How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wheel Hub?

Most drivers can expect to pay between $250 and $650 per wheel to replace a wheel hub (including parts and labor) in 2025, with luxury or performance vehicles sometimes reaching $800–$1,000+. The exact price depends on your vehicle type, whether the hub and bearing are integrated, labor rates in your area, and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts.

What a Wheel Hub Is and Why It Matters

A wheel hub is the assembly that connects your wheel to the suspension and, in many modern cars, contains the wheel bearing and the ABS (anti-lock braking) sensor. When the hub or its bearing fails, you can experience noise, vibration, ABS warning lights, and, in severe cases, loss of wheel control. Because it’s a safety‑critical component, ignoring wheel hub problems can quickly become dangerous and more expensive.

Typical Cost Range for Wheel Hub Replacement

Wheel hub replacement cost breaks down into two major components: the price of the hub assembly itself and the labor required to install it. These ranges reflect typical prices in North America and Western Europe as of late 2025, but local variations can be significant.

Typical Cost by Vehicle Category

The following list outlines approximate total costs (parts + labor) by common vehicle category to help you benchmark what you might pay.

• Economy cars (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, etc.): About $250–$450 per wheel
• Mid-size sedans / small SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson): About $300–$550 per wheel
• Large SUVs / trucks (Ford F‑150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Highlander): About $350–$650 per wheel
• Luxury brands (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus): Often $450–$800 per wheel; some models can reach $1,000+
• Performance / sports cars (Porsche, high‑end BMW M/AMG, etc.): Commonly $600–$1,200 per wheel, especially with specialized hubs or sensors

These estimates assume a standard shop labor rate and common hub assemblies; complex suspension setups, rusted hardware, or rare vehicles can push costs higher than the typical ranges listed.

Parts vs. Labor: Where the Money Goes

Understanding whether you’re paying more for parts or for labor helps you evaluate quotes and spot suspiciously low or high estimates.

The next list summarizes typical parts and labor cost ranges for a single wheel hub replacement, not including any additional repairs that might be found during the job.

• Parts (wheel hub or hub & bearing assembly):
  

  • Economy / mainstream vehicles: $80–$220
  • Trucks / SUVs: $120–$300
  • Luxury / performance models: $200–$600+

• Labor:
  

  • Typical shop time: 1.0–2.0 hours per wheel
  • Labor rates: commonly $90–$180 per hour at independent shops; $140–$250+ at dealerships in high‑cost areas
  • Typical labor total: about $120–$300 per wheel

In most mainstream vehicles, the cost of the hub assembly is roughly comparable to labor; in luxury and performance vehicles, the part itself often dominates the total cost, while in high‑labor‑rate regions, shop time can be the biggest driver.

Key Factors That Affect Wheel Hub Replacement Cost

The price you pay for a wheel hub replacement is shaped by a handful of predictable factors. Knowing them allows you to understand why your friend’s Civic was cheaper to fix than your crossover, or why a dealership quote may be higher than an independent shop’s.

1. Vehicle Make, Model, and Year

Different vehicles use different hub designs, and parts availability and complexity vary widely.

The following list highlights how vehicle choice influences costs.

• Common, popular models: Parts are widely available, including many aftermarket options, which keeps prices down.
• Newer vehicles (especially 2020+): More likely to use integrated hubs with ABS sensors; these can be more expensive but reduce labor time compared with older separate bearings.
• Older or rare vehicles: May require special-order parts or OEM-only components, raising both parts cost and wait time.
• European luxury brands: Often have more expensive OEM parts and higher dealership labor rates, boosting the overall bill.

The more specialized or rare your vehicle is, the more you should expect to pay, both for the hub assembly itself and for the expertise to install it correctly.

2. Front vs. Rear Wheel Hubs

Front and rear hubs do not always cost the same, because the front often handles steering and sometimes drive power, while the rear may have a simpler design.

This list shows the usual front-versus-rear differences you might encounter.

• Front wheel hubs:
  

  • Often contain more complex components, including steering knuckle integration and, in FWD/AWD, drive splines.
  • Typically slightly more expensive in both parts and labor.

• Rear wheel hubs:
  

  • Can be simpler on FWD cars (non-driven axle).
  • On AWD vehicles, may still be complex and similar in cost to front hubs.

Although rear hubs can sometimes be cheaper, particularly on front‑wheel‑drive vehicles, the difference is not always large, and in some AWD or electronic parking brake systems, rear hubs can be equally costly.

3. Hub Assembly Type (Integrated vs. Separate Bearing)

Many modern cars use a “hub and bearing assembly” that’s replaced as a single unit, while some older designs allow the bearing alone to be pressed in and out.

The following points summarize how assembly style affects the bill.

• Integrated hub and bearing units:
  

  • Higher parts cost but usually less labor.
  • Easier for most shops to replace; lowers the risk of pressing errors that damage new bearings.

• Separate bearings pressed into a hub or knuckle:
  

  • Cheaper bearing parts, but significant extra labor and special tools.
  • Labor can reach 2–3 hours per side, which can wipe out any parts savings.

For most modern vehicles, the integrated hub assembly means a straightforward but relatively pricey part; in contrast, older pressed‑in bearings can look cheap on paper but end up costing similar or more once labor is included.

4. OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Whether you choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket replacements is one of the few cost levers you can directly control, within safety limits.

The list below shows trade‑offs to consider when deciding between OEM and aftermarket hubs.

• OEM wheel hubs:
  

  • Usually the most expensive option; can be 30–70% more than aftermarket.
  • Best chance of matching factory durability and performance.
  • Often required to preserve certain warranties or extended coverage.

• Aftermarket hubs:
  

  • Wide price range: from budget brands to premium aftermarket.
  • Reputable brands (Moog, Timken, SKF, etc.) typically offer solid reliability at lower cost than OEM.
  • Very low-cost generic hubs can fail early, leading to repeat labor costs.

Balancing brand reputation, warranty length, and price is crucial; a cheap hub that fails within a year may cost more overall than a better-quality part installed once.

5. Labor Rates and Regional Differences

Where you live and the type of shop you choose have an outsized influence on the total bill, because labor rates vary widely by region and business model.

The following overview highlights common labor-rate differences you might see.

• Independent shops:
  

  • Typically charge $90–$150 per hour, depending on region.
  • Often more flexible on parts (willing to install customer-supplied parts, sometimes with limited warranty).

• Dealerships:
  

  • Commonly $140–$250+ per hour in high-cost urban areas.
  • Use OEM parts and factory procedures; may offer better brand-specific expertise.

• Mobile mechanics:
  

  • Rates can be competitive or slightly lower; convenience is their main selling point.
  • Not all mobile services tackle suspension/hub work, especially on heavily rusted vehicles.

Even with the same car and same hub, a job that costs $350 in a smaller town can easily exceed $600 in a major metropolitan area with high shop rates and dealership pricing.

6. Rust, Corrosion, and Additional Repairs

Hidden complications often emerge once a mechanic starts disassembling suspension components, especially on older or rust-belt vehicles.

The next list describes common extras that can add to your final bill.

• Seized bolts or rusted components:
  

  • Extra labor time to cut, drill, or heat seized bolts.
  • Potential replacement of bolts, knuckles, or control arms, adding $50–$300+.

• Damaged ABS sensors or wiring:
  

  • ABS sensors sometimes break during hub removal.
  • Replacement sensors usually cost $50–$200 plus labor.

• Alignment or related suspension work:
  

  • An alignment ($80–$150) may be required if suspension geometry is disturbed.
  • Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rods discovered during the job can raise the total further.

While not every hub replacement uncovers extra issues, it is common enough that building a 10–20% buffer into your budget is wise, particularly on high‑mileage vehicles in harsh climates.

Signs You Might Need a Wheel Hub (or Bearing) Replacement

Wheel hubs are rarely replaced on a fixed schedule; instead, they’re changed when they show signs of failure. Recognizing the symptoms can help you act before damage becomes dangerous or more expensive.

Common Warning Signs

The following symptoms often point to a failing hub or wheel bearing and should prompt a professional inspection.

• Growling, humming, or rumbling noise that increases with speed and may change when turning left or right.
• Vibration felt through the steering wheel or floor at certain speeds.
• ABS warning light if the hub’s integrated wheel speed sensor is failing.
• Uneven or abnormal tire wear without obvious alignment issues.
• Wheel play or looseness when the wheel is rocked by hand with the car lifted.
• Clicking or snapping sounds near the wheel area, sometimes mistaken for CV joint issues.

Because these symptoms overlap with other suspension and brake problems, a proper diagnosis by a qualified technician is essential before spending money on parts.

Can You Drive with a Bad Wheel Hub?

Driving with a failing wheel hub is a gamble: some deteriorate slowly with mostly noise and vibration, while others can fail abruptly, risking wheel separation or sudden loss of control. From a safety standpoint, professional guidance almost always leans toward timely replacement rather than extended continued driving.

Risks of Delaying Replacement

The potential consequences of postponing wheel hub replacement range from minor to severe, both mechanically and financially.

The list below outlines the main risks of ignoring a failing hub.

• Increased damage: Excessive play can damage brakes, tires, and suspension components, raising repair costs.
• Safety hazards: Bearing failure can lead to wheel lockup or, in extreme cases, detachment from the vehicle.
• Longer stopping distances: ABS may malfunction, especially if the speed sensor is integrated into the hub.
• Breakdown risk: Failure at highway speeds or in remote areas can lead to towing fees and higher emergency repair costs.

Because of these risks, most mechanics advise against long-distance or high-speed driving once a wheel hub or bearing is suspected to be failing, especially if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Replacing a wheel hub sits at the boundary between advanced DIY job and routine professional work. Whether you should tackle it yourself depends heavily on your experience, tools, and tolerance for risk.

DIY Cost Considerations

For skilled DIYers with proper tools, doing the work at home can significantly reduce the labor portion of the bill. However, there are important caveats.

The following list breaks down the main DIY cost and effort issues.

• Potential savings:
  

  • Eliminates labor charges of $120–$300 per wheel.
  • More flexibility to shop around for parts and wait for online discounts.

• Tool requirements:
  

  • Jack and stands rated for the vehicle, quality socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench.
  • Possibly a hub puller, slide hammer, or impact wrench; rust-belt vehicles can require serious force.
  • For pressed bearings: a hydraulic press or specialized bearing tool kit.

• Risks and downsides:
  

  • Over- or under‑torqued axle nuts can ruin a new bearing quickly.
  • Incorrect installation can cause immediate failure or create steering/braking issues.
  • Some shops will not warranty work when customer-supplied parts are involved after a DIY attempt.

While DIY replacement can be cost‑effective for experienced hobbyists, for most drivers, the safety-critical nature of the wheel hub makes professional installation the more prudent choice.

How to Get a Fair Price on Wheel Hub Replacement

Being an informed customer is the best way to avoid overpaying and to ensure your vehicle receives quality parts and workmanship.

Steps to Compare and Control Costs

The following steps can help you secure a fair, transparent price for a wheel hub replacement.

1. Get multiple itemized quotes: Ask for a breakdown of parts, labor hours, and shop fees from at least two or three shops.
2. Verify part brand and warranty: Request the specific brand and warranty terms for the hub assembly; prioritize reputable names.
3. Ask if ABS sensors are included: On some cars, the sensor is integrated; on others, it’s separate. Clarify what is being replaced.
4. Confirm whether an alignment is needed: If suspension components are removed or loosened, an alignment may be recommended or required.
5. Check for package deals: Replacing both hubs on the same axle sometimes reduces total labor and alignment costs.
6. Use online repair estimators: Services like RepairPal or OEM-specific tools can give ballpark figures for your vehicle and ZIP code.

With clear, comparable quotes and awareness of part quality, you can more confidently select a shop that offers both a reasonable price and a solid warranty on the work performed.

Summary

Replacing a wheel hub typically costs $250–$650 per wheel in 2025 for most mainstream vehicles, with luxury, performance, and complex AWD systems sometimes exceeding $800–$1,000+. The final price depends on your vehicle, whether the hub and bearing are integrated, local labor rates, and your choice of OEM versus aftermarket parts. Warning signs such as humming noises, vibration, ABS lights, or wheel play should not be ignored, as hub failure can compromise safety and lead to more expensive damage. For most drivers, having a reputable shop perform the work with quality parts and a clear, itemized estimate strikes the best balance between cost, safety, and long-term reliability.