When to replace wheel bearings in Silverado?
The wheel bearings in a Silverado should be replaced when they show wear or damage, not on a fixed mileage schedule. Typical indicators include grinding or rumbling noises, wheel looseness, ABS or stability-control warning lights, vibration at speed, or unusual hub heat. There is no universal replacement interval; real-world failures often appear somewhere around 80,000 to 150,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Technicians commonly replace bearings in pairs on the same axle, and costs vary widely by year, part type, and labor rates.
Understanding when to replace wheel bearings involves recognizing symptoms, confirming wear through inspection, and knowing what to expect in terms of parts and costs. This article outlines the signs, diagnostic steps, model-year considerations for Silverado trucks, and practical tips to extend bearing life.
Symptoms that signal replacement
Common noises and indicators
Before you jump to conclusions, note that several issues can mimic wheel bearing wear. But the following symptoms strongly point to bearing problems when paired with appropriate diagnostics:
- Grinding, rumbling, or whirring noises that grow louder with speed, especially when turning
- Visible wheel play or looseness when the wheel is inspected or rocked on a lift
- ABS or stability-control warning lights or wheel-speed sensor faults
- Vibration or shuddering at highway speeds
- Uneven tire wear, cupping, or heat coming from the hub area
- Grease leakage or a deteriorated hub seal
Concluding: If you notice these signs, have the bearings inspected promptly. Driving with a failing bearing can lead to progressive failure and safety risks.
Inspection and timing considerations
Diagnostic approach
To determine whether replacement is needed, technicians typically combine hands-on checks with diagnostic tools:
- Visual and tactile inspection of the hub for damage, corrosion, or leakage
- Wheel looseness test and play assessment with the wheel off the ground
- Spinning the wheel to listen for roughness or noise and to feel for binding
- Measuring hub runout with a dial indicator if available
- Scanning for ABS wheel-speed sensor codes and inspecting the tone ring
- Determining whether the issue is isolated to one side or affects both sides
- Considering replacement in pairs to maintain balanced loading and handling
Concluding: Replacement decisions hinge on confirmed wear or damage, not solely on age or mileage. If runout exceeds specification or diagnostics indicate a failing bearing, plan replacement promptly.
What to expect in terms of replacement options and cost
Cost and part considerations
Prices vary by Silverado generation, part configuration, and labor rates. Here’s a general outline:
- Parts: Wheel hub assemblies with integrated bearings typically cost about $100 to $600 per wheel, depending on year and whether a full hub assembly is required. Some older models use serviceable bearings, which can be cheaper but require more labor.
- Labor: Labor time commonly ranges from about 1.5 to 4 hours per axle, influenced by access, whether hub assembly replacement is straightforward, and whether alignment is needed.
- Replacement approach: Many technicians replace both front hubs if noise is present on both sides or if mileage is high; replacing a single side is common if only one bearing shows wear.
- Warranty: Parts typically carry a 1–3 year warranty; labor warranties vary by shop or dealer.
Concluding: Total per-axle costs can span from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, largely depending on part choice (hub assembly vs. separate bearing), whether alignment is required, and regional labor rates. It’s wise to obtain quotes for both hub-and-bearing packages and for bearings alone.
Special notes for Silverado generations
Generation-specific considerations
Different Silverado generations use different hub designs, so part type and service procedure vary by year:
- Older models (pre-2007 GMT400/GMT800) often use serviceable bearings with separate races and seals, which can require more labor and precision during replacement
- Most 2007–2019 Silverado 1500 models use hub assemblies with integrated bearings; replacement typically involves swapping the whole hub unit
- 2019 and newer designs maintain the hub-assembly approach on many trims, with variations between 4x4 and 2WD configurations and different bed/axle setups
Concluding: Verify the exact hub design and torque specifications for your specific year and trim before purchasing parts or starting work.
Maintenance tips to extend bearing life
Best practices for longevity
While wear is inevitable with mileage and use, these practices can help extend bearing life and reduce the likelihood of premature replacement:
- Avoid pothole and curb impacts; inspect wheels and tires for damage after rough roads
- Use the correct parts for your model (hub assemblies vs. serviceable bearings) and follow torque specs precisely
- Maintain proper axle nut torque and wheel lug torque to prevent preload or looseness
- Keep suspension components in good condition to reduce abnormal loads on the bearings
- Address braking system issues promptly to prevent uneven loading and heat buildup around the hub
Concluding: Regular inspections, cautious driving, and correct installation practices can help maximize wheel bearing life.
Summary
Wheel bearings on a Silverado do not have a fixed replacement interval. Replace them when symptoms or diagnostic results indicate wear or damage, with common signs including noise, play, ABS lights, vibration, or hub overheating. Diagnosis should be performed by a qualified technician. Replacement frequently involves hub assemblies and is often done on both sides to maintain balanced handling. Costs vary widely by model year, part configuration, and labor rates, typically ranging from a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars per axle. Regular maintenance and careful driving can help extend bearing life and delay replacement.
How long do Silverado wheel bearings last?
How long does a wheel bearing last? Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles).
How do I know if my wheel bearings are bad on my Silverado?
Common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing in a Silverado include a humming, grinding, or clicking noise from the wheel area, vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, and the ABS or traction control warning light coming on. Other signs are uneven tire wear, a loose or wobbly wheel when the vehicle is jacked up, and the vehicle pulling to one side.
Auditory symptoms
- Humming, grinding, or growling: A noise that typically starts as a low hum and becomes louder with speed.
- Clicking or popping: A noise that may occur when turning.
- Noise variation: The sound may get louder when turning or disappear at certain speeds, then reappear.
Tactile and visual symptoms
- Vibrations: You may feel vibrations through the steering wheel or the entire vehicle that get worse with speed.
- Loose or wobbly wheel: A wheel that feels loose or wobbles when you shake it while the vehicle is off the ground.
- Uneven tire wear: The tire shows uneven wear on the tread because the wheel is not tracking straight.
Vehicle control symptoms
- Steering wheel pulling: The steering wheel pulls to one side.
- Steering problems: Steering feels less responsive or requires more effort than usual.
- Braking issues: The vehicle may pull to one side when braking, or braking may feel less effective.
Dashboard warning lights
- ABS or traction control light: This warning light is a common early indicator of a failing wheel bearing, as the sensors are affected.
What to do if you suspect a bad wheel bearing
- Do not drive: Driving with a bad wheel bearing is dangerous and can lead to a wheel detaching.
- Get it inspected: Have a professional inspect the wheel bearings as soon as possible to prevent further damage or a potential accident.
How do I know if my wheel bearing needs replacing?
You can tell if wheel bearings need replacing by listening for noises like grinding, humming, or clicking, or by checking for a loose or wobbly wheel. To confirm, safely lift the vehicle and check for play by wiggling the wheel; if there's any looseness, the bearing likely needs replacement.
This video demonstrates how to check for wheel bearing play: 27sWay of the WrenchYouTube · Mar 25, 2021
Signs of a bad wheel bearing
- Unusual noises: Listen for humming, grinding, growling, or clicking sounds that may get louder as you drive or turn.
- Wheel wobble or vibration: The car may feel loose, and the wheel could noticeably wobble or vibrate while driving, especially during turns.
- Pulling to one side: The vehicle may pull to one side, which can happen as the bad bearing creates uneven wear and pressure.
- Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for uneven wear patterns, which can indicate a problem with the wheel bearing.
How to perform a physical check
- Safely lift the vehicle: Jack up the car and secure it with a jack stand so the wheel is off the ground.
- Check for play: Grip the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions (top and bottom) and try to shake it. If you feel any side-to-side play or movement, the bearing may be bad.
- Spin the wheel: While the wheel is off the ground, spin it by hand. Listen for any rumbling or grinding noises. A bad bearing will often sound like it has pebbles inside it and the noise will increase with speed.
- Compare with other wheels: If the car is safe to drive, you can also drive at a low speed and gently steer from side to side. The noise may become louder when you steer in one direction, indicating the bearing is on the opposite side.
You can watch this video to learn how to check for a bad wheel bearing: 57sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 14, 2023
What to do next
- Don't ignore it: A failing wheel bearing can lead to the wheel separating from the vehicle, which is extremely dangerous.
- See a professional: If you suspect a bad wheel bearing, have a mechanic inspect it. They can confirm the diagnosis and replace the bearing for you.
- Check lug nuts: Before assuming it's a bad bearing, make sure the wheel's lug nuts are tight, as a loose lug nut can cause similar symptoms.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on a Silverado?
The cost to replace a Chevy Silverado wheel bearing typically ranges from $384 to $937, but can vary significantly based on your truck's year, model, and location. Professional labor costs are a significant factor, ranging from approximately $100 to $300 or more per wheel, and parts can range from around $60 to over $200 per bearing, depending on quality.
Cost breakdown
- Parts: Expect to pay between $60 and $250 or more for the replacement part itself, depending on the quality and brand of the wheel bearing.
- Labor: Labor can add between $100 and $300 or more to the total cost, depending on the complexity of the job and your location.
- Total: The total estimated cost is often between $384 and $937, but can go higher.
- Example 1 (2014 Silverado 1500): A mechanic might estimate around $800, including $500 for the part and $300 for labor.
- Example 2 (2016 Silverado 1500): A shop might charge between $648 and $937 for the service.
Factors that influence the cost
- Front vs. Rear: Replacing a front wheel bearing is often less expensive than a rear one because rear wheel bearings can require more complex disassembly of the suspension.
- Year and Model: The year, model, and specific options of your Silverado will affect both the cost of the part and the labor time required for replacement.
- Location: Labor rates can vary significantly depending on where you live.
- Shop Type: The cost may differ between a dealership and an independent mechanic. Dealerships often use official parts and have higher labor rates, while independent shops might offer more competitive pricing with aftermarket parts.
How to get an accurate estimate
- Use resources like Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) to get a fair price range for your specific truck's year, model, and style.
- Contact local shops and dealerships for an accurate quote based on the part and labor needed for your vehicle.
