The Ultimate Guide to Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing: Cost and All You Need to Know

Rear wheel bearing failure can lead to a variety of problems, including uneven tire wear, excessive noise, and poor handling. If you suspect that your rear wheel bearing is failing, it's important to have it replaced as soon as possible.

The cost of replacing a rear wheel bearing can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the severity of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.

Effective Strategies for Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing

Gather the necessary tools and materials. This includes a jack, lug wrench, socket wrench, new wheel bearing, and grease.

Safety first! Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Loosen the lug nuts. Do not remove them completely.

Jack up the vehicle. Place the jack under the frame of the vehicle, near the wheel that needs to be replaced. Raise the vehicle until there is about 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.

Remove the lug nuts. Once the lug nuts are loosened, you can remove them completely and take off the tire.

Disconnect the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the brake caliper off the rotor.

Remove the old wheel bearing. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the wheel bearing in place. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully pull the old bearing off of the spindle.

Install the new wheel bearing. Apply a thin layer of grease to the new bearing and slide it onto the spindle. Secure the bearing in place with the bolts.

Reattach the brake caliper. Carefully lift the brake caliper back onto the rotor and secure it in place with the bolts.

Put the tire back on. Lift the tire onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts by hand.

Lower the vehicle. Slowly lower the vehicle until it is resting on the ground.

Tighten the lug nuts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing

Using the wrong tools. Using the wrong tools can damage the wheel bearing or other components.

Not tightening the lug nuts properly. Loose lug nuts can cause the wheel to come off while driving.

Not using the right amount of grease. Too much or too little grease can damage the bearing.

Conclusion

Replacing a rear wheel bearing can be a challenging task, but it is one that can be completed with the right tools and materials. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can save yourself the cost of having it done by a mechanic.

The Ultimate Guide to Replacing a Rear Wheel Bearing: Cost and All You Need to Know