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Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost Estimate
Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost Estimate
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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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 replace the wheel bearings?
- Where can I get my wheel bearing replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my wheel bearings?
- What happens if you keep driving with a broken wheel bearing?
- What is a wheel bearing?
- Can I replace my wheel bearings myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace the wheel bearings?
The average cost to replace a wheel bearing is $500, with $300 for parts and $200 for labor. Your exact repair costs depend on your vehicle and labor prices in your area.
How long does it take to replace the wheel bearings? It takes about one to three hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. This includes the time it takes to do a preliminary inspection and follow through with the wheel bearing replacement.
How’d we estimate these prices?
Jerry experts collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states; including the total cost of services, and hourly labor cost. We researched thousands of shops across the US, and we update our estimates annually. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes to complete a repair. We recommend you contact your local shop directly for final pricing for your vehicle.
How’d we estimate these prices?
Jerry experts collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states; including the total cost of services, and hourly labor cost. We researched thousands of shops across the US, and we update our estimates annually. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes to complete a repair. We recommend you contact your local shop directly for final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my wheel bearing replacement?
Check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic for precise parts numbers. In general, you’ll need:
- New wheel bearings: The wheel bearings are a set of steel ball bearings or tapered bearings that are held together by metal rings. A new wheel bearing costs between $10 and $30.
- New wheel hub assembly, optional: Some vehicles have sealed wheel bearings, in which case you need a new wheel hub. This costs anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on your vehicle.
In addition to the new bearings or wheel hub assembly, you’ll also need these specialized tools to do the replacement:
- Bearing grease
- Diagonal cutters
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Pliers
- Ratchet and socket sets
- Torque wrench
- Screwdrivers
Some popular wheel bearing brands include Timken, SKF and Moog. You can purchase them from online retailers such as Amazon or RockAuto, or from auto parts stores such as AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts.
Where can I buy parts for my wheel bearing replacement?
Among some of the many popular wheel bearing brands are Moog, SKF and Timken. If you’d rather get aftermarket replacements, shop at local auto parts stores like AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts. You can also order bearings online through Amazon if you know the exact part number. If you want to go with OEM parts, the dealership service center will automatically use these when doing the replacement work.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
When it comes to wheel bearings, OEM parts might be a better choice. The quality is guaranteed and in some cases, the OEM wheel bearings can last twice as long as their aftermarket counterparts. You also won’t risk voiding your warranty by installing OEM bearings.
Where can I get my wheel bearing replaced?
If replacing the wheel bearing is out of your comfort zone, leave it to a mechanic you trust. Instead of spending hours researching repair shops, let
Jerry's GarageGuard™
help. Download the free app to compare fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly labor rates, so you know exactly what to budget for. You’ll also have access to real customer reviews. Jerry's GarageGuard™ makes it easy to choose the best service at the right price for you.
Take a look at a few of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.
170 Reviews
North American Motors
20531 Mission Blvd, Oakland, CA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$150162 Reviews
Rodriguez Tire Service
186 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$125153 Reviews
Uncle Ed's Oil Shoppe
49830 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0109 Reviews
Velasquez Auto Care - Archer
S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$45How 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 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 replace my wheel bearings?
Most vehicles use unitized wheel bearings assemblies, which package bearings, seals, and lubricant together so they can’t be separated, even to replace the bearings. If it fails, you’ll have to replace the entire bearing assembly.
To complete a wheel bearings replacement, here’s what the mechanic will:
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface: First, the mechanic places wheel chocks behind the wheels they’re not going to be working on.
- Loosen the lug nuts and lift the wheel: The mechanic will use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts before using a jack stand to raise the wheel.
- Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the wheel: By loosening the lug nuts, the mechanic can easily take off the wheel and set it aside.
- Remove the brake caliper and bracket: Next, the mechanic will use a socket and ratchet to take off the brake caliper bolts. They’ll use a screwdriver to remove the caliper. The mechanic will also pull out the dust cover, cotter pin, and castle nut.
- Remove the rotor and the wheel assembly hub: The mechanic applies some strength to pull off the rotor before unscrewing and taking off the wheel assembly hub.
- Disassemble the hub to remove the old bearing: To take out the bearings, the mechanic breaks apart the races or tracks and cleans the steering knuckle.
- Install new races and wheel bearings: At this point, the mechanic taps new races in place and greases the new wheel bearings before pushing them into the races.
- Reassemble the wheel: Finally, the mechanic works in reverse order to put the wheel hub assembly back together and puts the wheel back on the vehicle.
The mechanic will road-test the vehicle and then you’re all set to go!
What happens if you keep driving with a broken wheel bearing?
Make an appointment as soon as you notice signs there are wheel bearing issues. If you wait too long to get them fixed, here’s what could happen:
- Damage to the wheel hub assembly and transmission
- Higher mechanic costs
- The wheel begins to smoke or comes off of the vehicle
You’ll have a harder time controlling your car if the steering is loose and the wheels vibrate, which can increase your risk of getting into a car accident.
What is a wheel bearing?
Your car’s wheels are attached to your car via wheel bearings, which are a main component of the wheel hub assembly. The assembly supports the vehicle’s weight while allowing the tires to rotate freely with minimal friction.
Each wheel has its own steel ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. If one of these bearings goes out, a mechanic will have to disassemble the hub assembly to replace the bearing. Sometimes, the bearing can’t be removed because it’s part of the hub assembly. If this is the case, then you’ll have to replace the whole wheel hub assembly.
How do I know if my wheel bearing is bad?
The most common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing include:
- Vehicle pulls to one side: As the bearing fails, you’ll notice the car randomly pull to one side as you drive. This happens randomly.
- Steering wheel vibrates: If the wheel bearing is bad, your steering wheel shakes, especially when you accelerate. This can make it hard to steer.
- Unusual noises from the wheels: If you hear a grinding noise, clunking, scraping, groaning, or growling sound, it’s a sign that your wheel bearings should be inspected.
- Uneven tire wear: If the wheel bearing is bad and it causes the wheel to wobble, you’ll see uneven tire wear on the wheel’s tread.
- ABS light comes on: A damaged wheel bearing can trigger the wheel speed sensor to light up even though the anti-lock brake system doesn’t kick on.
- Wheel hub movement: Watch the wheel hub as someone drives your vehicle slowly. If you see the hub move up and down or in and out, it’s a sign the bearing is bad.
- Loose handling: A worn wheel bearing can make it feel as though you don’t have tight handling or control when driving your car. Schedule an inspection right away if the car feels loose or sloppy when you drive.
How often should a wheel bearing be replaced?
Wheel bearings usually last a long time—between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. If you don’t regularly drive on rough terrain, they could even last up to 150,000 miles. Typically, you only replace a wheel bearing when it starts failing.
Can I replace my wheel bearings myself?
If you’ve got intermediate DIY auto repair skills and want to save on labor costs, you can probably swap out the wheel bearings yourself.
Keep in mind that you will need some specialized tools. If you don’t have a well-stocked garage, you might want to leave it to the professionals.
Explore Popular Repair Services
FAQs
Can you drive a car with a bad wheel bearing?
You shouldn’t keep driving if you know the bearing is bad since it will become harder to control your vehicle. Most experts recommend getting the bearing replaced within 500 miles of noticing bad wheel bearing symptoms.
What causes wheel bearings to fail?
Lack of lubrication, wear and tear (especially from rough handling), and contamination from water, dirt, or sand, can all contribute to a failing wheel bearing.
Can I replace just one wheel bearing?
Yes, it’s completely fine to switch out just the bad wheel bearing. Some mechanics might recommend going ahead and replacing the opposite wheel bearing, too, since there’s a good chance that it is also reaching the end of its lifespan.
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.