If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. Don’t let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.
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How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing on a BMW?
What’s the cost for wheel bearing replacement on my BMW. For a national average across all vehicles, the average cost to replace the wheel bearings (for 1 wheel) is about $350.
How much should a rear wheel bearing replacement cost?
The Average Cost for Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement is Between $100 and $347, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY. This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model.
Can I replace rear wheel bearing myself?
Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools.
What does it sound like when a rear wheel bearing is going out?
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
How long do BMW 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 long should wheel bearings last in a BMW?
Sealed bearings can last 100,000 miles or more, and will need to be replaced once they go bad. Vehicles with traditional, tapered wheel bearings should have them serviced every 25,000 to 30,000 miles โ replacement may not be necessary as long as they’re maintained.
What happens if a wheel bearing fails while driving?
If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it’s very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
Can a bad wheel bearing affect brakes?
If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This wobble causes the rotor to push the caliper piston into its bore (See Image 2). Now, when you hit the brake pedal, the piston has to travel farther than normal to apply the brakes. This causes a low or spongy brake pedal.
Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?
Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.
How long does it take to change a rear 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.
How long will a humming wheel bearing last?
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last? Although wheel bearings are engineered to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle, they can break and get worn out. Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
How do you check rear wheel bearings?

Can I drive with wheel bearing noise?
Grinding noises or humming noises from your car’s wheel could be connected to a number of different causes, including wheel bearing problemsโespecially if you notice the sound changes in relation to speed. If there is a problem with your wheel bearing, it will be unsafe to drive it.
How do you diagnose a bad wheel bearing while driving?
You can test this by gently swaying your car while driving slowly. If the noise lessens when you sway right, then the damaged bearing is likely on a left wheel bearing. If it lessens when you sway left, a right wheel bearing is likely broken.
Is it OK to replace just one wheel bearing?
The decision to replace both wheel bearings simultaneously is totally up to you. Only replacing the one that failed will save you some money, while replacing them at the same time can potentially save you the hassle of having to return to the repair shop soon.
Is it hard to change wheel bearing?
There are a lot of moving parts in between you at the wheel bearings, so it isn’t easy to replace yourself. Unless you have a lift and a lot of know-how, you’re probably best off taking it to a mechanic.
Can wheel bearings last 200 000 miles?
Standard wheel bearings can last anywhere between 75,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
What causes a wheel bearing to go bad?
Frequently driving through mud, water, or road salt can cause wheel bearing malfunction. Contaminants can get past the seals and enter the bearings, which pollutes the grease and damages the bearings.
How do I know if my wheel hub is bad?
- Snapping, clicking or popping noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
- Grinding noise when the vehicle is moving.
- Knocking or clunking sensation from the vehicle.
- Wheel vibration and/or wobble.
- Poor steering control.
- Shudder, shimmy or vibration at a constant speed.
What does a bad wheel hub sound like?

How long can a bad wheel bearing last?
In cases where you are in an isolated spot and your wheel bearing starts to go bad, you can possibly drive for about 1600 kilometers. Driving to this distance may not cause significant damage to your wheels.
Can bad alignment cause wheel bearing damage?
There are three common causes of bearing failure: impacts, contamination, or improper alignment.
Do wheel bearings affect alignment?
Bad bearings will affect the alignment of your vehicle and the way your car handles. If your tires are wearing through quickly or unevenly, or your car seems to drift around on the road, a wheel bearing or alignment issue is to blame.
What’s the difference between wheel bearing and hub bearing?
A major difference between the two is how they are assembled. Wheel bearings can be taken apart, lubricated and reassembled to be used again. Hub bearings are pre-packed at the manufacturer’s factory and are sold and installed as a complete unit. These cannot be taken apart for re-lubrication but must be replaced.