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Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

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Recently updated on October 17, 2023 at 01:52 am

Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

[Update: 17.10.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. The wheel bearing connects the chassis to the wheels and takes care of that low-friction turning the wheels. A well-functioning wheel bearing is security relevant and should immediately in the event of a defect repaired or replaced will. The causes of a defective wheel bearing are different. So can age-related wear be a reason, but also potholes or curb bumps, A Lowering of the vehicle can also lead to excessive stress on the wheel bearings over the long term, which can impair their function. Ideally, signs of wear on wheel bearings only appear after a mileage of at least 150.000 km .

What is the function of wheel bearings?

But how do I know that one (or more) wheel bearings is defective? Does it have to be replaced straight away or can it be done? repair? We clarify these questions!

Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

As already mentioned, wheel bearings are connections between the chassis and the wheels that ensure that they rotate optimally, without that friction generates heat. In passenger cars usually come so-called Rolling for use in which there are balls or cylinders between an inner and outer ring that move freely within narrow limits (“cage”). A lubrication with grease or lubricating oil minimizes friction. In many cases, by the way, ABS sensor directly in the wheel hub (wheel bearing carrier) integrated, which records the wheel speed. If the wheel bearing is defective, the wheel can block, which in the worst case can lead to a traffic accident. So the wheel bearing is on security-relevant component that must function optimally. In addition, the increased rolling resistance has a negative effect on the fuel consumption and the Exhaust emissions .

How do I recognize a defective wheel bearing?

In general, there are two typical symptoms of a broken wheel bearing: Unusual noises such as a Brummen and also one Jerking while driving. Especially in curves (when there is a greater load on the respective wheel) the clicking and grinding noises can then be clearly heard. The noises usually occur on one side when cornering and are dependent on wear. That means she getting louder and louder and one day will also be heard when driving straight ahead. Other signs of a defective wheel bearing are: tremors at the steering wheel. If you notice this, a trip to the workshop is inevitable. In addition, jerking often occurs during driving, which is caused by the vehicle's vibrations on the road surface. Basically, the resistance to rotation of the wheel bearing also increases, making it harder for you to accelerate and increasing fuel consumption. Also a Error memory entry For example, “Wheel speed sensor signal faulty” indicates a defect.

Tip: If you jack up the car, you can test your suspicion of a defective wheel bearing by gripping the wheel in question at the top and bottom and jerking it a little. Do you feel that the wheel locker (has play), this indicates a defective wheel bearing.

Can I continue driving with a defective wheel bearing?

of which is not advised, because in the worst case it can happen that the wheel turns only with difficulty or completely locks up because the increased friction generates too much heat, which causes the rollers to expand within the wheel bearing. In addition, damage to the wheel hub can occur, which drives up the repair costs. So if you notice the first symptoms of a defective wheel bearing, it is advisable rinse visit a workshop to carry out a diagnosis.

Sluggishness, grinding noises - other causes?

A broken wheel bearing is not always the trigger for the symptoms mentioned above. So can one worn brake system be the cause of grinding noises and sluggishness. If the wheel appears to be loose, that may also be the case worn ball joints, Wishbones or a knocked out one Spurstangenkopf lie. A reason can also be a knocked out Steering gear or Axial joint be as well as an incorrectly mounted one bike. In any case, the cause must come from the workshop clarified .

Defective wheel bearing during the main inspection!

A slight play on the wheel bearing is considered minor defect, and you will get your TÜV sticker. But will turn on at least one wheel bearing clear game and unusual noises detected during the test drive, the general inspection applies as failed, and the damage must be repaired before the re-show.

Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

Repair or change?

Is it a tapered ball bearing (often installed on the rear axle), it is often enough to tighten the central nut. However, with other variants of wheel bearings, a change is unavoidable. Wheel bearings are wearing parts, which is why it is not worth installing replacement parts from old cars. And wheel bearing changes should always be done axle by axle. This means that the wheel bearing on the other side of the axle must also be changed, otherwise there is a possibility that or intact wheel bearing is defective even after a short time.

Wheel bearing replacement process

The car is driven up on the lifting platform to bike to dismantle. In order to expose the wheel bearing, others now have to components (Drive shaft, brake drum, brake caliper, brake disc, etc.) must be dismantled. Because the wheel bearing into the wheel hub pressed in is, the fitters need special tools for the change. So always have a wheel bearing changed in a specialist workshop, because incorrect installation or non-observance of torque specifications always mean a problem security risk for you and other road users. In addition, complicated constructions or rotten and therefore stiff screws can become a problem. The specialist workshop also checks whether other components are defective that need to be replaced.

How much does a wheel bearing change cost?

The material costs depend on the vehicle and spare part manufacturer and are between 20 and 500 EUR. Changing the wheel bearing takes between one and a half and four hours, depending on how many components need to be removed. At an hourly rate of EUR 100, the labor costs are between EUR 150 and EUR 400. The total costs for a wheel bearing are between 170 and 900 EUR. Since the wheel bearings are always changed axle by axle, twice the amount has to be included in the calculation, which means you have to pay total costs between 360 and 1.800 EUR have to calculate. Well-known manufacturers of spare parts are febi, skf, SNR, FAG and MAPCO. By the way, goodwill is usually not granted because, as already mentioned, the wheel bearing is a wearing part

FAQ: Everything you need to know about defective wheel bearings


Recognition and consequences

  • What happens if I drive with a broken wheel bearing? A defective wheel bearing means that the wheel no longer slides smoothly. The resulting Friction and heat can burn the fat it contains, which is particularly important for... Trucks, truck semi-trailers and trailers can become dangerous.
  • How do you know that the wheel bearing is defective? If at one right turn If the humming noise from the wheel bearings increases, this indicates a problem with the left bearing. However, if the noise decreases, this could be the case right wheel bearing be damaged.
  • What does a defective rear wheel bearing sound like? Typical signs are Grinding or clicking noises when cornering, as well as a noticeable hum.

Costs and changes

  • How much does a defective wheel bearing cost? The costs for a wheel bearing change vary depending on the amount of work involved, but are roughly between 200 and 700 euros. Note that wheel bearings are often replaced axle by axle, which could double the cost.
  • How quickly do you have to replace a wheel bearing? As soon as wheel bearings are severely worn and can no longer be adjusted, they should be replaced. Audible noises are another sign of a necessary exchange.
  • How long can I drive with a broken wheel bearing? The duration depends on the degree of damage. A rule of thumb: Do not hesitateto change the wheel bearing! A completely blocked wheel bearing can even lead to one car accident .
  • Wheel bearing replacement process: From the initial inspection to lowering the vehicle are as follows steps necessary.
  • Here is a rewording of the list:
    1. Raise the car or place it on a platform.
    2. Remove tires.
    3. Dismantle brake discs.
    4. Inspect the now visible wheel bearing.
    5. Press out the wheel bearing using special tools or hydraulics.
    6. Carefully insert the replacement wheel bearing.
    7. Reinstall the brake discs.
    8. Reattach the tire.
    9. Test the mobility of the tires with the new bearing.
    10. Check that the tires rotate smoothly.
    11. Lower the car again.

common knowledge

  • Can you install a wheel bearing the wrong way round? Especially at Wheel bearings with integrated signal generator Caution is advised for systems such as ABS and ESP, as some things can be done wrong when replacing them.
  • Is a wheel bearing a wearing part? Yes, wheel bearings definitely are wear parts. They should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.
  • Why does a wheel bearing fail? Heavy stress, such as cornering, potholes or even moisture and dirt, can lead to Wear or defect of the wheel bearing.
  • What kind of grease for the wheel bearing? A special Wheel bearing grease (is there anything from Helios) is particularly suitable for lubricating highly loaded rolling and plain bearings at elevated bearing temperatures.

Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

In this tuning blog category there are guides and instructions on common defects/repairs on the vehicle as well as on installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain common defects and the corresponding repairs in a simple manner and also explain how the first signs of a defect become apparent.

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Defective wheel bearing: repair, change, costs!

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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

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