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Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Cost Estimate
Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your wheel hub assembly replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your wheel hub assembly 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 a wheel hub assembly?
- Where can I get my wheel hub assembly replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my wheel hub assembly?
- What happens if I don’t replace the wheel hub assembly?
- What is a wheel hub assembly?
- Can I replace the hub assemblies myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace a wheel hub assembly?
The average wheel bearing replacement cost is $430 to $530+ with $320 for parts and $150 for mechanic labor. Remember, these are just average costs. Exact prices can vary depending on factors like your mechanic and your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace a wheel hub assembly? It takes most certified mechanics about 2 hours to do the repairs. An experienced technician may be able to do the replacement in half the time, saving you on labor costs.
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.
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.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my wheel hub assembly and how much do those parts cost?
The wheel hub assembly actually consists of bearings, a hub, a rotor, a seal, and a drive shaft. A full wheel assembly usually costs between $400 and $550, but it’s often just the bearings that need to be replaced. Whether it’s just the bearings or the full assembly, this isn’t a beginner DIY project, but your mechanic will start with these components, depending on your vehicles hub-assembly and drivetrain configuration:
- Front-wheel bearings—traditional cone or roller (two-wheel drive (2WD)): The simplest and least expensive to service and replace, traditional cone or roller style bearings are found on older 2WD vehicles. These are usually serviced or replaced when rotors are removed for a brake job, and generally cost around $6 to $20 each.
- Front-wheel bearings—traditional cone or roller (four-wheel drive (4WD)): While just as inexpensive to buy as their 2WD counterparts, hub assemblies for these 4WD vehicles are more complicated, so their service is best left to professionals. Together with labor costs, service for this style hub assembly can run from $80 to $160 or more per side.
- Front-wheel bearings—hub style: Most modern vehicles, regardless of drivetrain, use complete-unit or hub style hub bearings. Basic hub bearings can cost as little as $80, but those with ABS sensors built in can cost upwards of $300 for a replacement.
- Front-wheel bearings—pressed-on unit: If your vehicle is produced by a German or Japanese manufacturer, you may have a pressed-on unit. In these hub assemblies, the entire steering knuckle must be removed for service, which makes this a job best left to the pros. The new wheel bearings themselves are quite cheap at only about $25 to $50, but labor and repair costs can run you upwards of $400.
- Rear-wheel bearings: Typically, 2WD vehicles today use the same bearings on the front and rear wheels. However, vans, trucks, and older rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars feature rear wheel bearings housed in a solid rear drive axle. These bearings usually cost around $25 to $50, but the labor to replace them can take up to 4 hours, making them some of the most expensive hub assemblies to service.
Even with more simple cone or roller-bearing hub assemblies, service and maintenance may be best left to the pros—unless you have a fully stocked garage. Tools typically used in hub assembly replacement include:
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Drive ratchet set
- Drive socket set
- Drive torque wrench
- Drive breaker bar
- Drive wheel socket set
- Allen wrench set
- Axle nut socket set
- Hammer
- Combination wrench set
- Flashlight
- Pry bar
We recommend purchasing parts at local auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. We also recommend reputable brands such as Timken, Moog, and SKF are recommended for wheel hub assembly components, ensuring proper wheel bearing function and stability for your vehicle. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
When replacing your wheel hub assembly, you should opt for OEM parts. OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they are made to perfectly fit your vehicle’s specifications, and they typically come with warranties.
Where can I buy parts for my wheel hub assembly replacement?
You can purchase parts for your wheel hub assembly replacement from auto body shops or auto parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and O'Reilly Auto Parts. For OEM parts, you can go directly to your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership, and for aftermarket parts, you can buy from online sources like Amazon, RockAuto, and aftermarket auto parts shops.
Where can I get my wheel hub assembly replaced?
If you don’t have a mechanic in your contacts list, we’re here to help! Use Jerry's
GarageGuard™
, our free maintenance app, which can help you compare costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. Instead of heading to the nearest dealership service center, use Jerry's GarageGuard™ app to compare estimates from all of your available options. The app uses real hourly labor rates to compare fair price estimates, so you can make an informed choice when it comes to choosing an auto repair shop. Plus, you’ll get real reviews to help you decide.
Take a look at some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.
166 Reviews
Ricciardi Automotive
539 N Main St, Doylestown, PA
177 Reviews
54th Street Auto Center
415 W 54th St, New York, NY
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$191160 Reviews
O'Brien's Auto Repair LLC
46 Bayshore Rd, Green Creek, NJ
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$130127 Reviews
Ingleside Auto & Tire Care
34811 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0How 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 hub assembly?
A certified mechanic will use a jack to raise up your vehicle to get a good look at each wheel well. If these diagnostics reveal the wheel hub assembly is bad, these are the steps they’ll take to replace it:
- Remove the wheel from the wheel hub assembly
- Investigate parts of the wheel hub assembly for signs of wear or damage
- Remove the wheel hub assembly
- Install a new wheel hub assembly and reattach the wheel
- Road test the car for freely turning tires, proper braking (ABS), and front hub operation
What happens if I don’t replace the wheel hub assembly?
If you suspect your wheels need new hub assemblies or you have a damaged wheel bearing, don’t wait! You risk worse damage to your vehicle the longer you continue to drive. Here are a few issues that come from driving with failing wheel hub assemblies:
- Uneven tire wear
- Transmission stress
- The steering wheel feels loose or wobbles
- Increased difficulty driving
- The wheels may come off of the vehicle
What is a wheel hub assembly?
The wheel hub assembly is made up of the bearings, hub, rotor, seal, and drive shaft. These work together to keep your wheels attached to the vehicle and allow the wheels to turn easily so you can steer.
Your car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS) also rely on the wheel hub assembly. The assemblies house the wheel speed sensors that communicate with these safety systems.
When should I replace the wheel hub assembly on my car?
Bad wheel bearings
or a failing wheel hub assembly will give you lots of signs that it’s time to replace them. Here are symptoms to watch out for:- Lower fuel efficiency
- Rusted bearings or missing bolts
- Inability to turn the wheels
- Illuminated ABS light
- Difficulty using the brakes or ABS failure
- Loose or unresponsive steering
- A hissing, grinding, or screeching noise from the front wheel bearing
- The vehicle pulls to one side
How often should a wheel hub assembly be replaced?
If the wheel bearing and hub assembly are sealed, they should last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles. The lifespan of open bearings requiring regular maintenance is 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Can I replace the hub assemblies myself?
You might be hoping to save money by replacing the wheel hub assembly yourself, but since it’s such a vital and intricate component, it’s best to hire a certified mechanic. Plus, they’ll have all the specialized tools and equipment to get the job done quickly.
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FAQs
Is it bad to drive with a bad wheel hub assembly?
It’s very dangerous to drive without fully-functional wheel assemblies because you could suddenly lose the ability to steer.
What noise does a bad wheel hub assembly make?
You’ll hear a rumbling or grinding noise if you’re turning or driving over 15 miles per hour. Some drivers note that they hear a growling or squealing sound coming from a failing bearing. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between a bad hub assembly and uneven tire wear.
What causes wheel hub assembly failure?
Overloading your car, installing the wheel axle nut too tight or too loose, lack of lubrication, and impact can all damage the wheel hub assembly components. For instance, hitting an object or pothole can damage the assembly.
How can I safely drive my vehicle to the mechanic for repairs?
Drive slowly and cautiously—don’t go over 40 mph, and avoid making sharp turns. Keep the weight evenly distributed throughout your vehicle. Now is the time for your best driving skills!
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.