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      Your concern might be complex to diagnose and may require additional equipment to pinpoint the cause. In this case, you'll receive Digital Inspection results plus a quote to perform deeper diagnostic/test procedures.
      Home / Symptoms / Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost
      The wheel bearing replacement cost changes if you want to just replace the wheel bearing or go after a long-lasting fix so you car don't have wheel bearing issues soon enough
      If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, clickYes

      Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost: Symptoms, and DIY Guide

      Wheel bearing replacement cost

      The average cost of replacing a wheel bearing for non-luxury vehicle brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford is typically between $160 and $240, depending on the vehicle model.

      The prices are different for higher-end vehicles like performance cars and luxury SUVs. For example, a wheel bearing replacement on a 2024 Mercedes C43 AMG can cost around $500- $600.

      What are the costs of changing the wheel bearing?

      A wheel bearing replacement uses resources and labor from professional sites with expensive tools and machines. All of that changes the cost of replacing the part. Let’s discuss these in more detail:

      • The labor rate: Labor rates change between professionals (ASE technicians charge more than rookie mechanics) and wage differences for areas.

      • The shop’s neighborhood/area: The area will determine the replacement cost. For example, Santa Barbara in California has prices different from Albuquerque in New Mexico; this could be due to lease rates, cost of living, etc.

      • Vehicle type: European brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc., have different prices for replacing wheel bearings. For example, an Audi A4 wheel bearing replacement can typically start at $350 and go above $400.

      Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

      Do you hear a humming or grinding noise while driving, especially at higher speeds?

      A bad wheel bearing often produces a growling or grinding noise that gets louder with speed.

       

      Does the noise change when you turn the steering wheel?

      If the noise gets worse or disappears when turning, it’s a common sign of a worn wheel bearing.

       

      Do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or floor while driving?

      A failing bearing can cause wheel instability, leading to noticeable vibrations.

       

      Have you noticed uneven tire wear or tires wearing out faster than usual?

      A loose or wobbly wheel from a bad bearing can cause uneven tire wear.

       

      Does your car pull slightly to one side while driving or braking?

      A failing bearing can cause slight misalignment, making the car drift or pull.

       

      Have you noticed an ABS warning light on your dashboard?

      Many modern cars have ABS sensors integrated into the wheel bearing, and a failing bearing can trigger the warning light.

      What is a wheel bearing?

      A wheel bearing is a crucial component that allows your wheels to spin smoothly with minimal friction. It consists of a set of steel balls or rollers enclosed in a metal ring and is located inside the wheel hub.

       

      What are the different types of wheel bearing noises?

      A failing wheel bearing can produce various noises, including:

      • Humming or growling – Most noticeable when driving at higher speeds.

      • Grinding – A rough, metallic sound that gets worse when turning.

      • Clicking or snapping – Can happen while turning or accelerating.

      • Whining – Often mistaken for tire or transmission noise.

       

      Can a bad wheel bearing cause tire damage?

      Yes! A bad wheel bearing can cause uneven tire wear because it affects wheel alignment and stability. Over time, this can lead to premature tire failure.

       

      Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing?

      No, it's not safe. A failing wheel bearing can cause wheel instability, increased braking distance, and even complete wheel detachment in extreme cases. It’s best to replace it as soon as possible.

       

      How do you check for a bad wheel bearing?

      You can check for a failing wheel bearing by:

      • Listening for noises – A growling or grinding sound while driving.

      • Wiggling the wheel – Jack up the car, grab the tire at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, and rock it back and forth. Excessive play may indicate a bad bearing.

      • Feeling for vibrations – A failing bearing can cause steering wheel vibration, especially at higher speeds.

      • Checking for heat – After driving, carefully touch the wheel hub. If it’s unusually hot, the bearing may be failing.

       

      What tools are needed for wheel bearing replacement?

      Common tools include:

      • Jack and jack stands

      • Lug wrench

      • Socket set

      • Torque wrench

      • Hammer

      • Pry bar

      • Bearing puller (if necessary)

      • Grease (if using a serviceable bearing)

       

      What is the difference between a wheel bearing and a hub assembly?

      • Wheel bearing – Just the bearing itself, which may be pressed into the hub.

      • Hub assembly – A complete unit that includes the wheel bearing, hub, and sometimes ABS sensors, making it easier to replace.

       

      Can a bad wheel bearing affect alignment?

      Yes, a worn wheel bearing can cause wheel wobble, which may lead to misalignment. However, a bad wheel bearing itself does not directly affect alignment settings.

       

      How often should wheel bearings be replaced?

      Most wheel bearings last between 85,000 to 100,000 miles, but this varies based on driving conditions. If you hear unusual noises or experience wheel play, inspect them immediately.

       

      What are the signs of a failing wheel bearing on a specific car brand?

      Symptoms are generally the same across all brands, but some cars may have more frequent failures due to design. For example:

      • Honda Accord – Humming noise gets louder with speed.

      • Ford F-150 – More noticeable grinding when turning.

      • Toyota Camry – ABS light may come on due to bearing failure affecting the sensor.

       

      Can a bad wheel bearing cause ABS problems?

      Yes. Many modern vehicles have ABS sensors integrated into the wheel hub. A failing bearing can cause erratic ABS function or trigger the ABS warning light.

       

      Are there more costs to consider besides common replacement costs?

      Yes, the common replacement costs are expected in any wheel bearing replacement. But you might get a better-specialized service, depending on what you want to achieve with your vehicle.

      Here are the possible types of service you can get.

      • “Just” a fix: This means you just need the wheel bearing replacement and nothing else. The downside is that you might not discover what caused the wheel bearing to go bad in the first place. So, let’s assume there’s a problem somewhere else in your car that’s forcing the wheel bearing to wear down faster. In this situation, replacing it won’t solve the issue; it might just make you return to the shop shortly to replace the bearing again. Going with this type of service probably won’t have extra costs besides the common ones at first. But it may mean you’ll spend way more than expected if the wheel bearing keeps wearing out faster.

      • Long-lasting fix: This means you want to permanently fix your vehicle and understand what might be wrong with it. So, you want to investigate if there’s an issue causing your wheel bearing to wear down faster than expected. You’re willing to spend more money to cover extra processes that ensure your car runs safely and reliably.

      Costs of a long-lasting wheel bearing fix 

      In addition to the common replacement costs, a long-lasting replacement has more factors that change the final price. Here’s what you can initially expect:

      • Suspension and drivetrain system inspection: A suspension and drivetrain system inspection usually costs below $200. This is an investigation of the suspension and drivetrain system components that involves the labor of service advisors and mechanics.

      • Component replacements: The inspection might indicate worn and affected components that require replacement. This depends on the specific condition of the vehicle.

      • Other system repairs: The shop might find other malfunctioning systems affected by the problem that require replacements and/or computer reprogramming. For example, replacing parts of the brake and steering systems that are worn out due to bad wheel bearings can cost north of $1,000.

      Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing

      A bad wheel bearing will make itself noticed. As the car drives, the wheels will make noises, act oddly, and you’ll feel the car driving differently from what it used to be. After all, the wheels use the wheel bearing for stabilization and rotation, and they depend on a good wheel bearing to roll nicely.

      • Humming or growling noise – Gets louder as speed increases.

      • Grinding sound – Especially noticeable when turning.

      • Whining or howling – Varies with speed and direction.

      • Uneven tire wear – Caused by excessive wheel movement.

      • Steering wheel vibration – Feels shaky, especially at higher speeds.

      • Loose or wandering steering – Feels like you’re not in full control.

      • Clunking noise – Can happen when going over bumps.

      • ABS warning light – Some vehicles have sensors in the wheel bearing.

      • Wheel wobble – Excessive play in the wheel.

      • Excessive heat near the wheel – Can indicate friction from a failing bearing.

      What’s at risk with a faulty wheel bearing?

      Some other car parts that work together with the wheel bearing will suffer. Here are some of these parts and how much they might add to the repair cost if the wheel bearing isn’t dealt with quickly:

      • Wheel hub assembly – $150 to $500

      • CV axle – $200 to $600

      • Steering knuckle – $300 to $800

      • Control arm – $150 to $400

      • Ball joint – $100 to $300

      • Tie rod end – $75 to $250

      • ABS sensor – $100 to $300

      • Brake rotor – $150 to $400

      • Brake caliper – $200 to $600

      • Tires (due to uneven wear) – $400 to $1,000 (set of four)

      You’ll run safety risks if your vehicle keeps driving with a faulty wheel bearing. Here are some unexpected things that can go wrong:

      • Wheel detachment – A severely worn bearing can cause the wheel to come off while driving.
      • Brake failure – Excessive play in the wheel can reduce braking efficiency.
      • Loss of steering control – A bad bearing can make the steering unpredictable or unresponsive.
      • Tire blowout – Uneven wear from a faulty bearing increases the risk of sudden tire failure.
      • ABS malfunction – A failing bearing can disrupt the ABS sensor, reducing braking stability.
      • Increased stopping distance – Unstable wheels can make it harder to stop safely.
      • Heat buildup – Excess friction can cause parts to overheat, leading to potential fire hazards.
      • Suspension damage – Loose wheels put extra stress on suspension components, increasing failure risks.

      Find Professional Help

      Please select your vehicle's brand and location so we can locate the best professional help for you
      If you are a shop owner and sick of business directories that are based on the cost of repair, AutoTechIQ is for you. If your customers receive Digital Inspection results then AutoTechIQ is definitely for you. Check out the certification page or how to rank in your area.

      Pinpoint the Issue

      • Do you hear a humming or grinding noise while driving, especially at higher speeds?

        A bad wheel bearing often produces a growling or grinding noise that gets louder with speed.

         

      • Does the noise change when you turn the steering wheel?

      • Do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or floor while driving?

      • Have you noticed uneven tire wear or tires wearing out faster than usual?

      • Does your car pull slightly to one side while driving or braking?

      • Have you noticed an ABS warning light on your dashboard?

      FAQ on Wheel Bearing Replacement

      • What is a wheel bearing?

        A wheel bearing is a crucial component that allows your wheels to spin smoothly with minimal friction. It consists of a set of steel balls or rollers enclosed in a metal ring and is located inside the wheel hub.

         

      • What are the different types of wheel bearing noises?

      • Can a bad wheel bearing cause tire damage?

      • Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing?

      • How do you check for a bad wheel bearing?

      • What tools are needed for wheel bearing replacement?

      • What is the difference between a wheel bearing and a hub assembly?

      • Can a bad wheel bearing affect alignment?

      • How often should wheel bearings be replaced?

      • What are the signs of a failing wheel bearing on a specific car brand?

      • Can a bad wheel bearing cause ABS problems?

      Typical fixes to address the cause(s)

      These are typical processes and repair services that fix a check engine light issue

      How to get transparent, long-lasting repairs

      If you want to fix the root cause, relying on online price estimates is misleading. Online estimates will only price the specific repair, e.g., the wheel bearing replacement, and they won’t consider whether your vehicle needs an inspection to investigate and deal with the problem as a whole.

      The solution for the root cause of your wheel bearing being damaged is based specifically on your vehicle’s condition. This involves many components and procedures that won’t appear on online estimates because every case has specific needs.

      The best way to get a precise estimate is to seek shops with a “transparency process” to perform a suspension and drivetrain system inspection for you. Their transparency relies on documenting everything about your wheel bearing’s condition and clarifying their findings using edited images and videos they took of your car, explaining their suggestions and quotes.

      Let’s see an example of a suspension and drivetrain system investigation because of a faulty wheel bearing.

      A Transparent, Long-lasting Wheel Bearing Repair Example

      A complete suspension and drivetrain system inspection checks everything about the system’s condition, investigates chronic issues, and checks if all suspension and steering components (wheels, shocks, struts, steering rod, etc.) work as expected.

      For instance, if a shop is requested to do a suspension and drivetrain system inspection due to a faulty wheel bearing, the mechanics will look through each wheel bearing-related component.

      They’ll check every component around and related to the wheel bearing for signs of wear, tear, or leaks to find any clues about damage and excessive wear. The inspection may reveal that various components need replacement and identify the culprit causing extra stress on the wheel bearing.

      What exactly are wheel bearings?

      They are small metal balls that reduce friction as your wheels spin. You’ll find them inside the wheels, specifically inside a circular metal ring called a wheel hub that connects the wheel to the axle.

      Wheel bearings are a smart engineering idea. Basically, if you put a heavy box on top of a few balls, it’ll be easy to push the box, which will roll on top of the balls. Wheel bearings are the balls, and the car is the heavy box. They act as rollers.

      Without wheel bearings, your wheels would grind and drag instead of rolling smoothly. It would be like trying to skate with rusty, jammed-up wheels. That makes wheel bearings one of the most important safety components in the vehicle; they also make driving performance great.

      Is It Worth Changing Wheel Bearings Yourself?

      Changing wheel bearings is not like changing brake pads or an oil filter. It requires special tools, strength, and mechanical knowledge.

      • If your car has a press-in bearing, do not attempt this without a hydraulic press. Many DIYers have damaged their steering knuckles trying to hammer out a bearing.

      • If you install the bearing incorrectly or don’t torque everything properly, the wheel could fail while driving.

      Replacing wheel bearings is not an easy DIY job, especially if you don’t have the right tools or experience. This is a complex and physically demanding task that requires patience and precision.

      • Time-consuming – Even experienced mechanics can take several hours.

      • Physically demanding – You’ll need to remove heavy, rusted, or stuck components.

      • Dangerous – Improper installation can lead to a wheel locking up or detaching while driving.

      If you are not highly confident in your mechanical skills, it’s best to let a professional handle this. 

      How to Check My Wheel Bearing?

      Checking the wheel bearing is a safe enough task to do. You can do some DIY tests to try and see if the bearings are damaged or worn. Here are some of the steps you can take:

      1. Listen for Noises While Driving

      Before even touching your car, pay attention to the sounds your vehicle makes. Bad wheel bearings often produce a humming, grinding, or growling noise that gets louder as you speed up.

      • At low speeds: You may hear a soft hum or rubbing sound.

      • At high speeds: The sound becomes a deep growl, like an airplane taking off.

      • When turning: If the noise gets worse when turning left, the right-side bearing might be bad (and vice versa).

      If you hear rhythmic clicking, knocking, or metal-on-metal sounds, that’s a major red flag.

       

       

      2. The “Wheel Wiggle” Test

      Step 1: Lift the Car Slightly

      • Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

      • Use a jack to lift the suspected wheel just enough so it’s off the ground.

      • Make sure the car is safely supported with jack stands before getting too close.

      Step 2: Try Moving the Wheel

      • Grab the tire with both hands—one at 12 o’clock and the other at 6 o’clock.

      • Try to wiggle the wheel back and forth.

      • Then, do the same with your hands at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock.

      What to look for:

      • A solid wheel = Bearing is likely fine.

      • Excessive movement or looseness = Possible bad wheel bearing or suspension issue.

      • A slight “clunk” sound when pushing the wheel = Bearing might be worn out.

      If the wheel moves too much, do not drive the car until a mechanic checks it out.

       

       

      3. Spin the Wheel and Listen

      Step 1: Rotate the Wheel by Hand

      • With the car safely lifted, grab the tire and spin it with your hand.

      • Listen closely while it spins.

      What to look for:

      • A smooth, quiet spin = Bearing is likely fine.

      • A grinding, rough, or clicking sound = The bearing may be worn or damaged.

      • The wheel slows down quickly = The bearing may be seizing up.

       

       

      4. Check for Uneven Tire Wear

      Bad wheel bearings can cause your wheels to tilt slightly, leading to uneven tire wear.

      What to look for:

      • One side of the tire more worn than the other = Possible wheel bearing issue.

      • Random bald spots or wavy wear patterns = Could be caused by a loose bearing.

      If your tires look uneven, also check if your steering feels loose, shaky, or unstable while driving.

       

       

      5. Feel for Steering Vibration

      While driving:

      • If your steering wheel shakes at certain speeds, it could mean a worn wheel bearing.

      • If the car pulls to one side, that wheel might have a bad bearing affecting its alignment.

      Shaking can also come from unbalanced tires or bad suspension, but combined with noise and rough spinning, it’s a sign to check the bearings.

      The 'Find Shops Providing a DVI' Method

      A shop with transparent inspections commonly does DVIs too, which are free-of-charge visual inspections with the same level of transparency. You can find shops providing a DVI to get the reassurance that any inspection or repair will also be transparent.

      This method focuses on two things:

      • Does the shop have a modern DVI?

      • Does the shop have certifications?

      What’s a DVI? As mentioned earlier, it’s like an annual physical visit to the doctor to assess the body’s vital signs, but for a car instead; most auto repair shops don’t charge to do it.  The DVI regularly creates your vehicle’s “state of health,” explaining its overall condition. 

      The mechanic uses the DVI results to inform the conditions of your vehicle’s systems and the recommendations to get it running reliably. If they find issues, they’ll list them in order of priority.

      A DVI helps with a wheel bearing replacement

      The DVI starts with the mechanic checking vehicle systems (brake caliper, wheel hub, rotors, shocks, struts, etc.) for signs of wear/tear/leaks. They’ll document everything through notes, videos, and pictures.

      Here are some important things about a DVI:

      • It’s a visual inspection: The mechanic looks at the car’s components’ surface, searching for obvious problem signs.

      • It also checks for noises: The mechanic listens to your car's sounds and points out unusual noises.

      • It does not include further testing: A DVI doesn’t mean in-depth tests and investigations; it’s a surface-level report that tells whether a car needs evident repairs or deeper inspections.

      If they spot wheel bearing issues, they’ll take photos of them and edit images and videos to indicate what they found (damages, leaks, components’ locations, etc.). They’ll use arrows, circles, and text to make the images clear and easy to understand.

      Note that the DVI doesn't involve additional testing, so the advisor will be taking notes based on what they see (visual inspection). In the image below, the vehicle went into inspection because it was shaking while driving. The mechanic found out it was because of a loose wheel bearing touching some brake components.

      Bad wheel bearing

      A document with the vehicle’s health status is sent to the customer, with room for questions through online/phone or over-the-counter communication. The customer sees what repair priorities their vehicle has and what should be checked in the near future. 

      In this case, they’ll see a wheel bearing replacement priority. The focus is to educate and help the customer make informed decisions about their car.

      Certifications that help you

      Today’s auto industry has certifications for customer-educational and transparent businesses. For example, the AutoTechIQ certification makes shops that fit into the DVI method stand out on your local map. So you can find the one closest to you.

      The shops with an AutoTechIQ certification typically feature 100+ excellent Google reviews! You can quickly find this certification on a shop’s website or using AutoTechIQ’s “Find a shop” map.