How much are wheel bearings for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Wheel bearing prices for a Subaru Crosstrek typically range from about $60 to $350 per hub, depending on whether you choose aftermarket or OEM parts and whether you need the front or rear hub. Labor costs are extra.

What wheel bearings are and why they matter

Wheel bearings (often sold as wheel hub assemblies) allow the wheels to spin with minimal friction while supporting the vehicle’s weight. On a Crosstrek, front and rear hubs can include the bearing and the ABS sensor, and replacing them typically requires mounting a new hub assembly. Prices vary by position (front vs rear) and by brand (OEM Subaru vs aftermarket).

Current price ranges for Crosstrek wheel bearings

Prices are listed by position and brand to reflect common market options as of 2024–2025. Actual prices can vary by retailer, region, and whether you buy a full hub assembly or just the bearing.

Front wheel bearings

• Aftermarket front hub assemblies: typically $60–$180 per hub


• OEM Subaru front hub assemblies: typically $180–$350 per hub


• Labor to replace one front hub: roughly $100–$200 per wheel on average (varies by shop and region)

Front hub replacements are common and often more expensive than rear replacements when buying OEM parts, due to dual ABS sensor integration and higher demand in some Crosstrek model years.

Rear wheel bearings

• Aftermarket rear hub assemblies: typically $50–$190 per hub


• OEM Subaru rear hub assemblies: typically $150–$260 per hub


• Labor to replace one rear hub: roughly $100–$200 per wheel on average

Rear hub options tend to be cheaper on aftermarket parts, but OEM rear hubs can still be costlier, depending on the part number and vehicle generation.

Other cost factors to consider

Several factors influence the final price you’ll pay beyond the base hub cost.

• Shop location and labor rates: urban shops tend to charge more than rural ones.


• Part choice: aftermarket vs OEM; some Crosstreks may require specific ABS sensor variants.


• Whether you need a full hub assembly or just a replacement bearing race: most customers benefit from a full hub assembly for long-term reliability.


• Warranty and return policies: some brands offer longer warranties on hub assemblies than others.

Always confirm whether the quote includes the ABS sensor, if applicable, and whether the price is per wheel or per axle.

Buying and installation tips

To get the best price and a reliable repair, consider these tips when shopping for Crosstrek wheel bearings.

• Compare multiple retailers (OEM Subaru parts, major auto parts chains, and reputable online suppliers) to confirm current pricing.


• Check compatibility for your exact Crosstrek model year and trim; some early 2013–2017 models use different hub part numbers than later 2018–2024 models.


• Ask if the quote is for a full hub assembly or just the bearing; full hubs are generally easier and more reliable to install.


• Inquire about bundled pricing if you’re replacing both front or both rear hubs at the same time.


• Balance replacement with potential related wear items (rotors, pads, CV joints) if you’re already paying for labor on one side.

Professional installation is recommended for hub assemblies due to ABS sensor alignment and wheel alignment considerations after replacement.

Summary

For a Subaru Crosstrek, expect to pay roughly $60–$180 per front hub (aftermarket) or $180–$350 per front hub (OEM), and $50–$190 per rear hub (aftermarket) or $150–$260 per rear hub (OEM). Labor generally adds about $100–$200 per wheel, depending on location and shop. Prices vary by model year, part type (hub assembly vs bearing alone), and retailer, so shopping around and confirming compatibility is essential. Plan for a professional installation to ensure ABS sensors and alignment are properly handled.

Is it worth fixing a wheel bearing?

If you're just driving around town, the risk might not feel urgent, but it's still a gamble. The bearing could fail at any time, and if it causes more damage, the repair could end up costing a lot more in both time and money.

How long do wheel bearings last on a Subaru Crosstrek?

Typically, there is no maintenance required for your Subaru wheel bearings, but a replacement is usually needed after 100,000 miles of driving.

How do I know if my Subaru wheel bearings are bad?

Common Subaru wheel bearing symptoms include loud humming, grinding, or clicking noises that change with speed or turning, vibrations felt in the steering wheel or cabin, loose steering or pulling to one side, and uneven tire wear. The ABS light may also illuminate if the bearing's excess play damages the wheel speed sensor. 
Auditory symptoms

• Humming or grinding: A common sign is a loud, rhythmic humming or grinding noise that intensifies with speed. 
• Clicking or popping: You may hear a clicking or popping sound, especially when turning. 
• Noise changes with turns: The noise often gets louder when turning in one direction and quieter when turning the other, as weight shifts to one wheel. 

Driving and handling symptoms

• Vibrations: A vibrating or shaking sensation in the steering wheel or the car's body, particularly at higher speeds. 
• Pulling: The vehicle may pull to one side, especially when braking. 
• Loose steering: The steering may feel loose, with unusual play when you turn the wheel. 
• Wobbling: The wheel might wobble or feel loose. 

Other symptoms

• Uneven tire wear: Look for abnormal or uneven wear patterns on your tires, as this is a key indicator. 
• ABS light: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light can come on if the bearing's failure causes the wheel speed sensor to malfunction. 
• Decreased handling: Overall handling performance may feel decreased, making the car feel less stable during turns. 

Can I still drive with a bad wheel bearing?

No, it is not safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing. While it may seem okay at first, a failing wheel bearing can lead to a wheel completely breaking off, loss of control, and further, more expensive damage to other parts of the vehicle. You should only drive the shortest possible distance to the nearest repair shop.
 
Risks of driving with a bad wheel bearing 
This video explains how a bad wheel bearing can affect your vehicle: 50sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 6, 2023

• Catastrophic wheel failure: In the worst-case scenario, the bearing can completely fail, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. 
• Loss of control: A failing bearing can lead to steering issues, vibrations, and pulling to one side, all of which reduce your control over the vehicle. 
• Accidents: The combination of steering problems and the risk of a wheel coming off can easily lead to a serious accident, even at low speeds. 
• Damage to other components: Continuing to drive can cause collateral damage to other parts like the hub, axle, CV joint, and transmission, increasing repair costs. 
• Uneven tire wear: A bad bearing can cause your tires to wear unevenly and faster than they should. 

This video demonstrates the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022
What to do instead

• Drive only to the nearest repair shop: If absolutely necessary, drive very slowly for the shortest possible distance to get it fixed. 
• Avoid the highway: Stay off high-speed roads to minimize the risk and potential for a severe accident. 
• Get it replaced immediately: A bad wheel bearing is a critical safety issue that needs professional attention as soon as possible.