It is not safe to drive with a missing wheel bearing. … Loud Noise Coming from the Tire or Wheel The most common symptom with a bad wheel bearing is a loud noise coming from the tire or wheel of the vehicle. It will sound like metal grinding on metal and will get louder as the vehicle goes faster.

Similarly, How long does a noisy wheel bearing last?

Typically, a wheel bearing should last roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles after it starts making noise. This doesn’t mean you should keep driving since a noisy wheel bearing is always a risk. When your wheel bearings are making noise, it’s a sign that something is not working properly and might fail when you’re driving.

Additionally, How do I know if my wheel bearings are bad 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.

How much does it cost to fix a wheel bearing?

On average, a wheel bearing alone will cost you between $60 – $150, and an entire bearing and hub assembly replacement is around $200 – $400 for each wheel depending on your vehicle type.

How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?

Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $158 and $199 while parts are priced between $139 and $181. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

How do you tell if a wheel bearing is going bad?


Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement

  1. Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. …
  2. Squealing, Growling. …
  3. Clicking Sound. …
  4. Wheel Wobble. …
  5. ABS Failure. …
  6. Uneven Tire Wear. …
  7. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. …
  8. Steering Wheel Vibration.

What does a bad ball bearing sound like?

Most people describe a bad wheel bearing as making a growling or rumbling noise (the sound is often mistaken for worn tires). Also, in some cases, a bad bearing may make a high-pitched grinding or squealing sound. In either case, the frequency of the sound will correspond to the rotation of the tires.

What does a bad wheel bearing sound like on a car?

Most people describe a bad wheel bearing as making a growling or rumbling noise (the sound is often mistaken for worn tires). Also, in some cases, a bad bearing may make a high-pitched grinding or squealing sound. In either case, the frequency of the sound will correspond to the rotation of the tires.

Are wheel bearings expensive UK?

According to our research, a wheel bearing replacement cost in the UK ranges between £172 and £350. On average, the cost of a wheel bearing replacement works out at £210.

Can I replace a 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. … Be sure to obtain your vehicle’s service manual and identify the type of wheel bearing your vehicle is equipped with before you begin the repair.

Are wheel bearings cheap?

As for the rear wheel bearings, they will be a tad cheaper to replace but this will of course depend on the car make and model. The cost of a complete rear wheel bearing replacement will be somewhere in area of $240 to $460. Parts will on average be between $100 and $180. The labor costs will be around $140 to $280.

How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?

How long does it take to replace Wheel Bearings? Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.

Are wheel bearings hard to replace?

Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.

How can you tell the difference between bad CV joints and bad wheel bearings?

Often, a bad CV axle will make a clicking noise when steering the car left or right. A bad bearing makes an intermittent roaring noise, until it fails catastrophically. CV joints clunk or make louder noises on tight turns. Wheel bearings get louder with speed.

What can causes a loud humming noise while driving?

If your car makes a humming noise, it could mean the differential needs lubricant, the transmission is failing or the universal joints or wheel bearings are wearing out. … Don’t let the noises continue without having an expert take a look at your vehicle.

What are the symptoms of a bad ball joint?


What’s a ball joint?


A quick refresher

  • Clunky or squeaky noises.
  • Drifting to the side.
  • Loose or shaky steering.
  • Uneven tyre wear.

What makes a roaring sound when driving?

What’s happening: You probably have a leak or crack in your exhaust system’s manifold. The roaring you hear is excess engine noise that would normally get silenced by the muffler. When your exhaust system fails, all of your engine’s sound waves and vibrations get channeled into the car. Cause for concern?

How do you diagnose a wheel bearing noise?

Wheel bearing noises become louder with speed. That is one of the best ways to tell whether the noise is coming from the wheel bearing or if it’s originating in/around the engine. RPM induced noises can be diagnosed while the vehicle is static. Speed-dependent noises usually indicate tire or wheel hub problems.

Can you fail MOT on wheel bearing?

04 Wheel bearing

Wheel bearings, when they fail, can lead to an accident. … However, the garage will be able to catch it early by checking for play in the wheel.

Should I replace both wheel bearings?

Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it’s logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.

Is it hard to replace a wheel bearing?

Is it easy to replace a wheel bearing at home? Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.

Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?

If your car or truck has a non-serviceable wheel hub assembly with press in bearings, you will need a shop press to remove and replace the bearings. If your car or truck has non-serviceable wheel hubs, simply remove the old wheel hub and replace it with a new part.

How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing on a car?

Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.