Wheel bearings are an important part of a vehicle’s suspension system. They allow the wheels to spin freely while supporting the weight of the vehicle. But like any mechanical component, wheel bearings will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. So how long do wheel bearings typically last before failing?
What are wheel bearings?
Wheel bearings are sets of steel balls or tapered rollers held together by a metal ring called a race. They are contained in a metal housing that is installed into the wheel hub. The bearings allow the wheel to spin with minimal friction. Inner and outer bearings work together to support the weight of the vehicle while reducing friction from the spinning motion.
Wheel bearing types
There are several different types of wheel bearings in use today:
- Ball bearings – Use steel ball bearings between an inner and outer race. Require occasional lubrication.
- Tapered roller bearings – Use roller bearings and require periodic adjustment and re-packing with grease.
- Magnetic bearings – Levitate the wheel hub magnetically. Require no lubrication and minimal maintenance.
- Ceramic bearings – Use ceramic rather than steel balls. Generate less friction but are more expensive.
Most passenger vehicles use sealed ball or tapered roller bearings that are lubricated for life and require no maintenance. High-performance cars may use ceramic bearings for less friction.
What causes wheel bearings to wear out?
There are several factors that contribute to wheel bearing wear:
- Mileage – The further a vehicle is driven, the more wear and tear is placed on the bearings. Mileage is the primary determinant of bearing life.
- Driving conditions – Frequent hard cornering, potholes, gravel roads, etc. can cause accelerated wear.
- Vehicle weight – Heavier vehicles place more stress on bearings, wearing them faster.
- Driving habits – Aggressive acceleration and braking generates more bearing friction.
- Lack of lubrication – Insufficient or infrequent lubrication shortens bearing life.
- Manufacturing defects – Rarely, premature failure can be caused by improper bearing installation or a defect.
Typical wheel bearing lifespan
Most automotive experts agree that you can expect a wheel bearing to last somewhere between 100,000-150,000 miles in normal driving conditions. However, there are many variables that can shorten or extend that lifespan.
Factors that reduce wheel bearing lifespan
- Frequent short trips under 10 miles
- Stop-and-go city driving
- Towing or frequently carrying heavy loads
- Aggressive driving and cornering
- Pothole-ridden roads
- Dirt or gravel road driving
- Worn suspension components
- Lack of scheduled lubrication (if required)
Factors that increase wheel bearing lifespan
- Highway driving
- Light vehicle weight
- Smooth, paved roads
- Conservative cornering and braking
- Regularly scheduled maintenance
- Ceramic bearings (in high-performance vehicles)
With optimal conditions, you may be able to get up to 200,000 miles or more out of a wheel bearing. But for most drivers, sticking to a standard 100,000-150,000 mile replacement schedule is recommended.
Symptoms of a failing wheel bearing
Catching problems early allows for repair before catastrophic failure. Watch for these key signs of a worn wheel bearing:
- Noise – Whirring, humming and rumbling sounds that increase with vehicle speed.
- Vibration – Shaking in the steering wheel or driver’s seat, especially at highway speeds.
- Looseness – Excess play when rocking the tire from side to side.
- Dragging – Resistance or slow rotation when spinning the wheel by hand.
- Fluid leakage – Grease or oil around the wheel hub indicates seal wear.
- Overheating wheel hub – Excessive heat indicates friction and resistance.
Address any unusual noise, vibration or resistance coming from a wheel. It likely indicates wear and the need for impending replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
Wheel bearing replacement costs will vary depending on:
- Whether just one or both bearings need replacement
- If other suspension components like hubs or seals need replacement
- The labor rates of your repair shop
- Your vehicle make, model and year
However, on average you can expect to pay somewhere between $150-$400 per wheel to replace a bearing. Labor will account for a large portion of that cost. Here are some examples:
| Repair | Parts Cost | Estimated Labor | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace one front bearing on compact car | $65 | $150 | $215 |
| Replace both front bearings on SUV | $140 | $240 | $380 |
| Replace two rear bearings on pickup truck | $180 | $220 | $400 |
These are rough estimates only. Get a shop quote tailored to your specific vehicle for the most accurate cost.
Can you drive with a bad wheel bearing?
Technically you can continue driving for awhile with minor wheel bearing damage. But it’s not recommended. As the bearing wears further, risk of complete failure rises. Driving too long on a bad bearing can lead to:
- Total bearing seizure, causing the wheel to lock up while driving
- Wheel detachment from the vehicle
- Loss of steering or handling control
- Brake failure
- Damaged axle or hub components
These situations increase the chance of a crash. So while you may be able to limp a short distance to the repair shop, extensive driving with a confirmed bad bearing is hazardous.
Can you replace just one wheel bearing?
If only one wheel bearing is bad, some technicians say you can get away with replacing just that one. However, it’s strongly recommended to always replace both bearings as a pair on the same axle. Here’s why:
- The bad bearing indicates high mileage, age or wear. The other side is likely close behind.
- Replacing one greatly increases the workload on the remaining original bearing.
- If one side failed, the other side has been operating in the same conditions.
- The cost of a second bearing is low compared to labor costs.
- You don’t want to take the vehicle back apart again soon to do the other side.
In some rare instances only replacing one bearing is acceptable. But in most cases, plan to replace both bearings as preventive maintenance.
Steps to replacing a wheel bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is not a DIY job for the average car owner. Proper tools and know-how are required. But at a high level, here are the steps involved:
- Lift the vehicle and remove the tire and wheel.
- Remove brake caliper and rotor.
- Disconnect all wheel speed sensor wiring.
- Unbolt any suspension components to access the wheel hub assembly.
- Remove the hub, taking care not to damage the axle shaft.
- Secure the hub in a vice and press out the old bearing.
- Thoroughly clean and inspect all components.
- Pack new wheel bearings with high quality grease.
- Press in the new bearings until fully seated.
- Reinstall the hub assembly and all other components.
- Connect sensors, install rotor and caliper, and remount the tire.
- Verify proper operation before driving.
Sometimes bearing replacement will also require replacement of seals, hub assemblies, axle nuts, etc. This is dependent on the vehicle and extent of wear.
Preventing premature wheel bearing failure
You can maximize wheel bearing lifespan by:
- Driving smoothly and avoiding potholes/curbs
- Maintaining proper wheel alignment
- Keeping tires balanced with no vibrations
- Carrying reasonable loads
- Regularly servicing suspension components
- Promptly diagnosing and resolving any bearing noise or vibration
- Adhering to manufacturer maintenance schedules
While total bearing life is largely dependent on driving mileage and conditions, practicing good driving and maintenance habits will help bearings last to their expected lifespan.
Conclusion
Most wheel bearings are built to last 100,000-150,000 miles. But factors like driving style, loading, and road conditions can shorten or extend that lifespan. Watch for noise, looseness or vibrations indicating wear. If deterioration is caught early, bearings can be replaced before catastrophic failure occurs. And be sure to replace in pairs to prevent uneven wear or premature failure of the remaining bearing. With prompt diagnosis and proper service, wheel bearings should last through their intended mileage life.
