Are bearings expensive to fix?

Bearings are an essential component in many mechanical systems, but the cost of repairing or replacing them can vary significantly. In general, the expense of fixing bearings depends on factors such as the type of bearing, the complexity of the repair, and the specific application.

Understanding Bearings and Their Importance

Bearings are devices that support and facilitate the smooth rotation or linear motion of a shaft, wheel, or other moving part. They are found in a wide range of equipment, from household appliances to industrial machinery. Proper bearing maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of these systems.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Bearing Repairs

The cost of bearing repairs can be influenced by several factors:

• Bearing Type: Different types of bearings, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, or plain bearings, have varying complexity and cost of repair or replacement.


• Bearing Size and Complexity: Larger or more specialized bearings, such as those used in heavy machinery, tend to be more expensive to repair or replace.


• Accessibility and Labor: The ease of accessing and removing the bearing, as well as the labor required for the repair, can significantly impact the overall cost.


• Replacement Parts: The cost of new or replacement bearing components, such as the inner and outer races, rolling elements, and seals, can vary depending on the bearing type and the supplier.


• Downtime and Lost Productivity: In some cases, the indirect costs associated with equipment downtime and lost productivity during the repair process can be a significant factor.

It's important to note that the cost of bearing repairs can range from relatively inexpensive, such as for a simple household appliance, to quite substantial, as in the case of large industrial equipment.

Strategies for Minimizing Bearing Repair Costs

To help manage the cost of bearing repairs, there are several strategies that can be employed:

• Preventive Maintenance: Regularly inspecting and maintaining bearings can help extend their lifespan and prevent more costly repairs down the line.


• Proper Bearing Selection: Choosing the right type and size of bearing for the application can help ensure optimal performance and minimize the risk of premature failure.


• Timely Repairs: Addressing bearing issues as soon as they are detected can prevent further damage and more extensive (and expensive) repairs.


• Exploring Repair Options: In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to have a bearing repaired rather than replaced, depending on the specific situation.


• Seeking Professional Advice: Consulting with a qualified technician or engineer can help identify the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for bearing repairs.

By understanding the factors that influence the cost of bearing repairs and implementing proactive maintenance strategies, you can help minimize the financial impact of maintaining your mechanical systems.

How much should it cost to replace bearings?

The cost to replace a single wheel bearing generally ranges from $150 to $1,100, with a national average of around $350. The total price depends on factors like the vehicle's make and model, whether it's a front or rear bearing, and if the entire wheel hub and sensor need to be replaced. Labor typically makes up the majority of the cost, ranging from $150 to $800, while parts usually cost between $100 and $300. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: $100 to $300
• Labor: $150 to $800, depending on the complexity of the job
• Total Average: $150 to $1,100 per bearing 

Factors that affect the cost

• Vehicle type: Luxury or performance vehicles will often have higher costs. 
• Bearing location: Rear wheel bearings can be more expensive, especially on models with sealed hubs. 
• Type of bearing: Some vehicles require the entire wheel hub assembly to be replaced instead of a simple bearing, which increases part costs. 
• Labor rates: The cost of labor can vary depending on your location and the specific shop. 
• Specialized tools: Some bearings require specialized tools and a more complex procedure for replacement, which can increase labor costs. 

Why it's important to replace a bad bearing

• Safety: A failing bearing can cause a wheel to lock up suddenly, which is extremely dangerous. 
• Prevent further damage: Continued driving with a bad bearing can lead to damage to other expensive parts, such as the suspension, brakes, and steering. 
• Performance issues: A bad bearing can cause uneven tire wear and affect your vehicle's handling and braking. 

Is fixing a wheel bearing a big job?

If you are the least bit mechanically inclined replacing a wheel bearing is a fairly easy job. I watched a YouTube video on how to to it and replaced mine in about an hour. You can even ``rent'' any tools that you need from Advanced Auto.

Can you drive with a damaged bearing?

No, you should not drive with bad bearings, as it is very dangerous and can lead to a catastrophic failure, such as the wheel separating from the car while you are driving. While you may be able to drive short distances at very low speeds, it's best to avoid driving altogether and get the car fixed as soon as possible. 
This video explains the dangers of driving with bad wheel bearings and potential consequences: 50sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 6, 2023
Dangers of driving with bad bearings

• Wheel separation: The most severe risk is that the bearing will seize, melt, or break, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle, especially at high speeds, according to Extreme Auto Repair, AutoZone.com, SKF Vehicle Aftermarket, and Quora. 
• Loss of control: If a bearing fails, it can cause a loss of control or steering problems, potentially leading to a serious accident. 
• Further damage: Driving with a bad bearing can cause additional damage to other components, such as the hub, axle, or transmission, which will result in more expensive repairs down the road. 

This video demonstrates what a bad wheel bearing sounds like and how to identify which wheel is affected: 58sEasy FixYouTube · Apr 16, 2020
What to do if you have bad bearings

• Drive only if absolutely necessary: If you must drive, do so at the slowest possible speed and avoid long distances or high speeds. 
• Minimize driving: It's best to arrange for the vehicle to be towed to a mechanic. 
• Listen to your car: Pay attention to the noises (like grinding or humming) and changes in steering that indicate a problem. These are the first signs of a failing bearing. 

You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022

Does AutoZone do wheel bearings?

AutoZone has you covered with a wide variety of wheel bearing and wheel seals. Maybe you need a wheel bearing and hub assembly - we carry that too. Every product is custom-fit to slide perfectly into your specific wheel make and size.