How much does it cost to replace all 4 wheel bearings?

Replacing all four wheel bearings typically costs between $1,400 and $3,600 in the United States, with most repairs falling in the mid-range. The final price depends on the vehicle, whether you’re installing hub assemblies or bearings alone, and the local labor rate. This is a rough guide to what you can expect when planning the service.

Wheel bearings are critical to a car’s smooth operation, and prices vary widely depending on the car’s design, the type of replacement parts chosen, and the shop’s labor rates. In many modern vehicles, the bearing comes preassembled as a hub assembly, which can simplify the repair but raise part costs. The total bill typically includes parts, labor, possible brake work, and, in some cases, an alignment.

What determines the overall price

Prices are driven by several main factors. The following list identifies the most influential variables that affect the total cost when replacing all four bearings.

• Vehicle type and configuration: front-wheel vs. rear-wheel bearings, and whether the car uses hub assemblies or individual bearings


• Parts choice: aftermarket vs. OEM parts, and whether you replace bearings alone or install hub assemblies


• Labor time and regional labor rates: some areas charge more per hour, and certain vehicles take longer to service


• Additional components or services: brake inspection, axle seals, or potential brake work may add to the bill


• Shop policies and disposal fees: some shops include disposal or environmental fees, and others quote them separately

Understanding these factors helps explain why estimates can vary significantly from one shop to another, even for the same car.

Cost ranges for replacing all four wheel bearings

The following ranges reflect common scenarios across a broad set of vehicles in the United States as of 2024–2025. Actual prices will depend on your car and your location.

• Hub assemblies on all four wheels (the most common setup for modern cars): about $350–$900 per wheel; total roughly $1,400–$3,600


• Bearings replaced individually (bearing kits without hub assemblies on all four wheels): about $250–$450 per wheel; total roughly $1,000–$1,800


• Luxury or high-performance vehicles, or shops in high-cost areas: per-wheel cost can exceed $900, pushing four-wheel totals toward $3,600–$4,500 or more

These ranges assume typical labor rates and do not include optional items such as wheel alignment, which is often recommended after replacing hub assemblies, or unexpected complications that can extend the job time.

What to expect during the service

Most wheel bearing replacements involve lifting the vehicle, removing the wheel and brake components, extracting the worn bearing or hub, and installing the new part followed by reassembling the brake components. If a wheel alignment is advised, it will be performed after the repair to ensure proper steering geometry and tire wear. Expect a diagnostic check to rule out related issues, such as worn brakes or ABS sensor problems, which can influence the final cost.

Ways to save on the replacement

To keep costs reasonable while ensuring quality, consider these strategies before you authorize the work.

• Get multiple, itemized quotes from independent shops and franchise outlets to compare parts and labor


• Ask whether the price includes hub assemblies or bearings only, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts will be used


• Inquire about an alignment and possible brake inspection as part of the service


• Check for any available promotions, warranties on parts, or maintenance plans

Being an informed shopper can help you avoid surprises and ensure you’re paying for reliable, appropriately configured parts.

What to do next

If you suspect worn wheel bearings—noticeable grinding, humming, or looseness when driving—schedule a diagnostic with a trusted mechanic. Request an itemized estimate for all four wheels, clarify whether hub assemblies or bearings are being used, and confirm any additional services (alignment, brakes, sensors) included in the price. If you’re unsure about the necessity of replacing all four, ask whether replacing bearings on a single axle is sufficient and whether the shop recommends doing both axles for even wear.

Summary

Replacing all four wheel bearings is a substantial repair with a wide price range that depends on vehicle design, parts choice, and labor rates. Typical total costs span roughly $1,400 to $3,600, with higher prices possible on luxury vehicles or in high-cost regions. To get the best value, obtain multiple, detailed quotes, confirm exactly what parts are used, and consider the potential need for an alignment or additional brake work. A well-documented estimate and clear explanations from the shop will help you make an informed decision.

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 much does a garage charge to change a wheel bearing?

Additionally, labour costs for installation may vary depending on the mechanic you choose. As a rough estimate, the price for a single wheel bearing can range from £150 to £250. However, this is only an approximate range, and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

How many hours does it take to replace a wheel bearing?

Changing a wheel bearing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours for a professional mechanic, but can take much longer for a DIYer, especially if it's the first time or if the old bearing is rusted in place. Factors like vehicle type, bearing location, the condition of the old bearing, and the tools and experience of the person doing the work all play a big role. 
Factors that influence the time

• Skill level: An experienced mechanic with all the right tools can do the job in under an hour, while a novice will likely take much longer as they learn the process. 
• Vehicle type:
  • Front bearings: Can take longer, especially on 4WD vehicles that may require removing a steering knuckle. 
  • Rear bearings: Are often faster to replace if the bearing is not pressed into a hub. 
• Condition of the old bearing: If the bearing is severely rusted or broken into pieces, it will take significantly more time to remove and clean the area before installing the new one. 
• Tools: Having the proper tools, such as a lift and air tools, can significantly speed up the process. A mechanic's "book time" (the standard time estimated for a repair) is usually around 1.5 to 3 hours, but this assumes they have all the necessary equipment. 

What to expect for different situations

• Professional mechanic (with all tools): 1 to 3 hours. 
• DIYer (with limited tools and experience): Potentially 4 hours or more, especially if complications arise, according to this Reddit thread and Bimmerforums.com users. 
• Rear wheel bearings (without complications): Can be as fast as 15-45 minutes for someone experienced. 

Can I drive with bad wheel bearings?

No, it is not safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing because it can lead to a catastrophic accident, such as the wheel falling off, loss of steering control, or a complete seizure of the wheel. Driving on a bad wheel bearing, even for a short distance, is highly discouraged due to the severe safety risk to yourself and others. It's best to have the vehicle inspected and the bearing replaced as soon as possible. 
Why you should not drive with bad wheel bearings 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022

• Risk of wheel detachment: A bad bearing can fail completely, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving, leading to a catastrophic accident. 
• Loss of control: A failing bearing can cause sudden and unexpected issues, such as the wheel locking up or a loss of steering and control. 
• Damage to other components: Driving with a bad bearing can cause further damage to other parts of the car, including the hub, shaft, and transmission, resulting in more expensive repairs later on. 
• Safety hazard: The malfunction can create extreme heat from friction, potentially leading to a fire. 

What to do instead
This video shows how to test a wheel bearing: 47sEasy FixYouTube · Apr 16, 2020

• Do not drive: Avoid driving the vehicle altogether until the bearing is replaced. 
• Get it fixed: Schedule an inspection with a mechanic to replace the bad wheel bearing as soon as you can. 
• If you must drive a short distance: If it is absolutely unavoidable, drive at a very slow speed, avoid highways, and only go a very short distance to the nearest repair shop.