Firestone Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost: Comprehensive Guide and Expert Insights

Most drivers know how important it is to keep their vehicles in good working order. One of the most critical components of any vehicle is the wheel bearing, which helps to keep the wheels spinning smoothly and safely. When a wheel bearing starts to fail, it can lead to serious problems, including accidents. So, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a failing wheel bearing and to have it replaced as soon as possible.

Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure

Wheel bearings can fail for a number of reasons, including:

• Excessive wear and tear: This is the most common cause of wheel bearing failure. Over time, the bearings will gradually wear down, which can lead to them failing.
• Impact damage: Hitting a curb or pothole can damage the wheel bearing.
• Water damage: Water can get into the wheel bearing and cause it to rust.
• Lack of lubrication: The wheel bearing needs to be lubricated properly in order to function properly. If the bearing is not lubricated, it can overheat and fail.

Signs and Symptoms of a Failing Wheel Bearing

There are a number of signs and symptoms that can indicate that a wheel bearing is failing:

• Noise: A failing wheel bearing will often make a grinding or humming noise. This noise will typically get louder as the bearing gets worse.
• Vibration: A failing wheel bearing can also cause the vehicle to vibrate. This vibration can be felt in the steering wheel, the seat, or throughout the entire vehicle.
• Play in the wheel: If a wheel bearing is failing, there may be play in the wheel. This means that the wheel can move back and forth or up and down when it is turned.
• Uneven tire wear: A failing wheel bearing can cause the tire to wear unevenly.

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Firestone Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing at Firestone will vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the type of wheel bearing that is needed, and the labor costs in your area.

However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a wheel bearing replacement at Firestone.

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with a wheel bearing replacement at Firestone:

It is important to note that this is just an estimate. The actual cost of replacing a wheel bearing at Firestone may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.

How to Save Money on a Wheel Bearing Replacement

There are a number of ways to save money on a wheel bearing replacement:

• Shop around for the best price: Get quotes from several different mechanics before you decide who to use.
• Use aftermarket parts: Aftermarket parts are often less expensive than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
• Do the work yourself: If you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to save money by replacing the wheel bearing yourself.

Step-by-Step Approach to Replacing a Wheel Bearing

If you are replacing the wheel bearing yourself, it is important to follow these steps carefully:

1. Gather your tools and materials: You will need a jack, jack stands, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, and a new wheel bearing.
2. Safety first: Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. Loosen the lug nuts: Use a socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the failing bearing.
   
   
4. Raise the vehicle: Use a jack to raise the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame for safety.
   
   
5. Remove the wheel: Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off of the hub.
   
   
6. Remove the brake caliper: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Lift the caliper off of the rotor and hang it out of the way with a bungee cord.
   
   
7. Remove the rotor: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the rotor in place. Pull the rotor off of the hub.
   
   
8. Remove the old wheel bearing: Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the old wheel bearing in place and pull the bearing off of the hub. Be careful not to damage the hub.
   
   
9. Install the new wheel bearing: Apply a thin layer of grease to the inside of the new wheel bearing. Place the new bearing on the hub and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
10. Reinstall the rotor: Place the rotor on the hub and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
11. Reinstall the brake caliper: Place the brake caliper on the rotor and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
12. Reinstall the wheel: Place the wheel on the hub and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
13. Lower the vehicle: Use the jack to lower the vehicle to the ground.
14. Tighten the lug nuts: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about wheel bearing replacement:

Q: How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing?
A: A wheel bearing replacement typically takes 1-2 hours per wheel.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of a failing wheel bearing?
A: The signs and symptoms of a failing wheel bearing include noise, vibration, play in the wheel, and uneven tire wear.

Q: How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
A: The cost of replacing a wheel bearing varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the type of wheel bearing that is needed, and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a wheel bearing replacement.

Conclusion

A wheel bearing replacement is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair. However, it is important to have the work done by a qualified mechanic to ensure that it is done correctly. If you experience any of the signs and symptoms of a failing wheel bearing, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.