Photo by: Brodie

The wheels on your car are made up of complex assemblies with dozens of moving pieces that all work in harmony to provide a smooth, comfortable ride.

That is until you notice a growling or humming noise coming from your car on your daily commute, the drive to the grocery store, or on a road trip.

You might even have noticed something like extra play in the steering wheel that wasn't there before. Or, worse yet, a vibration in the steering wheel that changes in pitch and tempo every time you turn. 

These are signs that something is amiss, most like due to a failing wheel hub assembly.

When to replace your front wheel bearing and hub assembly 

What are wheel bearings and hub assemblies? 

Wheel bearings and hub assemblies are what make your car’s wheels work as intended. In most cases or replacement, the entire assembly itself will need to be replace, but there are circumstances in which a bearing can be swapped. A wheel hub assembly is made up of several moving parts, including: 

• Wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are small steel bits -- either balls, called 'ball bearings' or tapers called 'tapered bearings' that have been precisely engineered to exact specifications. These pieces of the assembly keep wheels connected to their axles. 

• Rotor 

The set of wheel bearings are connected to a ring that keeps the wheels of your car turning smoothly, this is called the rotor. The rotor spins on a ring of bearings which should turn freely, allowing the wheels to turn without internal friction. Think, for example, of rubbing your palms together with several marbles between them. 

Hub assemblies are the full systems, including the rotors, bearings, sensors, and seals that keep each piece running in harmony. Without a wheel hub assembly, your wheels would not be attached to your car. 

How do I know if I need to replace my wheel hub assembly?

Wheel hub assemblies stop working as they should when one of the bearings of the assembly stop turning freely. According to GMB.net, this can be due to a rust buildup, or the introduction of foreign matter into the hub assembly. It can also be caused by repeated impacts, such as from potholes, or even improper alignment.  

It causes the wheel itself to not to turn smoothly and can result in the following symptoms:

• A growling, hissing, or rumbling sound that comes from the affected wheel while driving.

• A loose, waggly feeling in the steering wheel while driving. 

• Excessive or unusual vibration in the steering wheel.

• ABS malfunctions or brakes pulling to one side when pressure is applied.

If you notice any of these symptoms as you drive, chances are it's time to replace your wheel hub assembly.

Can I drive with a worn wheel hub assembly?

Can you? Yes, technically. At least for a short while until it is deffective, at which point, it would be impossible to drive. 

Should you continue to drive if you notice signs of a wearing assembly? No, because the damage will only get worse over time, and eventually the wheel hub assembly will fail altogether. If it fails while you are driving, this can lead to catastrophic results. You should replace a wearing wheel hub assembly as soon as possible to avoid such possibilities. 

Once the wheel hub assembly fails completely, the wheel will not turn. While it would be ideal to notice this while starting your car, a wheel hub assembly that gives out on you as you drive can have serious, and dangerous, consequences. 

If you suspect that your wheel hub assembly needs replacing, waiting to do the repairs can lead to other damages and can be dangerous.

Not only this, but a failing wheel hub assembly can put additional strain on your car’s transmission, CV joint, and axle. Who would have thought that a wheels inability to turn freely could put so much stress on so many components of your car? 

I think I need to replace my hub assembly, what now?

Once you have determined the problem, it's time to start looking for ways to solve it. Fortunately, replacing a wheel hub assembly is a fairly straightforward task and any competent mechanic should have no issue performing the repair. As mentioned above, you will want to have the repairs performed as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of further damage to your vehicle. 

Cost of repairs 

The national average for replacing a wheel hub assembly currently runs at around $350 [CAD $479.50] if you have it done professionally. 

The cost of repair, of course, will vary depending on the make, model, and year of your specific vehicle. The cost of repair for a front wheel hub assembly can range anywhere from $120 [CA $164.40] on the lower end for older cars or vehicles that don't have as many complicated parts like anti-lock brakes, to around $600 [CA $822] on higher-end vehicles. 

The part itself can cost anywhere from $20.85 [CA $28.63] to $281.23 [CA $385.80]. For example, a front wheel hub assembly for a 2017 Toyota Corolla, one of the more popular cars on the road, will run you around $46[CA $63.02]when purchased as an aftermarket part. 

How to save on repairs 

Purchasing your own aftermarket parts from a reputable dealer such as Autoshack can substantially decrease your cost of repair, as aftermarket parts are generally cheaper than the part a mechanic will use if they purchase it themselves.  

Plus, you can bundle and save if you are replacing your hub assemblies in pairs. It saves time on shipping, too. 

Just as crucial as finding the right part is finding the right mechanic to install said part. You want to find one who is reputable and who won’t overcharge you for installation. To ensure that you’re getting a fair rate, do some research on mechanics in your area, and call around to get quotes from those that have a good reputation. Mechanic rates can vary wildly depending on your local area – according to MechanicBase.com, the average cost can run anywhere from $45 [CA $61.65] to $170 [CA $232.90] depending on your market. Do your research before making a decision!

Get where you need to go with reliable aftermarket parts

AutoShack is a proven and trusted supplier of after-market parts. We offer free shipping on most orders, as well as express deliveries for those emergency repair situations. 

Finding the right part for your vehicle is as simple as selecting the make and model of your vehicle in our drop-down menu and then searching for the specific part. Or, you can use your vehicle's VIN number. 

If you find yourself needing to replace your wheel hub assemblies, or make any other kind of repairs to your vehicle, stop by AutoShack and see how we can provide you with the quality after-market parts you need!