Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing: Costs, Benefits, and Considerations

Maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety is crucial, including ensuring the proper functioning of its wheel bearings. Replacing a rear wheel bearing may become necessary over time, and understanding the costs and benefits involved is essential.

Cost of Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing

The cost of replacing a rear wheel bearing varies depending on several factors, including:

Vehicle Make and Model: Different vehicles have different designs and labor requirements, affecting the cost.

Labor Costs: The labor involved in replacing a wheel bearing can be significant, especially if the vehicle's suspension system is complex.

Parts: The cost of the wheel bearing itself and any additional parts needed, such as seals or gaskets.

According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a rear wheel bearing ranges from $300 to $600, including parts and labor.

Estimated Cost of Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing

Vehicle Make and Model	Cost Range
Honda Civic	$320 - $480
Toyota Camry	$350 - $550
Ford Fusion	$380 - $600

Benefits of Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing

Replacing a worn or damaged rear wheel bearing offers several benefits:

Reduced Noise and Vibration: A faulty wheel bearing can produce a humming or grinding noise, which can be annoying and distracting while driving. Replacing the bearing eliminates these noises and improves driving comfort.

Improved Handling and Stability: A worn wheel bearing can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, especially when cornering or braking. Replacing the bearing ensures proper wheel alignment and stability.

Extended Tire Life: A damaged wheel bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to uneven tire wear. Replacing the bearing helps extend the life of your tires.

How to Replace a Rear Wheel Bearing

Replacing a rear wheel bearing requires specialized tools and knowledge. It is generally recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform the replacement. However, if you have experience working on vehicles, you can follow these general steps:

Gather Tools and Parts: You will need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, a socket wrench, and the new wheel bearing.

Safety First: Park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you will be working on.

Remove the Wheel: Use the jack to lift the vehicle and remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheel.

Remove the Brake Caliper: Remove the bolts holding the brake caliper and disconnect the brake line.

Remove the Rotor: Remove the bolts holding the rotor to the hub and remove the rotor.

Remove the Wheel Bearing: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the wheel bearing in place. Use a slide hammer or bearing puller to remove the bearing from the hub.

Install the New Bearing: Press the new bearing into the hub using a bearing installer. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.

Reassemble the Components: Reinstall the rotor, brake caliper, brake line, and wheel. Torque the bolts to the specified torque.

Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing: Costs, Benefits, and Considerations