Table of Contents
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 will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?
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.
How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?
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.
Can you replace just one wheel bearing?
If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. Don’t let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.
What does a wheel bearing failure sound like?
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
How much does it cost to replace 4 wheel bearings?
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 long does it take a mechanic to change a wheel bearing?
Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.
How often do bearings need to be replaced?
Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Some vehicles have wheel bearings that last a lot longer, and some vehicles need them replaced fairly quickly. It all depends on the quality of your wheel bearings and your usual driving conditions.
Is changing a wheel bearing hard?
Invest in high-quality aftermarket parts if you need to replace the wheel bearing. Wheel bearings work well for an average of 100,000 miles. There are a lot of moving parts in between you at the wheel bearings, so it isn’t easy to replace yourself.
Should I change wheel bearings 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.
Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing 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.
What happens if a wheel bearing fails while driving?
If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it’s very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
Why is my car making a grinding noise when I drive?
The two most common causes of grinding noises under your car are worn brake linings or failing wheel or hub bearings. Whichever action creates the grinding noise is the affected system that needs repair.
What would make a humming noise while driving?
If your car makes a humming noise, it could mean the differential needs lubricant, the transmission is failing or the universal joints or wheel bearings are wearing out. Don’t let the noises continue without having an expert take a look at your vehicle.
What causes wheel bearings?
Frequently driving through mud, water, or road salt can cause wheel bearing malfunction. Contaminants can get past the seals and enter the bearings, which pollutes the grease and damages the bearings.
Can bad alignment cause wheel bearing damage?
Poor alignment can result in accelerated tire wear or damage. Due to the vulnerabilities of the metal components in the make-up of the system, hitting potholes or curbs can change the shape, pushing the alignment out of place. Additionally, joint components and rubber bushings deteriorate making them ineffective.
Can a bad wheel bearing cause brake problems?
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.
