Mercedes Benz 380SEL Wheel Bearing Costs
The average cost for a Mercedes Benz 380SEL Wheel Bearing Replacement is between $69 - $129. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
What is a wheel bearing?
A wheel bearing is a crucial component of a vehicle's wheel assembly that connects the wheel to the axle, allowing it to spin smoothly with minimal friction. It is a set of steel balls or rollers enclosed within a metal ring, known as a race. Wheel bearings support axial and radial loads and play a vital role in your vehicle's steering, suspension, and acceleration. Typically located within the wheel hub assembly, these bearings are sealed to protect against contamination from dirt, debris, and moisture. Proper functioning of the wheel bearings is essential for safety, handling, and overall performance of your car.
Symptoms of a failing wheel bearing
When wheel bearings start to wear or fail, several symptoms may alert you to the problem:
- Noisy Wheels: One of the most common signs is a grinding, humming, or rumbling noise coming from the affected wheel, especially when turning or at certain speeds.
- Vibration and Wobble: You might feel vibrations through the steering wheel or vehicle, which often increase with speed or when turning.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Faulty wheel bearings can cause uneven tire wear due to misalignment or additional friction.
- ABS Warning Light: In some cases, the ABS light may illuminate due to wheel hub issues, which include the wheel bearing.
- Steering Wander: The vehicle may feel loose or difficult to control due to increased play in the wheel bearing.
- Excessive Play: When inspecting, you might notice excessive play in the wheel while it’s lifted off the ground, indicating a worn bearing.
How urgent is wheel bearing replacement?
Replacing a faulty wheel bearing is a highly urgent repair due to the critical role this component plays in vehicle safety and performance. A failing wheel bearing can compromise handling, lead to uneven tire wear, or cause the wheel to seize while driving, which can result in dangerous driving conditions. If you notice signs of a failing wheel bearing, such as unusual noises or vibrations, it's essential to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your vehicle and its occupants.
How much does wheel bearing replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary widely depending on your vehicle's make, model, and location, as well as whether the job is performed by a mechanic or if you do it yourself. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $450 per wheel. Labor costs are a significant factor, as wheel bearing replacement can be labor-intensive. Additionally, if the wheel bearing is integrated into a hub assembly, the entire assembly may need replacement, increasing the cost. It's wise to obtain a few estimates to ensure you're getting a fair price.
5 FAQs about wheel bearings
- What causes wheel bearing failure? Various factors can lead to wheel bearing failure, including contamination by water or dirt, improper installation, excessive load (overloading the vehicle), or general wear and tear over time from regular use.
- Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing? It's strongly recommended to avoid driving with a bad wheel bearing. Doing so can cause irreparable damage to the wheel and hub assembly and pose severe safety risks due to potential wheel seizing or loss of control.
- How often should wheel bearings be replaced? Wheel bearings typically last around 85,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can vary based on driving conditions, quality of the bearing, and regular maintenance habits.
- Are wheel bearings covered under warranty? Many vehicle warranties cover wheel bearings, especially if they fail prematurely. However, coverage varies widely between manufacturers and extended warranties, so it's best to check your specific warranty for details.
- Can I replace wheel bearings myself? While it's possible for experienced DIYers to replace wheel bearings, it requires specialized tools, mechanical knowledge, and safety precautions to avoid further damage or injury. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.
Dev Output
1981 Mercedes Benz 380SEL V8-3839cc 3.8L FI - Wheel Bearing Costs
Parts: $13.00Labor: $84.00{ "partPrice": 13, "laborPrice": 84, "alldata_id": 25574, "alldata_vehicle_id": 25574, "title": "Wheel Bearing", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SEL Ch 126.033", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front", "note": "This kit only for use on cars WITHOUT! ABS brakes.", "price": "80.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1163300051" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front, With ABS Brakes", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SL Ch 107.045", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front", "price": "105.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1073300051" } ] }, { "name": "380SEL Ch 126.033", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front, With Abs Brakes", "price": "94.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1263300051" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front, Without ABS Brakes", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SL Ch 107.045", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front", "price": "159.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1153300051" } ] }, { "name": "380SLC Ch 107.025", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Front", "price": "159.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1153300051" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Tapered Roller Bearing, Front Inner Wheel", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SEL Ch 126.033", "part": [ { "name": "Tapered Roller Bearing, Front Inner Wheel", "price": "56.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "0019802902" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Inner Front", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SL Ch 107.045", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Inner Front", "price": "31.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "0009815805" } ] }, { "name": "380SLC Ch 107.025", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Inner Front", "price": "31.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "0009815805" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Outer Front", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SEL Ch 126.033", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Outer Front", "price": "36.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "0009816305" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Rear", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing Kit, Rear", "price": "149.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1233500068" } ] }, { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Rear Outer", "part": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Rear Outer", "price": "65.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "0009808202" } ] }, { "name": "Grease Cap, Front", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "380SEL Ch 126.033", "part": [ { "name": "Grease Cap, Front Wheel Hub", "price": "7.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1163340425" } ] }, { "name": "380SL Ch 107.045", "part": [ { "name": "Grease Cap, Front Wheel Hub", "price": "16.50", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1083340025" } ] }, { "name": "380SLC Ch 107.025", "part": [ { "name": "Grease Cap, Front Wheel Hub", "price": "16.50", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "1083340025" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Clean/Repack", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Wheel Bearing, Repack", "labor": { "standardtime": "1.8", "warrantytime": "0.0" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, "year": 1981, "make": "Mercedes Benz", "model": "380SEL", "engine": "V8-3839cc 3.8L FI" }