How much should a wheel bearing job cost?
Wheel bearings are a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, ensuring smooth wheel rotation and supporting the weight of your car. If you're hearing a humming or grinding noise while driving, it might be time to replace your wheel bearings. But how much should you expect to pay for this repair? Let’s break it down.
Factors That Influence the Cost of a Wheel Bearing Job
The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here are the primary considerations:
- Type of Vehicle: Luxury or high-performance vehicles often have more expensive parts and labor costs compared to standard vehicles.
- Location: Labor rates differ by region. For example, urban areas with higher costs of living may charge more for repairs.
- Type of Wheel Bearing: Some vehicles use a hub assembly, which is more expensive to replace than a standard wheel bearing.
- Labor Intensity: The complexity of accessing the wheel bearing can affect labor costs. Front-wheel-drive vehicles, for instance, may require more disassembly.
Average Cost of a Wheel Bearing Replacement
On average, the cost of a wheel bearing replacement ranges between $150 and $800 per wheel. Here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses:
- Parts: The cost of the wheel bearing itself can range from $50 to $300, depending on the type and brand.
- Labor: Labor costs typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the complexity of the job and the hourly rate of the mechanic.
For example, replacing a wheel bearing on a standard sedan might cost around $250 to $400, while a luxury SUV could cost upwards of $700 or more.
Signs You Need a Wheel Bearing Replacement
It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of a failing wheel bearing to avoid further damage to your vehicle. Common signs include:
- A humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the wheels.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body.
- Increased play or looseness in the wheels.
Can You Save Money on a Wheel Bearing Job?
While it’s tempting to look for ways to save money, wheel bearing replacement is a job best left to professionals due to the precision and tools required. However, you can reduce costs by:
- Comparing quotes from multiple repair shops.
- Purchasing the parts yourself (if allowed by the shop).
- Scheduling regular maintenance to catch issues early.
Conclusion
Replacing a wheel bearing is an essential repair that ensures your vehicle’s safety and performance. While the cost can vary, understanding the factors involved and recognizing the signs of a failing bearing can help you plan for the expense. At Kevin’s Autos, we pride ourselves on providing reliable and affordable auto repair services. If you suspect an issue with your wheel bearings, don’t hesitate to contact us for a professional inspection and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should it cost to change a wheel bearing?
Average cost to replace a wheel bearing
The overall average of what we found was between $300 and $500. This is the cost for a mechanic to make it happen, not the cost of the part itself. For part pricing, it is better to search online using your exact year, make, and model. Or connect with your local auto parts store.
Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing?
Driving with a worn or damaged wheel bearing is not safe. Here are some reasons why: Increased Risk of Failure: A bad wheel bearing can lead to complete failure, which may cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. This can result in a loss of control and a serious accident.
Is fixing a wheel bearing a big job?
On a modern vehicle, a wheel bearing replacement can be a moderately difficult job, requiring a bearing press tool. If it's an older vehicle using a typical spindle and brake hub-mounted bearing set, it should be done with each rotor/drum replacement.
How long does it take a mechanic to fix a wheel bearing?
The time taken to replace a wheel bearing is also slightly different depending on whether the bearing is on the front or rear wheel. A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes around 90 minutes, whereas a rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average just under 1 hour.
