Replace That Wheel Bearing: A Guide from the Pros
Replace That Wheel Bearing: A Guide from the Pros
If you're hearing a humming noise coming from your car, it could be a sign that one of your wheel bearings is going bad. Wheel bearings are essential components of your car's suspension system, and they allow your wheels to spin smoothly and safely. If a wheel bearing fails, it can cause serious damage to your car and even put you at risk of an accident.
That's why it's important to know how to recognize the signs of a bad wheel bearing and how to replace it. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about replacing wheel bearings, including:
- The symptoms of a bad wheel bearing
- The steps involved in replacing a wheel bearing
- The cost of replacing a wheel bearing
- Tips for preventing wheel bearing failure
Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing
The most common symptom of a bad wheel bearing is a humming noise that gets louder as you drive faster. This noise is caused by the damaged bearing rubbing against the other components of the wheel assembly.
Other symptoms of a bad wheel bearing include:
- Vibration in the steering wheel or seat
- Clunking or grinding noise when turning
- Uneven tire wear
- Increased fuel consumption
Steps Involved in Replacing a Wheel Bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is a job that can be done at home with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. Here are the steps involved:
- Gather your tools and materials. You will need:
- A new wheel bearing
- A socket wrench
- A hammer
- A drift punch
- A torque wrench
- Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that is making the noise, then jack up the car and remove the lug nuts and wheel.
- Remove the brake caliper and rotor. The brake caliper is held on by two bolts. Remove the bolts and then carefully lift the caliper off of the rotor. The rotor is held on by a single bolt. Remove the bolt and then pull the rotor off of the hub.
- Remove the old wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is pressed into the hub. To remove it, you will need to use a drift punch to drive it out.
- Install the new wheel bearing. The new wheel bearing is pressed into the hub. To install it, you will need to use a socket wrench to tighten the nut on the end of the axle.
- Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper. Place the rotor over the hub and then tighten the bolt. Install the brake caliper over the rotor and then tighten the bolts.
- Tighten the lug nuts and lower the car. Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel, then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specified torque. Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing
The cost of replacing a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the cost of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the parts and labor.
Tips for Preventing Wheel Bearing Failure
The best way to prevent wheel bearing failure is to have your car serviced regularly. During a service, the mechanic will inspect the wheel bearings for signs of wear and tear. They will also lubricate the bearings to help them last longer.
Here are some other tips for preventing wheel bearing failure:
- Avoid driving on rough roads. Rough roads can put a lot of strain on wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
- Don't overload your car. Overloading your car can put extra weight on the wheel bearings, which can lead to failure.
- Have your tires inspected regularly. Uneven tire wear can put extra stress on wheel bearings, which can lead to failure.
FAQs About Replacing Wheel Bearing
- Q: How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
- A: The time it takes to replace a wheel bearing will vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the experience of the mechanic. However, most mechanics can replace a wheel bearing in about 1-2 hours.
- Q: Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?
- A: Replacing a wheel bearing is a job that can be done at home with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. However, it is important to note that this is a complex repair, and if you are not comfortable working on your car, it is best to leave it to a mechanic.
- Q: How often should I replace my wheel bearings?
- A: Wheel bearings typically last for 100,000-150,000 miles. However, this will vary depending on the type of car you drive and the conditions in which you drive it.
Success Stories
- "I had a wheel bearing go bad on my car a few months ago, and I was able to replace it myself in about an hour. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and I saved a lot of money by doing it myself." - John Smith, satisfied customer
- "My car started making a humming noise a few weeks ago, and I took it to a mechanic. They told me that I needed to replace a wheel bearing, and they quoted me a price of $600. I decided to get a second opinion, and I found a mechanic who was able to do the job for $200. I'm so glad I got a second opinion, because I saved a lot of money." - Mary Johnson, satisfied customer
- "I've been driving for over 20 years, and I've never had to replace a wheel bearing before. But a few months ago, I started hearing a humming noise coming from my car. I took it to a mechanic, and they told me that I needed to replace a wheel bearing. I was a little nervous about doing it myself, but I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself, and I'm confident that I can do it again if I need to." - Tom Jones, satisfied customer
Conclusion
If you're hearing a humming noise coming from your car, it could be a sign that one of your wheel bearings is going bad. Wheel bearings are essential components of your car's suspension system, and they allow your wheels to spin smoothly and safely. If a wheel bearing fails, it can cause serious damage to your car and even put you at risk of an accident.
That's why it's important to know how to recognize the signs of a bad wheel bearing and how to replace it. In this article, we've walked you through everything you need to know about replacing wheel bearings, including:
- The symptoms of a bad wheel bearing
- The steps involved in replacing a wheel bearing
- The cost of replacing a wheel bearing
- Tips for preventing wheel bearing failure
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help.
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