How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on a Lexus RX350?

Replacing a wheel bearing hub assembly on a Lexus RX350 typically runs about $400 to $900 per wheel in the United States, depending on factors like front vs rear position, AWD vs FWD, and labor rates.

Wheel bearing work involves removing the wheel, brake components, and drive axle parts, and may include the ABS sensor. Costs cover both parts and labor, and can vary widely by model year and shop location. This article explains current pricing, what drives the price, and ways to save.

What drives the price

Several factors determine the final bill when replacing a wheel bearing on a RX350. Here are the main ones to consider.

• Parts choice: hub assembly versus bearing kit. RX350 hubs are often sold as a full hub assembly with the bearing; aftermarket hubs are typically cheaper than OEM Lexus parts, with front hubs generally more expensive than rear hubs.


• Front vs rear: Front-wheel bearing/hub replacements tend to cost more due to hub size and the braking/driving setup; rear bearings are usually less expensive but still substantial.


• Drivetrain configuration: AWD models can add labor time and complexity, sometimes raising the price compared with FWD models.


• ABS sensor and wiring: Some hub assemblies include an ABS sensor; if not, sensor replacement or wiring work adds part and labor costs.


• Labor time and regional rates: Typical labor hours per wheel range from about 1.5 to 3 hours; shop rates vary by region, often from $80 to $150 per hour, affecting the total even with identical parts.


• Additional services: Rotor resurfacing or replacement, brake pad service, or alignment adjustments can increase the total cost if performed at the same time.

Prices vary widely, but the major drivers are parts cost, labor time, and whether the job is on the front or rear axle, plus AWD involvement. Knowing your RX350's drivetrain and getting multiple quotes helps you budget accurately.

Typical price ranges by scenario

To give you a practical sense of what you might pay, here are typical installed price ranges per wheel for common RX350 configurations.

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly (AWD RX350): parts roughly $180–$600; labor about $150–$400; total installed $330–$1,000.


• Front wheel bearing hub assembly (FWD RX350): parts roughly $140–$350; labor about $140–$350; total installed $280–$700.


• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly (RX350, any drive): parts roughly $120–$260; labor about $150–$350; total installed $270–$610.


• ABS sensor replacement (if needed and separate): parts roughly $40–$80; labor about $40–$100; total $80–$180.


• Optional brake-related services (rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake pad work) may add $50–$200 in parts and $50–$150 in labor.

These ranges reflect typical U.S. shop pricing in 2024–2025 and can vary by region and whether you go through a dealership or an independent shop. Getting several quotes helps ensure you’re getting a fair price.

Ways to save on wheel bearing replacement

To keep costs down, consider these practical steps before and during the repair.

• Shop around and request written estimates from multiple independent shops and dealers to compare parts and labor.


• Balance OEM versus reputable aftermarket hub assemblies. Aftermarket hubs can be 20–40% cheaper while still offering reliable performance; verify compatibility with your RX350 and ABS system.


• Clarify what is included in the price: just the hub or hub plus sensor, plus any potential rotor/brake work or alignment.


• Ask about bundled services or promotions that may reduce overall labor if you need brake work or an alignment anyway.


• Consider whether a nearby independent shop offers a warranty on parts and labor, which can provide long-term value even if the upfront cost is similar.

In practice, planning ahead, getting a detailed, itemized estimate, and choosing a reputable shop with clear warranties helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re paying for quality work.

Summary

Replacing a wheel bearing hub on a Lexus RX350 is a mid-to-high-cost repair driven by front-versus-rear location, AWD involvement, part type (OEM vs aftermarket), and labor rates. Installed per-wheel prices typically range from about $300 to $1,000 in the United States, with AWD front-wheel jobs at the higher end. Always obtain multiple quotes, confirm exactly what is included, and consider future maintenance needs (brakes, alignment) when budgeting for this service.

How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on a Lexus RX 350?

The cost to replace a Lexus RX 350 wheel bearing ranges from approximately $700 to $1,100 for a professional job, with the parts costing around $150 to $300 and labor making up the rest. The final price depends on the specific year of your RX 350, which wheel needs replacing, and whether you are replacing the hub assembly or just the bearing. 
This video explains the average cost of replacing a wheel bearing: 59scar PROblemsYouTube · Feb 22, 2024
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the wheel bearing, depending on the brand and whether it's a hub assembly. Some dealerships may have a higher MSRP, like around $150-$175, but the final price is set by the dealer and can vary. 
• Labor: Labor costs typically range from $150 to $800, and this is often the largest portion of the total cost. Some online quotes suggest labor costs could be around $860 for a job that also includes part costs. 
• Total: The total cost for a single wheel bearing replacement can range from approximately $700 to $1,100. For example, one estimate for a 2018 RX350 was over $870, while another quoted over $1450 for both rear wheel bearings. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Year and model: Costs can vary based on the year of your Lexus RX 350. 
• Wheel location: Replacing a front or rear wheel bearing may have different costs due to labor. 
• Part type: If a full hub assembly is needed instead of just a bearing, this can affect the final price. 
• Labor rate: The final price depends heavily on the hourly labor rate of the shop or dealership, which is why getting multiple quotes is recommended. 
• Dealership vs. independent shop: Dealerships often have higher labor rates than independent mechanics, which can significantly increase the final cost. 
• DIY: If you're a skilled DIYer, buying the parts yourself and doing the replacement will be the cheapest option, but this requires the right tools and technical knowledge. 

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.

What is the most common problem with Lexus RX 350?

The most common problem with the Lexus RX 350 is a massive oil leak, specifically from the VVT-i oil line, which can lead to rapid oil loss and potential engine failure, especially in older models like the 2010. Other frequent issues include faulty rain sensors, especially in newer models, resulting in wipers that malfunction randomly. Older model years (2007 and 2010) also show a tendency for airbag warning lights and transmission problems, while some 2016 models experienced rough shifting and transmission issues.
 
This video discusses the 2013 Lexus RX 350's common problems, including oil leaks and other issues: 55scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 26, 2022
Engine and oil leaks 

• VVT-i oil line leak: This is a recurring issue, particularly in older models like the 2010, where the oil line can burst, causing significant oil loss and potential engine damage if not addressed immediately. 
• Check Engine light: This can be triggered by various engine issues, including problems with the variable valve timing system. 

Electrical and sensor problems 

• Rain sensor malfunction: Both older and newer models have reported issues with the rain-sensing wipers not functioning correctly or stopping randomly. 
• Airbag warning light: This has been reported across several model years, often linked to codes B0111 and B0116 due to issues like faulty sensors or a depleted airbag backup battery. 
• Infotainment system issues: Problems like malfunctioning touchscreens, unresponsive climate controls, and other glitches have been reported, particularly in recent years. 

Transmission and drivetrain issues

• Rough shifting: Some models, such as the 2016, have been reported to have delayed gear shifts and a lack of smoothness.
• Transmission failure: In the 2016 model year, transmission problems were significant enough to cause concerns about long-term reliability. 

Other potential problems

• Spontaneously shattering sunroofs: Though rare, this has been reported in some model years and is a significant safety concern. 
• Body integrity issues: Some older models, such as the 2010, have experienced body-related issues like rattling doors. 
• Steering mechanism leaks: These can be costly to repair. 

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.