How Much Does Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?
Expect to pay $170 to $700 at an independent shop for a typical car, and up to $875 at a dealership. A worn wheel bearing makes a humming or growling noise that rises with speed. It is a safety issue if ignored, but a manageable repair if caught early.
- Parts$60–$300
- Labor$110–$400
- Shop time1–2.5 hours
- DIY difficultyIntermediate (3/5)
Estimate your cost
Wheel Bearing Replacement cost by vehicle type
| Vehicle | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact / economy car | $60–$300 | $110–$400 | $170–$700 |
| Midsize sedan / crossover | $70–$345 | $120–$440 | $190–$785 |
| Truck / full-size SUV | $80–$390 | $125–$460 | $205–$850 |
| Luxury / European | $110–$540 | $145–$520 | $250–$1,060 |
Independent shop vs. dealer vs. chain
| Where | Hourly rate | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| Independent shop | $110–$160 | $190–$785 |
| Chain (Midas, Firestone…) | $120–$175 | $200–$825 |
| Dealership | $160–$230 | $245–$980 |
What does it do?
Wheel bearings let each wheel spin smoothly with minimal friction while supporting the weight of the car.
Signs you need this repair
- Humming or growling that gets louder with speed
- Noise changes when turning left or right
- Play or wobble in the wheel
- ABS warning light (sensor built into the hub)
Can you do it yourself?
Difficulty: Intermediate (3/5). Bolt-on hub assemblies are DIY-friendly. Press-in bearings require a hydraulic press.
Doing it yourself saves the labor portion, roughly $110–$400, so you would pay only for parts ($60–$300).
Is it worth fixing?
Yes. A failed bearing can let a wheel seize or separate. Only the noisy side needs replacing.
How to save money
- Only replace the noisy side: bearings do not need to be done in pairs.
- Ask whether your car uses a bolt-on hub: labor is significantly lower.
Questions to ask your mechanic
- Which wheel is it, and how did you confirm it?
- Is my bearing a bolt-on hub or a press-in bearing?
- Does the hub include the ABS sensor?
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive on a bad wheel bearing?
It can last a few hundred miles once noisy, but a seized or separated bearing can cause loss of control. Fix it promptly.
How do I know which side is bad?
If the noise gets louder when turning right, the load shifts to the left bearing, and vice versa.
How long do wheel bearings last?
Typically 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
Related repair costs
Helpful guides
- Why Does My Car Shake When Braking?
- Bad Wheel Bearing Symptoms: How to Tell and What to Do
- Bad CV Axle Symptoms: Clicking When Turning and More
Sources and methodology
Estimates combine typical book labor times, current aftermarket and OEM parts prices, and 2026 US shop labor rates. See exactly how we calculate them.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (pay and duties)
- Federal Trade Commission: Auto Repair Basics (estimates, warranties, your rights)
- NHTSA: Check for recalls before paying for a repair
- ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence): technician certification