The bearings reduce the friction in the wheels and allow them to turn smoothly and efficiently. If one of the bearings becomes worn or damaged, all of the hub bearings need to be replaced. In newer cars this usually means the entire wheel hub assembly needs to be replaced, which is actually a relatively simple process.
What happens when wheel hubs go bad?
Steering Wheel Vibrations
A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. Often, the sensation will change with vehicle speed or while the vehicle is cornering. Once again, there are other issues besides a bad wheel bearing that can cause steering wheel vibrations.
What happens if you don't replace a wheel hub?
It also puts stress and strain on the hub, the CV joint, the axle, and the transmission. Ultimate damage: If you don't replace a damaged wheel bearing before it fails completely, the wheel will completely seize up. If this happens while you're driving, the results can be catastrophic.
How do you know when to replace your hubs?
Related Question Why would you need to replace a wheel hub?
How much does it cost to replace a wheel hub?
The average cost for a Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement is between $406 and $525 but can vary from car to car.
How do I know if I need a new hub assembly?
How long do hubs 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.
Should I replace the wheel bearing or hub assembly?
As a rule, sealed wheel bearings and hubs should have no play or roughness when a wheel is spun by hand. If a wheel bearing feels loose, or has play that exceeds specifications when measured with a dial indicator placed against the hub, it is worn out and needs to be replaced without delay.
How much does it cost to replace front wheel hubs?
The average cost for wheel hub assembly replacement is between $475 and $504. Labor costs are estimated between $109 and $137 while parts are priced between $366 and $367.
What happens if you ignore a bad wheel bearing?
Without them, your wheels would seize up, causing an accident. When one or more of the wheel bearings begins to wear out, you will start to notice certain signs. If you ignore the signs, it will become quite dangerous to drive as the wheel(s) with the bad bearing(s) could seize up causing a serious accident.
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing on a car?
Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.
What does a hub do on a car?
What does a hub assembly do? First and foremost, the wheel hub assembly keeps your wheel attached to your vehicle and allows the wheels to freely turn enabling you to safely steer. The wheel hub assembly is also critical to your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
How much does a wheel bearing cost?
On average, a wheel bearing alone will cost you between $60 – $150, and an entire bearing and hub assembly replacement is around $200 – $400 for each wheel depending on your vehicle type.
How do you diagnose a bad wheel hub?
What is the difference between a wheel hub and a wheel bearing?
A major difference between the two is how they are assembled. Wheel bearings can be taken apart, lubricated and reassembled to be used again. Hub bearings are pre-packed at the manufacturer's factory and are sold and installed as a complete unit. These cannot be taken apart for re-lubrication but must be replaced.
Can a bad wheel bearing cause traction control light to come on?
On many modern cars, a bad wheel bearing will trigger a warning light. The ABS or traction control warnings will often illuminate, since a bad bearing will trip the system to deactivate.
How long does it take to replace 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.