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A wheel-bearing replacement cost is a price of the part and the labor to replace it. The average cost of a replacement bearing can vary by vehicle, but most are priced in the $250 range when using an average installation rate of $100. For example, if you have to change one on your Mercedes or BMW, this would be an expensive repair service; whereas for a Chevy Cavalier or Toyota Yaris, this same repair is relatively inexpensive.
Wheel bearings play a vital role in transferring engine power to axles which in turn provide steering and control input. Bearing replacement service may include the removal and installation of bearings, as well as all the parts that go into their proper order.
Usually, wheel bearing replacement cost is the cost of the part, not labor or shop labor. Labor adds to this cost; however, it can be difficult to determine whether these additional costs are necessary. However, this is easier to do if you have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic who is also familiar with your particular make and model car. Some people think when they hear a car will “need” a new wheel assembly that it will be more expensive than replacing just a part. However, this is not always the case and depends on the vehicle and which part needs to be replaced.
The wheel bearings are located on the axle shafts of your vehicle. These bearings transfer power from the transmission to your wheels by using a metal sleeve that sits within it. This metal bearing also helps support your wheels and makes sure they are in proper alignment. The cost of replacing a wheel bearing is usually based on the year, make, model, and type of car or truck you have as well as if you have a rear or front-wheel drive. Wheel bearing replacement costs can vary greatly depending on all these factors because different cars have different types of parts and sometimes require special tools in order to replace them properly.
Some of the most common signs that automobiles expert share to your bearings are in need of a replacement include:
Noise while your car or truck is in motion. This noise is caused by the bearings becoming worn out, making them unable to properly support the weight of the vehicle axles. This will result in that part wearing out prematurely and you need to replace it.
Springs and shocks on all four wheels are worn out or damaged, requiring new ones. Springs help support a vehicle’s weight while allowing it to move freely, while shocks dampen this movement so the springs don’t become overworked or damaged.
When driving, if your steering wheel shakes as you have not properly aligned your tires/wheels.
How Much Does A Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?
Costs can vary greatly but you can use an estimate as a general ballpark price. If you don’t feel comfortable doing your own research, pay a professional mechanic to do it for you. Now, the cost of replacing wheel bearings varies widely depending on the make and model car or truck you have and its year of manufacture.
For example, if you have a Toyota Yaris, this car’s wheel bearings would be relatively cheap because it was made in 2004; whereas if your car or truck is from 2011 or 2012 and made by Mercedes, expect to pay more for this part than what is required for the cost of labor alone.
Based on the cost of buying a new bearing for your vehicle, there can be many different variables in the price, such as if you have a rear-wheel drive or a front-wheel-drive vehicle. In addition, the type of metal that is used for the bearing will also dictate its cost. The most common metal used is steel because it is both durable and cheap to replace; however certain vehicles use aluminum. The cost of replacing a wheel bearing with an aluminum one can be more expensive because they are traditionally made with more expensive metal and require additional parts to install correctly.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Tool Kit
At Pep Boys, we don’t overcharge for wheel bearing replacement costs or for labor. We work hard to provide our customers with accurate information regarding the replacement parts and labor that are required for wheel bearing replacement costs. Our certified technicians also are familiar with the specific vehicles and make/models that a customer brings in to us, as well as the cars within a brand. This allows us to help customers choose the right products and services they need. We can help you find the right wheel bearings at an affordable price so you get what you pay for; we also offer free shipping on most orders over $50.
What Tool Do I Need To Remove A Wheel Bearing?
Generally, you will need to have a wheel bearing removal tool to remove the wheel bearing from your vehicle. This tool is what gives you more leverage and allows you to access your wheel bearings without having to remove them from the hub. Different vehicles use special tools and different types of hubs, but all the same basic tools are used.
How Do I Use The Hub Assembly Removal Tool?
The hub assembly removal tool is used to remove your wheel bearings. The tool has small Allen bolt-like tools on each end that are inserted into the hub. These tools are used to press on the metal sleeve within the hub, which releases it from the bearing. In most cases, this tool is also what gives you more leverage to remove your wheel bearings while they are still in the car or truck’s hubs. If a hub removal tool hasn’t been designed for your vehicle or if it doesn’t fit correctly; you should use a larger one that will work for your particular make and model vehicle.
How Do I Install A Wheel Bearing?
You will probably need to have a wheel bearing installation tool so that you can install your bearings properly. The hub assembly installation tool is usually made of steel and has small Allen bolt-like tools on each end. These tools are inserted into the hub and are used to push the aluminum sleeve within the hub back against the bearing. The hub assembly installation tool is designed so that it pushes back firmly against the bearing, allowing you to align them correctly and make sure they are in place securely.
How Do I Install A Wheel Bearing In A Different Car or Truck?
If you are replacing a wheel bearing on a different car or truck, you will need to use the proper hub assembly installation tool. These tools are designed specifically with the correct penetrating skills so that they can be inserted into the correct hub. They may also come with other types of parts depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The hubs may need to be removed from the vehicle before you can install them back into their respective vehicles again; this is why you really need a hub installation tool when doing wheel-bearing replacement costs.
Is It Safe To Drive With Wheel Bearing Noise?
The simple answer is no. If you continue to drive a vehicle that has any type of wheel-bearing noise, chances are you will have very expensive damage to your car or truck. You may also experience some other issues if you are driving with squeaking or galloping sounds coming from the front end of your vehicle. Both of these noises can be caused by worn-out wheel bearings, which can cause damage to the other parts of your vehicle if they aren’t replaced in a timely manner. If a wheel bearing goes out and you continue driving, your tires may also wear out prematurely because they aren’t properly supporting your weight and movement.
Can I Drive With A Wheel Bearing Problem?
Depending on the type of damage and how severe it is, you may be able to drive with a problem wheel bearing for a short period of time. However, even minor damage can cause your entire vehicle to seize up in the long run if you don’t catch it early. The noise from your squeaking or galloping wheel bearings can also be a safety concern to other drivers on the road if it is loud enough. You may want to bring your vehicle in for repair as soon as possible so that you can be safe and take care of your vehicle’s suspension system.
Wheel Bearing Noise Diagnosis
If you hear a loud clunking or squeaking noise coming from your vehicle and it seems to be coming from the front end, there is a good chance that you have a problem with a wheel bearing. There are certain noises that are normal for your vehicle, but if the noise starts off quiet and gets loud and annoying, you probably have a problem. Not only is having wheel bearings replaced generally not too expensive, but it can save you the money of having to pay for hub repairs or even an entirely new hub assembly. If you are hearing any of these noises coming from your car or truck’s front end, it is important that you bring it in for repair as soon as possible.
Do The Wheel Bearings Need To Be Replaced Every Time?
Not every time that you have a problem wheel bearing, you will need to replace it. If the bearing has more than 75% of its original life left, it may just need to be serviced. Some people choose to wait until their bearings go completely bad before they decide to get them repaired or replaced, but this can be dangerous for your vehicle. Instead of having your wheel bearings replaced every time that you have a problem with them and risk more damage from the squeaking or galloping sounds that they make, it is best to get them replaced as soon as you notice the noise coming from your car or truck’s front end.
