How long does a wheel bearing hub assembly last?

Assuming normal service under typical driving conditions, the newer, “hub-assembly” style bearings found on most modern vehicles should last around 100,000 miles when maintained properly.


How many miles do hub bearings last?

Your wheel bearings have a heavy impact on the handling of your vehicle. It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles.

How long should a wheel bearing and hub assembly last?

How long does a wheel bearing last? Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.


How long does a wheel hub assembly last?

The wheel hub assemblies on a car are intended to last for about 100,000 miles. While this can happen, there are usually things that will happen before this milestone hits that will compromise the assemblies and the way they function.

What causes hub assembly to go bad?

Like all the components under the car, wheel hubs are continually exposed to water, dirt, dust, and other contaminants. They will corrode over time. Cars that live in cold climates are subject to salt and magnesium chloride. If you drive in the rain, some water may splash on the components in the undercarriage.


Doing This Will Make Your Wheel Bearings Last Forever



Can your wheel fall off from a bad hub bearing?

A bad bearing can stop your wheel from moving, and this can happen while you are driving. The wheel bearing keeps your wheel attached to the car, so if it fails to function completely, then your tire could fall off.

Can a wheel fall off with a bad hub?

A worn wheel hub bearing is a pretty big deal. If you let it go on long enough, the wheel could literally fall off while you're driving. That could cause a catastrophic accident that puts your life and others' lives at risk. That's why it's important to watch out for the signs of a worn wheel hub bearing.

How often should you replace wheel hub assembly?

Assuming normal service under typical driving conditions, the newer, “hub-assembly” style bearings found on most modern vehicles should last around 100,000 miles when maintained properly.


How often should wheel hubs be replaced?

Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.

Why do wheel hubs fail?

There are four primary causes of hub failures. They are lack of lubrication, overloading the vehicle, installing the axle nut too tight, or installing the axle nut too loose.

Should you replace both hub bearings at the same time?

If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle.


Do I need to replace hub or just bearing?

You should replace your hub assembly and wheel bearings. Here's how to replace wheel bearings. Even if only one side is bad, it makes sense to replace them in pairs. The “good” side is likely to cause problems in a relatively short time.

What happens if you dont change a hub bearing?

If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it's very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.

What are the signs that a wheel bearing is failing?

If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates. Another revealing sign of bad wheel bearings: A car that feels loose as you drive it.


How do I know if my wheel hub needs to be replaced?

Here is a list of signs if you have a hub assembly that may need to be replaced:
  1. Snapping, clicking or popping noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
  2. Grinding noise when the vehicle is moving.
  3. Knocking or clunking sensation from the vehicle.
  4. Wheel vibration and/or wobble.
  5. Poor steering control.


How many hours does it take to replace a hub assembly?

For new technicians, turnaround time can be up to two hours. However, that time can be cut in half by experienced technicians, especially if there are no delays in acquiring parts or tools.

How much should a hub replacement cost?

The cost to replace one front-wheel hub assembly varies widely. Some variables include the make and model, the garage's labor rate and the cost for parts. The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more.


How do I know if I have a bad hub?

Signs Of Wheel Hub Assembly Failure

Roaring or rumbling noise. Vibrating or loose steering wheel. The vehicle pulling to the side when braking. Uneven rotor and brake pad wear.

Is it OK to replace just one wheel bearing?

The decision to replace both wheel bearings simultaneously is totally up to you. Only replacing the one that failed will save you some money, while replacing them at the same time can potentially save you the hassle of having to return to the repair shop soon.

Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the hub?

Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.


Can I drive 200 miles with a bad wheel bearing?

If the bearing noise has been growing gradually, then without suggesting it is "okay" to drive 200 miles, the noise may just grow worse over that distance. If the bearing noise appeared out of nowhere, then that suggests an immediate failure potential and should be changed BEFORE a 200 mile drive.

What does a bad hub assembly sound like?

The most common symptom of a bad wheel hub assembly or wheel bearing is a rumbling, squealing, growling or chirping noise coming from the wheel or tire area of your car.

Does wheel bearing noise get louder with speed?

Squealing Or Grinding Noise

If the noise becomes worse the faster you drive, then it's almost certainly a bad wheel bearing. If the noise remains the same, then the issue may be the tires instead. The noise may be the result of an under-inflated tire or improperly aligned tires.


What noise does a worn wheel bearing make?

The classic symptom of a bad wheel bearing is typically a cyclic chirping, squealing or growling noise that changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound may disappear at some speeds or only occur at certain speeds. The noise may get worse when turning, or it may disappear momentarily.