Should I replace all 4 wheel bearings at once?

In short: you usually don’t replace all four wheel bearings at once; you replace only the ones that are worn unless multiple bearings are near the end of their life or you want to plan for long-term reliability and convenience.

Understanding wheel bearings and how they fail

Wheel bearings support the weight of the vehicle while allowing the wheels to spin with minimal friction. In many modern cars, bearings are housed in sealed hub assemblies, sometimes with the ABS sensor integrated. Common failure signs include a rhythmic hum or grinding that changes with speed, noticeable wheel play when you push the wheel, uneven tire wear, or ABS warning codes. If you hear or feel any of these, have the bearing inspected promptly, as continued operation can worsen damage to the hub, axle, or rotor.

Should you replace just one or all four?

Deciding whether to replace a single bearing or all four hinges on wear status, budget, and how you plan to use the car. Here are common scenarios and considerations:

• Multiple bearings show wear or are close to the end of their service life; replacing all four can prevent future labor charges and ensure evenly matched performance.


• You intend to keep the vehicle for many more miles; addressing all bearings now may offer long-term reliability and reduce the chance of repeat visits.


• You’re already removing hubs for other suspension or steering work; batching the job on one visit can save labor time and costs.


• All-wheel-drive or symmetric handling concerns: replacing bearings on all four wheels can help maintain consistent performance across axles.


• Budget constraints or the condition of the other bearings: if only one bearing is failing right now, a shop may recommend replacing just that one, with a plan to monitor the others.

Bottom line: the decision should weigh current wear, known remaining life of the other bearings, and total cost of future service. A mechanic can inspect all bearings, measure play, and provide a clear plan with upfront quotes for single versus full-set replacement.

Costs, parts, and logistics

Prices vary by vehicle type and region, and whether the bearing is a separate, serviceable unit or part of a sealed hub assembly. In many modern cars, the bearing is replaced as part of a hub assembly, which can influence both price and labor time. Labor for wheel bearing work is typically in the 1–2 hour range per wheel, with parts costs ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars per wheel. As a rough guide, replacing one wheel’s bearing can run from a few hundred dollars to close to a thousand when parts and labor are combined; replacing all four can significantly increase the total, but some shops offer a bundled price for a full-set replacement. Always request a detailed, itemized quote that separates parts, labor, and any additional charges (like ABS sensor servicing or wheel alignment).

What affects price

Several factors influence the cost, including whether the vehicle uses a serviceable bearing or a sealed hub, the difficulty of accessing the hubs, regional labor rates, and any associated parts (like brake components or ABS sensor work) that might be recommended during the job.

What to ask your mechanic

Before proceeding, consider asking these questions to ensure you understand the scope and cost:

• Is the quotation for a single wheel or all four?


• Does my vehicle use a hub assembly or a serviceable bearing?


• Will the service include ABS recalibration or sensor replacement?


• Should other front-end or suspension components be inspected or replaced at the same time?


• What warranty is offered on parts and labor?

Clear, itemized quotes help you compare options and plan for both safety and budget.

Summary

Wheel bearings are critical for safe and smooth driving. In most cases, you replace only the bearings that are worn; replacing all four at once is reasonable when multiple bearings are near the end of their life, you plan to keep the car long-term, or you want to minimize future labor visits. Costs vary widely by vehicle type and region, and many modern cars use hub assemblies that affect both price and procedure. Consult with a trusted mechanic—ideally with a comprehensive inspection of all bearings—and request a transparent quote that outlines the cost for single versus full-set replacement.

Do all wheel bearings go bad at the same time?

No, not all wheel bearings go bad at the same time, although it's possible they can fail around the same time due to similar wear and tear. However, a failure in one bearing does not automatically mean the others are about to fail, as each one is a separate component. Often, the outer bearings will fail first because they are exposed to more potholes and curbs. 
This video explains why you should replace wheel bearings individually: 42sBCA Bearings by NTNYouTube · Jan 9, 2020
Why bearings don't always fail simultaneously

• Separate components: Each wheel bearing is an independent part and is not directly affected by the failure of another. 
• Uneven wear: The side of the car that is more exposed to road hazards like potholes, curbs, and standing water (often the passenger side in countries with right-hand traffic) will experience more wear and tear on its bearing. 
• Different conditions: Even with the same mileage, individual bearings can be affected by different conditions, such as impacts, contamination, or improper alignment, leading to varied lifespans. 

When bearings might fail together

• Similar age and mileage: If both bearings have the same mileage and have been subjected to similar driving conditions, it is more likely that they will fail around the same time. 
• Underlying issues: A widespread problem, such as a manufacturing defect or a severe impact that damages all wheel bearings simultaneously, could cause multiple failures at once. 

How much is it to replace all four wheel bearings?

The total cost to replace four wheel bearings typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,400, with a single wheel bearing replacement averaging around $350. The final price depends on vehicle make and model, labor rates, and whether a single bearing or a hub assembly is replaced. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: $100 to $300 per bearing (or more for hub assemblies), with a total range of $400 to $1,200 for four bearings.
• Labor: $150 to $800 per wheel for professional installation. 

Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury or foreign cars may have higher part and labor costs. 
• Type of bearing: Traditional, pressed-on, or hub-style bearings will affect labor time and cost. 
• Labor rates: Costs can vary significantly between different shops and locations. 
• Additional parts: If the ABS sensor or other related components are damaged, the cost will increase. 

What to expect

• A single bearing replacement can cost between $250 and $1,100. 
• Replacing all four can range from approximately $1,000 to $4,400. 
• It's best to get a quote from a mechanic for an accurate estimate for your specific vehicle. 

Should you change both wheel bearings at the same time?

Yes -- as a strong rule of thumb, replace wheel bearings in pairs (both sides of the same axle). Replacing only one side creates a mix of new and worn components that accelerates wear, can cause uneven preload or binding, and increases the chance of having to do the job twice.

Is it okay to replace only one wheel bearing?

Yes, you can replace just one wheel bearing, as each bearing is affected by its own individual stresses and impacts. It is not necessary to replace a wheel bearing on one side of a vehicle just because the other side needs one. 
When to replace only one

• When a single bearing shows signs of failure, such as noise or play, replace only that one.
• If a specific incident, like hitting a curb, damaged a single wheel, only the affected bearing likely needs to be replaced. 

When to consider replacing both

• If both bearings have high mileage and are showing similar wear, it may be cost-effective to replace both at the same time, especially if you're paying a shop for labor.
• If one bearing has failed due to age and wear, the other bearing on the same axle is likely also nearing the end of its life. 

Key considerations

• Cost and convenience: Replacing both simultaneously can save on labor costs and prevent you from having to do the same job again soon. 
• Condition: The decision depends heavily on the condition of the other bearing. If it feels solid and smooth, there is no immediate need to replace it.