Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost Estimate
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How much does it cost to replace the wheel bearings?
The process of replacing a wheel bearing typically involves both parts and labor expenses. However, the exact repair costs can vary depending on your vehicle and the prevailing labor rates in your locality.
How long does it take to replace the wheel bearings?
A certified mechanic typically requires one to three hours to complete the wheel bearing replacement job. This timeframe encompasses the preliminary inspection and the subsequent replacement process.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, 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 MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do I need for my wheel bearing replacement?
Refer to your owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic for precise part numbers. Generally, you'll require:
New wheel bearings:The wheel bearings are composed of a set of steel ball bearings or tapered bearings enclosed within metal rings.
New wheel hub assembly, optional:Some vehicles are equipped with sealed wheel bearings, necessitating the replacement of the entire wheel hub.
In addition to the new bearings or wheel hub assembly, you'll require specific tools to facilitate the replacement process:
- Bearing grease
- Diagonal cutters
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Pliers
- Ratchet and socket sets
- Torque wrench
You can find wheel bearings at various auto parts suppliers both online and offline.
If you prefer aftermarket replacements, you can shop at local auto parts stores or order bearings online if you know the exact part number. If you opt for OEM parts, the dealership service center will automatically use these during the replacement work.
When it comes to wheel bearings, OEM parts might be a better choice as their quality is guaranteed. In some cases, OEM wheel bearings can last twice as long as aftermarket counterparts. Additionally, installing OEM bearings won't risk voiding your warranty.
Where can I get my wheel bearing replaced?
If replacing the wheel bearing is beyond your comfort level, entrust it to a mechanic you trust. Instead of spending hours researching repair shops, let MyMechanic help. Download the free app to compare fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in Malaysia.
MyMechanic utilizes real hourly labor rates, ensuring you know precisely what to budget for. You'll also gain access to real customer reviews. MyMechanic makes it simple to select the best service at the right price for you.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. 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.
How will a mechanic replace my wheel bearings?
Many vehicles utilize unitized wheel bearing assemblies, which integrate bearings, seals, and lubricant together, making them inseparable for individual bearing replacement. If such an assembly fails, you'll need to replace the entire bearing assembly.
To complete a wheel bearing replacement, here's what the mechanic will typically do:
- Park the vehicle on a flat surface: First, the mechanic secures wheel chocks behind the wheels they're not working on.
- Loosen the lug nuts and lift the wheel: The mechanic will utilize a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts before employing a jack stand to elevate the wheel.
- Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the wheel: Loosening the lug nuts allows the mechanic to effortlessly remove the wheel and set it aside.
- Remove the brake caliper and bracket: Next, the mechanic will utilize a socket and ratchet to remove the brake caliper bolts. They'll then use a screwdriver to detach the caliper. Additionally, the mechanic will extract the dust cover, cotter pin, and castle nut.
- Remove the rotor and the wheel assembly hub: The mechanic applies force to remove the rotor before unscrewing and removing the wheel assembly hub.
- Disassemble the hub to remove the old bearing: To remove the bearings, the mechanic disassembles the races or tracks and cleans the steering knuckle.
- Install new races and wheel bearings: At this stage, the mechanic installs new races in place and applies grease to the new wheel bearings before inserting them into the races.
- Reassemble the wheel: Finally, the mechanic reassembles the wheel hub assembly in reverse order and reinstalls the wheel back onto the vehicle.
What happens if you keep driving with a broken wheel bearing?
Schedule an appointment promptly upon noticing signs of wheel bearing issues. If you delay getting them fixed, here's what could occur:
- Damage to the wheel hub assembly and drivetrain
- Increased mechanic expenses
- The wheel starts to emit smoke or becomes dislodged from the vehicle
You may experience difficulty controlling your car if the steering feels loose and the wheels vibrate, potentially heightening the risk of a car accident.
What is a wheel bearing?
Your car's wheels are connected to the vehicle through wheel bearings, which form a crucial part of the wheel hub assembly. This assembly bears the weight of the vehicle while enabling the tires to rotate smoothly with minimal friction.
Each wheel is equipped with its own set of steel ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. If one of these bearings fails, a mechanic will need to disassemble the hub assembly to replace it. In some instances, the bearing is inseparable from the hub assembly, necessitating the replacement of the entire wheel hub assembly.
How do I know if my wheel bearing is bad?
The common symptoms of a faulty wheel bearing include:
- Vehicle pulls to one side:As the bearing deteriorates, you may observe the car pulling to one side intermittently while driving.
- Steering wheel vibrates:If the wheel bearing is defective, you may experience shaking in the steering wheel, particularly during acceleration. This can result in difficulty steering.
- Unusual noises from the wheels: If you detect a grinding noise, clunking, scraping, groaning, or growling sound, it indicates that your wheel bearings warrant inspection.
- Uneven tire wear: If the wheel bearing is faulty and it induces wheel wobbling, you may observe uneven tire wear on the wheel's tread.
- ABS light comes on: A damaged wheel bearing can cause the wheel speed sensor to illuminate, even if the anti-lock brake system doesn’t engage.
- Wheel hub movement: Observe the wheel hub as someone drives your vehicle slowly. If you notice the hub moving up and down or in and out, it's an indication that the bearing is faulty.
- Loose handling: A worn wheel bearing can cause a sensation of loose handling or reduced control while driving your car. If you notice the vehicle feels loose or sloppy, it's advisable to schedule an inspection promptly.
How often should a wheel bearing be replaced?
Wheel bearings typically last a long time, especially if you don’t regularly drive on rough terrain. Typically, you only replace a wheel bearing when it starts failing.
Can I replace my wheel bearings myself?
If you have intermediate DIY auto repair skills and aim to save on labor costs, you might consider replacing the wheel bearings yourself.
Keep in mind that specialized tools are required for this task. If you don’t have access to a well-equipped garage, you may want to entrust the job to professionals.
FAQs
You should avoid driving if you suspect the bearing is faulty, as it can compromise your ability to control the vehicle. Most experts advise getting the bearing replaced promptly after noticing symptoms of a bad wheel bearing.
Lack of lubrication, wear and tear (especially from rough handling), and contamination from elements like water, dirt, or sand, can all contribute to the deterioration of a wheel bearing.
Yes, it's entirely acceptable to replace only the faulty wheel bearing. However, some mechanics might suggest replacing the opposite wheel bearing as well, as it may also be nearing the end of its lifespan.
