Here’s how much you should expect to pay when replacing your car’s wheel bearings.
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
The lowly and often taken-for-granted wheel bearing hasn’t really changed much in design or function since the dawn of the automotive age save the move to incorporate them into wheel hub and bearing assemblies when front-wheel drive came onto the scene. This component is what supports the weight of the vehicle on its wheels and permits a smooth quiet ride. Here’s what wheel bearing replacement costs are like.
Recommended Videos
What Are Wheel Bearings on a Car
Wheel bearings are tough and strong units just slightly smaller than a hockey puck. On vehicles using hub and bearing assemblies (almost all autos) they are pressed into their hubs which are bolted to the vehicle. Their big advantage is their large centre hole which permits drive axle stubs to fit through them and the lack of need for regular greasing.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
For mainstream passenger rides, a quality hub and bearing assembly can range in price from $400 to $1000 with labour fees in the 1.5-3.0 hour range ($300 to $600 at $200 per hour). Light trucks can see higher prices due to beefier components.
How to Know If Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacing
Factors That Affect Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
How Long Can You Drive on a Bad Wheel Bearing
Once a bearing develops a clearly audible noise, driving on it is risky. If it fails completely it can easily affect steering and braking control as well as damaging other connected parts. Left long enough a failing bearing can cause the wheel to come off.
Are Wheel Bearings Covered Under Warranty
Most automakers cover their hub/bearing assemblies only for their basic warranty terms (usually 3 years or 60,000 km), not the often longer power-train warranties. However some replacement bearing makers will offer lifetime guarantees on their products. These usually only cover the parts and not the labour fees, but these terms still represent good value. Ask about the coverage when your shop is recommending a replacement. Stay away from cheap off-shore parts and demand a quality name brand.
Frequently Asked Questions about wheel bearings
-
How Often Do Wheel Bearings Need to Be Replaced
Wheel hub/bearing assemblies and axle bearings do not have a scheduled replacement or service interval as they’re designed to last the life of the vehicle.
-
How to Tell Which Wheel Bearing Is Bad While Driving
Sometimes (but not always) the swerve test will tell you which bearing is failing as when you swerve to the left you’re putting more load on the right side bearing(s) and vice versa. Let your shop know which swerve direction produces the most noise.
-
Do I Need to Replace Both Wheel Bearings?
Bearings do not need replacement in pairs unless they’re both failing. Sometimes a tech will replace the loudest bearing and then when that one is new and quiet, the other one’s noise will be noticeable.
-
How Do You Prevent Wheel Bearings from Failing?
The number one cause of hub/bearing failures is a lateral impact that comes from sliding into curbs. Strong jolts from potholes can also shorten their lifespan. Excessive weight loads will also lead to bearing failures as these units support the entire weight of the vehicle and its loads (cargo or towing). Keep well within the load limits on your particular ride and when it’s fully loaded, drive with care.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.