Need to replace your wheel bearings? It’s not a simple DIY task, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either.
Wheel bearing replacement can be expensive maintenance, but it’s crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on this repair without sacrificing quality.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wheel bearing replacement cost, including factors affecting the price and tips to save money on repairs.
So whether you’re a car owner or a mechanic, read on for helpful information and how to keep your car on the road without draining your wallet.
Wheel Bearing Replacement
Your car’s wheel bearings are in charge of ensuring smooth wheel rotation by lowering friction. These components will eventually become worn out and begin to squeak or grind, signalling it’s time to replace them.
By elevating the car and carefully inspecting the wheels, a mechanic will generally identify the problem.
A General Breakdown Of The Price To Replace A Worn-Out Wheel Bearing
Labor Costs
The most considerable expense when replacing a wheel bearing is typically labour. Where you go will determine the price, but usually, you may anticipate paying between $150 and $300 for labour alone.
The magnitude of the damage, the vehicle’s make and model, the mechanic’s experience, and their hourly rate will all impact the final price.
Parts Costs
The brand, model, and kind of bearings needed for the vehicle all play a role in how much replacing worn-out wheel bearings will cost.
Wheel bearings can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, with higher-end or specialist bearings being more expensive. A set of wheel bearings typically costs between $100 and $300.
Additional Costs
There can be other charges to consider in addition to the labour and part costs. The repair cost will increase if the wheel hub needs to be replaced since it may be corroded or broken.
To add to the overall cost, some cars could need specialised tools to remove and install the wheel bearing.
Roller-style front wheel bearing
ONE-WHEEL DRIVE (1WD)
Conventional roller bearings are frequently repaired when the rotors are removed for brake maintenance on older 2WD vehicles. These bearings are less expensive to acquire, can be changed simply, and typically cost $6 to $20 per unit.
Servicing them often costs $80 to $100, plus the expense of replacing the rotor because the roller bearing race is pressed in.
Most vehicles will cost approximately $150.00 to replace, including labour, and may cost more depending on the cost of the rotor. Replacing the rotor is often less expensive than removing the old bearing race and pressing in a new one.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Until recently, cars used cone-style or hub mechanisms containing roller bearings. These systems were in place for quite some time.
While the actual bearings are frequently as inexpensive as those in 2WD cars, taking them out and disassembling the hub is frequently a little more time-consuming.
Expect to pay $80–$160.00 for between one and two hours of labour on each side, plus the cost of new bearings. Remember that if the race has hub damage, it must be squeezed out and a new race pressed in, which will take longer.
Hub-style front wheel bearing
FINAL UNIT
A complete-unit hub bearing is used by the great majority of cars nowadays. Since hub bearings typically cost between $80.00 and $300.00, the cost of the bearing represents the majority of the overall cost in this case.
Many of these come equipped with ABS sensors. Once these bearings are removed, a replacement bearing is mounted onto the steering knuckle. For one to two hours of labour to replace each side, budget between $80 and $200.
Pressed on unit
These parts, which include the sealed roller bearing on the back of the entire unit, are commonly found in German and Japanese automobiles.
In these circumstances, it is frequently necessary to remove the whole bearing knuckle from the car, press out the old bearing, and press the new one in. Although the bearing significantly decreases, the labour required for changing the bearing increases, typically by 2-4 hours ($160 to $400).
Cost Factors to Consider
The price of wheel bearing replacement service can vary depending on various variables. The manufacturer and model of your car are one of the most crucial elements.
Specialised parts are frequently needed for higher-end or exotic cars, which raises the entire cost of the servicing.
The cost may also vary depending on whether the defective wheel bearing is in the front or back of the vehicle.
DIY installation vs. expert installation
Wheel bearing replacement is doable but is typically not advised, provided you have the required skills and equipment.
Making a mistake during installation could result in additional long-term costs to repair your car. It is preferable to leave this task to a qualified mechanic with the skills, knowledge, and equipment to complete it correctly the first time.
The Conclusion
Although replacing a worn-out wheel bearing can be costly, it’s essential for the safe operation of your car.
You can decide how to continue by being aware of the different prices involved and comparing the costs of DIY installation to those of professional installation. Always err on the side of caution and ask for advice from an expert if you need clarification on your abilities.
