reviews can help you select the neighborhood favorite.

Take a look at some vetted shops below and get the app to start comparing quotes in your area.

129 Reviews

I & A Automotive

24850 Aurora Rd Ste G, Bedford Heights, OH

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$79.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (440) 252-5493

198 Reviews

Midas Auto Experts - Livonia

30481 Plymouth Rd, Detroit, MI

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$128

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (734) 245-9748

191 Reviews

Wrench Inc. - FAT

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

174 Reviews

RepairSmith - Greater Los Angeles

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 877-907-6484

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic clean and repack a wheel bearing?

Here are the basic steps to safely clean and repack a wheel bearing:

Inspect and Remove Wheel: The mechanic begins by inspecting the wheel bearing and removing the wheel from the vehicle to access the wheel hub. This typically involves lifting the vehicle with jack stands or a car lift.

Disassemble Wheel Hub: Next, the mechanic disassembles the wheel hub, carefully removing the outer and inner wheel bearings.

Clean Old Grease: Using specialized solvent or cleaner, the mechanic cleans the old grease from the wheel bearings thoroughly.

Inspect for Wear and Damage: With the bearings cleaned, the mechanic inspects them for signs of wear, damage, or pitting. If they show any issues, replacement may be necessary.

Apply Fresh Wheel Bearing Grease: High-quality wheel bearing grease is applied to the cleaned bearings, ensuring even distribution for proper lubrication.

Reassemble Wheel Hub: The mechanic carefully reassembles the wheel hub, placing the repacked wheel bearings back into their original positions.

Tighten Wheel Hub: With the wheel hub reassembled, the mechanic properly tightens the wheel hub's retaining nut to the manufacturer's specifications.

Reinstall Wheel: Finally, the mechanic reinstalls the wheel onto the vehicle, ensuring secure attachment and proper alignment.

Because this process typically involves lifting the car, you may want to go to a mechanic instead of doing it yourself.

What happens if I don’t clean and repack my wheel bearing?

You may notice noises like grinding or humming while driving, indicating inadequate lubrication. Ignoring wheel bearing maintenance can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to other components.

Without proper lubrication, the wheel bearings can experience increased friction, leading to premature wear and potential damage. Over time, this can result in wheel play, wobble, vibrations, uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibration, and even wheel bearing failure, posing significant safety risks.

What is a clean and repack wheel bearing service?

A clean and repack wheel bearing service is a maintenance procedure performed on a vehicle's wheel bearings.

Wheel bearings are essential components that help the wheels rotate smoothly. Over time, the grease inside the wheel bearings can break down or become contaminated with dirt and debris. Race cars use special wheel bearings for peak performance, such as ceramic bearings or needle roller bearings.

During the service, a mechanic removes the wheel from the vehicle and disassembles the wheel hub, including relocating the brake caliper, brake rotors, and brake pads if they’re in the way. Then, the mechanic will clean the old grease from the bearings, inspect them for wear or damage, and apply fresh wheel bearing grease.

This process ensures proper lubrication and extends the life of the wheel bearings, promoting safe and smooth driving.

When should I clean and repack the wheel bearings on my car?

Clean and repack the wheel bearings on your car every 30,000 to 50,000 miles—or as recommended in your

vehicle's maintenance schedule

. Regular maintenance ensures proper lubrication and extends wheel bearing lifespan.

If you notice any issues, such as unusual noises, wheel play, or vibrations, have your wheel bearings inspected promptly for safe driving.

How often should I clean and repack a wheel bearing?

For most vehicles, you should clean and repack the rear wheel bearings and front wheel bearings every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

Did you recently hit a pothole at a high speed? If you notice any

signs of wheel bearing issues

such as

unusual noises

, wheel play, or vibrations, it's essential to have them inspected and serviced promptly, regardless of the mileage.

Regular maintenance and timely repacking of these steel balls ensure proper lubrication and extend their lifespan, contributing to safe and smooth driving on the road.

Can I clean and repack a wheel bearing myself?

It’s definitely possible! However, it's essential to note that cleaning and repacking wheel bearings can be a complex task, and it requires attention to detail.

The process involves removing the wheel from the vehicle, disassembling the wheel hub, cleaning the old grease from the bearings, inspecting them for wear or damage, applying fresh wheel bearing grease, and reassembling the wheel hub.

If you are not experienced with automotive repairs or lack the proper tools, it's best to leave this job to a qualified mechanic. Properly maintained wheel bearings are crucial for safe driving, so it's vital to ensure the job is done correctly.

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FAQs

How often should bearings be repacked?

Bearings should be repacked every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle's maintenance schedule to ensure proper lubrication and extend their lifespan.

How long does it take to repack wheel bearings?

On average, it may take around 1 to 2 hours to complete the task. The time it takes to repack wheel bearings can vary depending on the vehicle and the mechanic's experience. The actual time may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances and any additional maintenance required during the process, too.

How many miles before repacking bearings?

Wheel bearings should typically be repacked every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. However, this mileage interval can vary based on the vehicle make and model, driving conditions, and the manufacturer's recommendations.

It's essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for the specific maintenance schedule and recommendations for your car's wheel bearings.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.