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Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
How long do wheel bearings usually last?
Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.
How do I know if my wheel bearing needs replacing?
Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. Squealing, Growling. Clicking Sound. Wheel Wobble. ABS Failure. Uneven Tire Wear. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. Steering Wheel Vibration.
How long do bad wheel bearings last?
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last? Although wheel bearings are engineered to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle, they can break and get worn out. Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
How long do noisy wheel bearings last?
Typically, a wheel bearing should last roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles after it starts making noise. This doesn’t mean you should keep driving since a noisy wheel bearing is always a risk. When your wheel bearings are making noise, it’s a sign that something is not working properly and might fail when you’re driving.
Do wheel bearings need to be replaced in pairs?
Should car wheel bearings be replaced in pairs? No, bearings do not wear in or form to each other. You only need to replace bearings that are actually bad. If a sealed bearing or hub containing it, proves defective, use your own judgement.
How long does it take a mechanic to change a wheel bearing?
The time taken to replace a wheel bearing is also slightly different depending on whether the bearing is on the front or rear wheel. A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes around 90 minutes, whereas a rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average just under 1 hour.
Should I replace all 4 wheel bearings?
As long as the other wheel bearing is not making noise and play is still within specifications, it should remain in service. Wheel bearings are engineered to go a lot of miles, and often last the life of the vehicle without ever being replaced (which may be upwards of 250,000 miles or more).
Does a wheel bearing noise come and go?
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?
Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools. Be sure to obtain your vehicle’s service manual and identify the type of wheel bearing your vehicle is equipped with before you begin the repair.
Do wheel bearings affect brakes?
We found significant play in the bearing, which can lead to a soft brake pedal. Brake rotors are held in alignment by wheel bearings. If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This causes a low or spongy brake pedal.
How much is it to replace a front wheel bearing?
These bearings are made to last for many years without needing to be replaced. The cost to replace both front wheel bearings is going to be between $260 and $480. The parts alone for the front wheel bearings are about $120 to $200. However, the labor costs will be a bit more extensive at around $140 to $280.
How much does it cost to replace 4 wheel bearings?
The labor cost for a wheel bearing replacement also varies and will generally cost anywhere from $60 to $300. It should take between 1 to 1.5 labor hours to change the wheel bearing. In total, the cost to replace a wheel bearing is around $150 to $800.7 days ago.
Can I drive with a noisy wheel bearing?
It is safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing only if you just started to hear a humming, whining, grinding, or growling sound coming from the front or rear wheels. This indicates that the wheel bearing has begun failing and you would need to replace it as soon as possible.
How do you prevent wheel bearings from failing?
General Recommendations Work with clean tools in clean surroundings. Always choose the correct grease. Always be sure to check the contact surface for the seal lip. Never use a hammer to hit directly on the bearing. Do not try to set clearances on Hub units. Do not try to set clearances on “set right” arrangements.
Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?
On some cars, you can just replace the bearing and call it a day. On others, the hub assembly must be removed and replaced. The most difficult type involves removing the hub assembly and setting it in a press. If you’re not sure what type of wheel hub assembly you have, stop by or give your local Pep Boys store a call.
