Last updated on January 22nd, 2024
A front wheel bearing for both 2WD and 4WD cars will cost approximately $6-$20. A complete hub-style unit will cost quite more, about $80-$300.
Pressed-on units are a bit cheaper and cost about $25-$50. The labor cost depends on the process but, the base wage rate is about $80-$100 per hour.
But, there’s so much more to know about it. Thus, read the whole article. Or, you’ll miss out on the details of how much is a front wheel bearing.
Front Wheel Bearing Cost – Wheel Drive
Wheel bearings are essential as they support most of the vehicle’s weight. Depending on the type of wheel bearing you’re planning to purchase, the cost will be different.
Here, we’ve provided a brief table about the costs depending on the vehicle’s wheel drive:
| Wheel Drive | Parts Cost | Labour Cost | Total Cost |
| 2WD | $6-$20 | $80-$100 | $86-$120 |
| 4WD | $6-$20 | $80-$150 | $86-$170 |
DIY 2WD and 4WD Front Wheel Bearing Cost
The older 2WD vehicles use roller bearings in them. They’re quite easy to replace and cost about $6-$20.
Although, in most cases, the rotor has to be replaced too. If the rotor needs to be replaced, you’ll have to pay about $150-$300.
The rotors have bearings mounted inside them. So, if you’re replacing your rotor, you don’t need to purchase the bearings separately.
Regardless of whether you replace bearings or the rotor itself, DIY will save you labor costs. Follow this video for installing your front wheel bearings in 2WD:
2WD: DIY: Ford Ranger 2wd Front Wheel Bearing Replacement
As you know, in 4WD, power is supplied directly to the four wheels. They use hub systems that house the roller bearing. These front wheel bearings cost the same as 2WDs which is $6-$20.
The following video might help you in replacing the front wheel bearings of a 4WD:
4WD: How to Replace Front Hub Bearing on 4WD 99-07 Chevy Silverado Suburban GMC Sierra Yukon
Professional 2WD and 4WD Front Wheel Bearing Cost
In 2WDs, only installing the bearings won’t take more than 1 hour. Thus, expect to pay about $80-$100 for the professional assistance along with the cost of the parts.
So, the total cost of replacing the front wheel bearing of a 2WD by a professional will be:
$80 to $100 (Labor Cost) + $6 to $20 (Parts Cost)= $86 to $120 (Total Cost)
On the other hand, if the whole rotor has to be replaced, you’ll have to pay about $150-$250.
So, the total cost of replacing the front wheel rotor of a 2WD a professional will be:
$150 to $300 (Parts Cost) + $150 to $250 (Labor Cost)= $300 to $550 (Total Cost)
The labor cost for installing your wheel bearings is $80-$100 per hour in 4WDs too. Though, it might take 1-1.5 hours. Because disassembling the hub and removing the bearings is time-consuming.
So, the labor cost will be:
80 to 100 (Labor cost per hour) * 1 to 1.5 (Hours to perform the work) = $80 to 150$ (Total labor cost)
Thus, the total cost of replacing the front wheel rotor of a 4WD professional will be:
$80 to $150 (Labor cost) + $6 to $20 (Parts cost) = $86 to $170 (Total cost)
These costs can change depending on the model of your vehicle.
Front Wheel Bearing- Hub Style
Front wheel bearings can also be categorized under hub style. Here, we’ve provided the brief costs:
| Hub Style | Parts Cost | Labour Cost | Total Cost |
| Complete Unit | $80-$300 | $80-$200 | $160-$500 |
| Pressed On Unit | $25-$50 | $160-$400 | $185-$450 |
Now, let’s discuss them in detail.
DIY Complete And Pressed On Unit Front Wheel Bearing Cost
Most vehicles today have a complete unit hub bearing. Here, the hub bearings are comparatively pricy. Most of them even have ABS sensors built into them. Generally, they cost about $80-$300.
You can save labor costs by installing the unit yourself. You can follow this video for a detailed procedure:
Complete Unit: How to Replace Front Wheel Hub Assembly on any Car, Truck or SUV
Pressen-on units are popular in Japanese and German vehicles. Although the cost for the part is comparatively lower, it requires a lot of time to install. You’ll be able to get the pressed-on units within $25-$50.
Here, the whole steering knuckle is removed and the previous bearing is pressed out. Then you can press in the new bearing.
Pressen On Unit: Proper installation of press-in style front wheel bearing
Professional Complete And Pressed On Unit Front Wheel Bearing Cost
It’ll take about 1-2 hours to install complete units. Thus, the labor cost will be:
$80 to $100 (Labor cost per hour) * 1 to 2 (Hours to perform the work)= $80 to $200 (Total labor cost)
So, the total cost of replacing the complete front wheel bearing unit by a professional will be:
$80 to $300 (Parts cost) + $80 to $200 (Labor cost)= $160 to $500 (Total cost)
While, it might take about 2-4 hours to install your pressed-on unit. So, expect to pay about:
$80 to $100 (Labor cost per hour) * 2 to 4 (Hours to perform the work)= $160 to $400 (Total labor cost)
So, the total cost of replacing the pressed on front wheel bearing unit by a professional will be:
$160 to $400 (Labor cost) + $25 to $50 (Parts cost)= $185 to $450
Note that this cost can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
How Long Do Front Bearings Last?
Front bearings or any wheel bearing lasts for about 85,000-100,000 miles (136,000-160,000 km). Although it may vary depending on which wheel bearing you use and how you use it. When a wheel bearing gets bad you’ll hear a grinding noise. The steering will also vibrate and you’ll see uneven tire wear.
Bottom line!
Hope you enjoyed reading the article about how much is a front wheel bearing.
Still, we’ve one last recommendation. Don’t drive with a bad front wheel bearing. It might cause serious accidents. Thanks for going through the whole article.
Related Reading: how much to replace rear wheel bearing
