How Much Does A Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Cost? – A Complete Guide

1 How Does A Wheel Hub Assembly Work?

The hub assembly is a key part that supports the vehicle and houses the precision bearings, seals, and sensors. In front-wheel-drive cars, the front hub assembly connects the CV axle shaft, which transmits power to the wheels. Usually, a hub assembly has ‌4 or 5 long extended studs to which the wheel is attached, and the lug nuts hold the wheel with the hub. The front wheel hub assembly is one of the key components of the steering system crucial for contributing to the safe steering and handling of the vehicle.

The wheel hub assembly is also responsible for the working of your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Traction Control System (TCS). It houses the speed sensor that constantly relays the speed to the vehicle’s ABS control module. The system uses this information to engage the ABS during hard braking and prevents the vehicle from skidding. The traction control system also uses this ABS sensor to operate and offer optimum traction while driving. A wheel hub assembly consists following components:

1. Hub: Hub is a forged or cast piece of metal that provides the housing for all the components of a wheel hub assembly and connects other components within the assembly.
2. Bearing: Wheel bearing fits into the wheel hub assembly snugly and rides on the axle shaft and enables the wheel to rotate freely. Some vehicles have wheel bearings built into the wheel hub, whereas others have the bearing assembly as a separate part.
3. Wheel Studs: The wheel studs are an integrated part of the wheel hub that connects the wheel to the wheel hub assembly using lug nuts.
4. Oil Seal: The oil seal is a rubber seal that protects the wheel bearings from dirt, water, and road debris. It also keeps the lubricating grease within the bearing assembly to ensure reduced friction and smooth movement.
5. Dust Cap: The wheel hub assembly has an opening on the outer edge from where dirt, water, and road debris can enter the opening, and lubrication gets leaked out. The dust caps are used to cover and protect the components from damage.

2 What Is The Difference Between A Wheel Bearing And Wheel Hub Assembly?

Both the hub assembly and wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate freely. Although they are designed differently, the function and application are similar. The wheel hub assembly has a hub bearing that is housed inside the assembly and cannot be taken apart for repair. Hub bearings are a part of the hub assembly and are pre-packed by the manufacturer to be sold as a complete unit. Whereas the wheel bearings are repairable and can be removed or replaced for lubrication. Wheel bearings are mostly used in vehicles with drum brakes. However, drum brakes are less used on vehicles (only at the rear brake) and the hub assembly is used on cars today with the increasing use of disc brakes. Wheel hub assemblies also feature studs that allow the brake rotors to attach to them.

3 How To Identify A Bad Front Wheel Hub Assembly?

Like every other moving part, a hub assembly also wears out with time and it is mostly because of a bad or damaged wheel bearing. Although the bearing in the hub assembly has a long life of 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, sometimes they get damaged because of a failed seal or a severe impact from potholes at high speeds. It is easy to identify the signs of a failing wheel hub assembly and some ‌of them are‌‌ mentioned below:

• Noises From The Wheel: A bad wheel hub assembly produces growling, roaring, squeaking, and humming from the wheels when you drive the vehicle. This usually happens when the bearing is damaged or lacks lubrication.
• Bad Steering And Uneven Tire Wear: A bad or damaged hub assembly can induce vibrations in your steering assembly and make you feel as if your steering wheel is loose. The vibrations get worse at high speeds and also make the wheel wobble, causing the tires to wear unevenly.
• Damaged Sensors: A bad hub assembly can make your speed and ABS sensors go bad too. The ABS light on your driver’s console flashes ON if the sensor stops working, which further affects your vehicle’s braking. However, the ABS sensor can be replaced separately without replacing the complete wheel hub assembly.

4 What Is The Cost Of Replacing Front Hub Assembly?

Although the wheel hub assembly replacement cost mainly depends on the car make and model you drive, the price of a new front hub assembly varies between $100 to $400. The cost of replacing the wheel hub assembly can be reduced by replacing the faulty components instead of replacing the whole assembly. On average, a wheel bearing costs you $50 to $200. Besides the cost of the parts, ‌replacing the front or rear wheel hub assembly is labor-intensive and requires special tools and skills. The average labor cost of replacing your wheel hub assembly can vary between $120 to $180. Which makes the overall replacement cost approximately $220 to $580. Be careful while purchasing a new wheel hub assembly for your vehicle. Do not risk purchasing a cheap quality part and the expense of quality. Purchasing a good-quality wheel hub assembly is as important as selecting the correct wheel hub assembly for your vehicle. You can refer to our ultimate wheel hub assembly buying guide to ensure you choose the correct part, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Some sample costs of replacing wheel hub assemblies for some popular car models are mentioned in the table below. These prices are an estimate and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, diagnostics, and other charges.

5 Factors That Effect The Cost Of Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement Cost

The wheel hub assembly replacement cost depends on various factors, such as the price of the component, vehicle’s make and model, labor charges, etc. Some factors that contribute to the total replacement cost are mentioned below.

1. Hub Type

Majority of the vehicles today use a complete hub bearing unit. The hub bearings are the major contributor to the total price of the unit and can cost somewhere around $80 – $300, depending on your vehicle. Other vehicles use pressed-on units which are more popular in German and Japanese cars. Although these are cheaper compared to the complete hub assembly units, the cost of replacing the bearings is comparatively more, because it involves the removal of the entire steering knuckle and the bearing has to be pressed out. This increases the labor charge, which can amount to ‌$200 – $400, including the cost of the part. In comparison between the two, a complete wheel hub assembly costs less and is a sensible decision while saving money on the total bill.

2. OEM Vs. Aftermarket

The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) wheel hub assemblies cost more compared to aftermarket ones. Aftermarket parts are a better as they will help you save money on your wheel hub repair costs because they are cheap and are offered with the same specifications, fit and function as the OEM parts. Aftermarket parts offered by reputed brands also come with OEM equivalent warranties and they meet or exceed OEM performance. Some top-quality recommended aftermarket wheel hub assemblies are mentioned below.

3. Make and Model 

Another major factor which affects the cost of wheel hub assembly replacement is the make and model of your vehicle. For example, if you own a truck like a Dodge Ram 1500, the price of hub assembly can vary between $350 to $550. Whereas, the same part costs $180 to $270 for a Honda Civic.

4. Wheel Alignment

You also have to get the wheel alignment done after the replacement if you have removed the ball joint from the knuckle in order to separate the axle shaft from the hub. This also increases the cost of replacement by $100 to $150. You can reduce this cost by doing the alignment yourself, for which you can refer to the DIY wheel alignment guide. However, in most vehicles, the wheel alignment is unnecessary after replacing the hub assembly.

6 How To Replace The Front Hub Assembly Of Your Vehicle?

Replacing a wheel hub assembly is almost similar for all vehicles. The complete process requires technical expertise and specific tools. If you have replaced the control arm or the brake rotors on your vehicle, you might be able to do this as well. Here is a stepwise guide on how to replace your wheel hub assembly and the tools required.

Tools Required

• Car Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Torque Wrench
• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Wrenches
• Lug Wrench
• Rubber or Brass Mallet 
• Allen Set
• Pry Bar
• Hub Removal Tool

Step 1: Removing The Old Front Hub Assembly

1. Park your car on a leveled surface, secure the rear wheel of the vehicle using wheel chocks and engage the parking brakes.
2. Take a lug wrench and loosen the lug nuts holding the wheels. Do not remove the lug nuts completely.
3. Remove the hubcap to access the axle nut. Remove the cotter pin and use a breaker bar to loosen the axle nut. The manufacturers use a 36 mm nut for the axle shaft, so make sure you have a right-sized socket for that.
4. Place a jack under the car to lift it off the ground and install the jack stands under the vehicle. Ensure that you place the jack in the right place. Refer to the owner’s manual for the correct placement of the jack.
5. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
6. Remove the brake calipers and the brackets by removing the bolts which can be accessed from the inside using a wrench and secure the brake fluid hose.
7. Remove the bolts holding rotors using a wrench and free the rotor of the assembly.
8. Disconnect the ABS connector if there is one.
9. Loosen all the bolts holding the hub assembly with the knuckle. Once it is done, you should be able to remove the assembly. 
10.  Remove the axle nut using a 36mm socket and wrench. Spray any penetrating fluid or WD40 if there is any rust.
11. You can also use the hub removal tool to remove the wheel hub assembly from its place. Fasten the tool with the bolts using lug nuts and strike the tool end with a hammer. A few strikes can make this process a lot easier.

Step 2: Installing The New Front Hub Assembly

Work in reverse order the way you removed everything. Install the hub assembly by bolting the hub to the steering knuckle.Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specs mentioned in the service manual.Connect the ABS sensor with the connector.Install the brake rotor back onto the hub and install the brake brackets back to the knuckle. Replace your brake rotors if they show signs of warping or damage.Tighten the bolts and install the brake calipers and brake pads back onto the bracket.Reinstall the axle nut and tighten it to the recommended torque specs. It’s recommended to replace your old axle nut and hub cap too if it’s broken or worn out. Replace the cotter pin to ensure safety.Reinstall the wheel and hand tighten the nuts before lowering the vehicle.Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to proper specifications.Perform a last check by driving the vehicle around to make sure everything is in its place.
The only difference between replacing a front and rear hub assembly is that the rear wheels have the parking brakes, i.e. the drum brakes and the brake shoes, which you have to remove first in order to remove the hub assembly. However, some vehicles also have rear disc brakes other than the parking brakes and they have to be uninstalled in a similar way you remove the front disc brakes.

7 What Is The Difference Between Front And Rear Hub Assembly?

Similar to the front wheel hub assembly, your vehicle has a rear wheel assembly too that allows the rear wheels to rotate  freely. Unlike the front hub, rear-wheel hubs, on most cars, are ‌non-driven hubs except for vehicles with rear-wheel drive. Most modern-day cars come with a front-wheel-drive option which makes the rear hubs free from the axle shaft or torque shaft. This makes the replacement of the rear hub assembly much easier than the front ones. While the vehicles with the rear wheel drive option have a similar hub assembly to the front-wheel-drive vehicles, which makes it a little hard to replace them. Like the front hub assembly, the rear hub assembly also houses the wheel bearing, as well as ABS and traction control sensors.

8 What Is The Cost Of Rear Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement?

The cost of rear hub assembly varies between $80 to $200, depending on the type, make, and model. The cost of replacement charged by workshops‌ varies between $100 to $150. While the hub bearing alone costs somewhere between $50 to $80, the cost of the sensors varies between $30 to $50. That makes the overall replacement cost vary from around $180 to $350.

Tips To Remember While Replacing The Hub Assembly

• Avoid damaging the magnetic encoder. Some wheel hub bearings feature magnetic encoders with north and south poles that are sensed by the ABS and other sensors. Damaging the encoders can damage the sensors.
• To ensure the correct fitting of the bearing into the assembly, make sure all surfaces that come into contact with the bearing should be cleaned beforehand.
• Tighten the axle nut to the torque values mentioned in your user manual. Applying excessive torque to the axle nut can lead to bearing damage.
• Properly pack the bearing with grease and use bearing-rated or manufactured-specified grease while packing a new wheel bearing.
• Use an induction heater to heat the hub to break up the corrosion and allow the penetrating oils to penetrate deeper for easy disassembly. 

9 FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location and labor costs of the mechanic. According to Car Talk, the average cost of replacing a wheel bearing is between $300 and $500. However, the cost can range from $250 to $1,100. The cost of the part itself is usually between $100 and $300.

Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?

It is possible to replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub, but it depends on the condition of the hub. If the hub is in good condition, it can be reused. However, if the hub is damaged or worn, it is recommended to replace it along with the wheel bearing. Replacing both the hub and the wheel bearing at the same time can save you money in the long run, as it will prevent future repairs and ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.

What is a hub bearing?

A hub bearing, also known as a wheel bearing, is a component of a vehicle’s wheel assembly that supports the wheel and allows it to rotate smoothly. Hub bearings are typically made up of an outer ring, an inner ring, and a set of balls or rollers that allow the wheel to rotate. They are designed to withstand the weight of the vehicle and the forces generated during driving, such as cornering and braking. Hub bearings are an important part of a vehicle’s suspension system, and they play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

How long does it take to replace a front wheel bearing hub assembly?

The time it takes to replace a front wheel bearing hub assembly can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the location and labor costs of the mechanic. The average time it takes to replace a wheel bearing is between 2 and 4 hours . However, the time can range from 1 to 5 hours.

How to change rear wheel bearings with drum brakes?

Here is a general guide on how to change rear wheel bearings with drum brakes:

1. Remove the wheel: Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle.
2. Remove the brake drum: Remove the brake drum by tapping it with a hammer or using a drum puller.
3. Remove the hub: Remove the hub assembly by removing the bolts that hold it in place.
4. Remove the old bearing: Remove the old bearing from the hub assembly using a bearing puller.
5. Install the new bearing: Install the new bearing into the hub assembly using a bearing press.
6. Reinstall the hub: Reinstall the hub assembly onto the vehicle and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Reinstall the brake drum: Reinstall the brake drum onto the hub assembly and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly onto the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Please note that this is a general guide and the specific steps may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

What is a hub in a car?

A hub in a car is a component that connects the wheel to the rest of the vehicle. It is located at the center of the wheel, between the brake drums and the drive axle. The hub has two primary functions: to drive the wheels and to swivel so that the car can be steered. In a front-wheel-drive car, the hub rotates in or next to a large casting called a hub carrier. The carrier itself is mounted to the suspension with ball joints that allow it to swivel and move up and down. The amount the hub carrier can swivel is controlled by the steering gear, to which it is attached by a steering arm with another joint. The hub and drive shaft rotate inside a cast hub carrier which is turned left or right to steer the car. The most common way of transmitting drive from the drive shaft to the hub is by splines grooves machined for a few inches along the end of the shaft which engage with matching grooves inside the hub.

How much to replace a wheel?

The cost of replacing a wheel can vary depending on the type of wheel and the car model. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the cost of changing tire rims can range from $200 to $500 per wheel or $800 to $2,000 for the entire car. The price depends on the vehicle and the car service, but the minimum cost of changing tire rims is around $200.

If you are looking to purchase new rims to replace old, worn-out wheels, you can expect to pay between $30 and $1000 per rim. However, if you only need to replace a damaged wheel, you may not need to replace all four wheels. According to Cars.com, many original-equipment aluminum wheels can cost hundreds of dollars to replace.