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Wheel Bearing Replacement

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Wheel bearing replacement involves removing the worn wheel bearing and hub assembly and installing a new one. Wheel bearings allow the wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. A failing bearing produces a humming or growling noise that increases with speed, and can cause play in the wheel, uneven tire wear, and ABS malfunctions.

Estimated time: 2-4 hours

Cost Breakdown

DIY (Parts Only)

$75 - $300

Professional Shop

$250 - $600

Prices vary by location, vehicle make/model, and shop rates.

Tools Needed

  • Socket wrench set
  • Torque wrench
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Breaker bar
  • Bearing puller or press (for press-in bearings)
  • Impact wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Loosen the axle nut (if applicable) while the vehicle is on the ground with the brakes applied. Raise the vehicle on jack stands and remove the wheel.

2

Remove the brake caliper, caliper bracket, and rotor to access the hub and bearing assembly.

3

Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector if equipped.

4

For bolt-in hub assemblies: remove the hub mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle and pull the hub assembly out. For press-in bearings: the knuckle must be removed and the bearing pressed out using a hydraulic press.

5

Clean the mounting surface on the knuckle and apply anti-seize to prevent future corrosion.

6

Install the new bearing or hub assembly, torque all mounting bolts to specification, and reconnect the ABS sensor.

7

Reinstall the rotor, caliper bracket, caliper, and wheel. Torque the axle nut to specification if applicable.

8

Lower the vehicle and test drive, listening for the absence of the humming noise and verifying ABS function.

Tips & Warnings

  • Identify the bad bearing by driving and listening — the noise typically gets louder when turning away from the bad side (loading the bad bearing).
  • Bolt-in hub assemblies are significantly easier to replace than press-in bearings. Check which type your vehicle uses before starting.
  • A failing wheel bearing can trigger ABS and traction control warning lights due to erratic speed sensor readings.
  • Never reuse the axle nut on vehicles that use a torque-to-yield axle nut — always install a new one.

Related OBD-II Codes

C0035Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit MalfunctionC0040Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit MalfunctionC0050Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Related Recalls

Recommended Parts & Tools

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