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Wheel bearing replacement

A worn wheel bearing announces itself as a rumble that grows with road speed rather than with engine revs. It is a safety repair: a badly deteriorated bearing can eventually overheat, seize or worse.

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  1. 1Describe the repair
  2. 2We look for garages
  3. 3Compare the offers

Common symptoms

  • A rumble or hum that grows with road speed.
  • The noise changes when you steer slightly left or right.
  • Perceptible play when the wheel is rocked with the car raised.
  • Sometimes a vibration through the floor rather than the wheel.

You do not need to know which one applies: describe what you notice and the garage will do the diagnosis.

What changes the price

We do not publish an average price: we do not yet have enough real data to give an honest one. Here is what makes up the bill instead.

Bearing alone or complete hub
On many recent vehicles the bearing is part of a hub assembly replaced as a unit. Dearer as a part, often cheaper in labour.
Front or rear
A front bearing usually takes longer, because the driveshaft and the steering share the same space.
Corrosion
After several salted winters a hub can be seized into the knuckle. Getting it out becomes the long part of the job.
The ABS sensor
It is often built into the hub or routed right beside it. A sensor broken during removal adds a part to the bill.

When an inspection is needed

A rumble can also come from a tyre with feathered wear, which costs far less to put right. Ask for that to be ruled out before a bearing is replaced.

How it works

  1. 1

    Tell us what your vehicle needs

    One request, a few minutes.

  2. 2

    We look for garages able to perform the work

    We contact garages in your area.

  3. 3

    Compare the offers you receive

    Price and availability, side by side.

  4. 4

    Choose the option you prefer

    You are free to walk away.

Common questions

Can I drive with a noisy bearing?

For a short distance at moderate speed, usually yes. But it is a part that degrades, and complete failure is dangerous: this is not a repair to put off for months.

How do I know which side it is?

A common test is a long sweeping curve: loading the outer wheel often makes the noise louder. It is not infallible, which is one reason a garage wants to hear it themselves.

Give us the year, make and model, and compare real offers rather than a generic range.

What we don't promise

We don't guarantee a number of offers, a response time, or a saving. We pass your request to garages and show you what they say. If nothing comes back, we'll tell you.

Ready to compare options for your repair?

Describe the repair your vehicle needs. It only takes a few minutes.

Free · No obligation