The Jerry app offers repair pricing options, diagnostic guidance and other tools to help drivers make sense of car repairs. Download now to improve your repair experience.
Real customers Jerry helped
While pricing can vary based on different factors like location, parts used, and exact vehicle, Jerry uses real customer experiences to show what drivers are paying right now. Here are some examples of what Jerry customers have paid.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: why the price varies so much
Jerry customers are finding a few key factors that affect the final repair bill:
Vehicle design:
FWD, AWD, and solid axle models tend to be more complex as a drive axle most likely passes through the hub. The added complexity may add $100 to $250 in labor costs to the total per wheel.
Bolt-in and press-in:
Some wheel hub bearings are bolt-in units, while others use a press-in bearing that can be replaced separately. Press-in bearings require more labor time, which can add to $50-$100 in labor per wheel.
Integrated rotor/hub bearing assemblies:
Certain vehicles (truck and vans) may have the hub bearings integrated into the brake rotor. Replacement brake pads, rotor seals and a bearing grease re-pack can add $100 to $250 per wheel to the repair cost.
Shop type:
Dealerships’ technicians are brand specialists and are well equipped to repair vehicles efficiently per manufacturers’ standards. The labor cost at a dealership can be $40 to $100 more per labor hour. Ultimately, an independent shop may cost from $200 to $450 per wheel while dealerships are in the $300–$600 range per wheel.
Part quality:
OEM bearings generally cost more but may last longer than aftermarket versions and may have better warranty periods. Expect to pay $50 to $150 more per part for OEM parts versus aftermarket, though the longer life may offset the initial cost over time.
To get the exact price for your specific car and location, use the repair estimate tool in the Jerry app.
The repair explained: What is a wheel hub replacement?
Wheel hubs and bearings are crucial to the vehicle’s safety and operation. These components allow wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. When a wheel hub or bearing fails, the entire unit – often including the hub, bearing and wheel speed sensor – must be replaced. The repair typically involves disassembling the brake assembly and removing the hub from the knuckle. A tech then installs the new assembly and torques all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Your action plan: how to get it done right
Confirm symptoms:
Verify that what the vehicle is experiencing is due to a failing hub bearing. The Jerry app’s diagnostic tool can provide guidance on your symptoms.
Determine approach:
The skill level needed for this repair is high. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible. Depending on bearing type, DIY may be manageable. All things considered, paying a professional may be the wiser option.
Compare quotes:
Request quotes from multiple shops to compare rates and options.
Prioritize workmanship: With any repair job, shop quality and technician skill are paramount. Find a trusted shop at a fair price; sacrificing quality to save a few dollars will cost you more over time.
Symptoms of a failing wheel hub
When a hub bearing starts to fail, Jerry customers are noticing humming or grinding noises or vibrations in the steering wheel and driver’s seat. A suspension inspection may reveal excessive play in the wheel hub, which may result in a failed inspection. If left unresolved, a faulty hub bearing can even cause the wheel to separate from the vehicle.
DIY vs. pro: what to expect
Choosing the right approach depends on several considerations discussed below. Jerry can help in making the right decision, especially with transparency on parts and labor pricing.
Skill level: Expert
Related services and parts
Jerry customers are often pairing wheel bearing jobs with other related services:
- Brake rotor or pad replacement: A very worn wheel hub bearing may cause excessive play in the knuckle and will cause the rotor to contact surfaces it normally would not.
- Wheel hub or knuckle replacement: A high amount of rust may cause the wheel hub and bearing to fuse together inside the knuckle, requiring a knuckle replacement.
- Alignment check or correction: Disturbing suspension components and fastening them back together alters how they are loaded, and the working angles will change.
- Axle nut replacement: Axle nuts are often one time use or get damaged on removal. Replacement is the safest option.
Combining these services can help avoid future labor charges and ensure your repair is long-lasting. Use the price comparison tool in the Jerry app to get accurate pricing for each repair.
What our customers are asking
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What does a bad wheel bearing sound like?
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Can I drive with a failing wheel bearing?
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Are wheel bearings covered by warranty?
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Should I replace bearings in pairs?
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Why is my ABS light on after bearing replacement?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Nick Wilson is an editor, writer, and instructor across various subjects. His past experience includes writing and editorial projects in technical, popular, and academic settings, and he has taught humanities courses to countless students in the college classroom. In his free time, he pursues academic research, works on his own writing projects, and enjoys the ordered chaos of life with his wife and kids.
