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Need new wheel bearings? We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the top wheel bearings in 2022 and learn more in our handy buying guide. Have you noticed a strange grating or humming noise coming from your car’s wheels? Drive straight and the sound is there, turn slightly and it stops. Chances are that you have a worn-out wheel bearing. These tiny components support the entire weight of your car while you’re driving, so it’s crucial to replace them as quickly as possible to prevent further complications.
When you start searching for wheel bearings, you’ll see that there are many options available. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the highest-rated wheel bearings currently on the market in 2022. Check out our picks and keep reading to learn more about wheel bearings in our buying guide below.
What are the leading wheel bearings of 2022?
Timken Front Wheel Bearing: Recommended
In the top spot of our list, we have the Timken front wheel bearing and hub assembly. This wheel bearing is constructed from a high-quality steel alloy that offers increased durability and strength, which means it can withstand significant mileage without experiencing any problems. This wheel bearing also sports a heavy-duty seal and shield configuration that protects the inner bearing from unwanted dust particles and extends the bearing’s longevity. This wheel bearing is a universal fit and it can improve fuel efficiency as well as vehicle handling. It’s also as much as 30 percent stiffer than a conventional wheel bearing hub, meaning that you’ll have a stronger, sturdier bearing to support your vehicle.
Pros
- Universal wheel bearing fit
- Strong, sturdy design
- Improves fuel efficiency and handling
Cons
- Can wear out relatively quickly
Maysaf Front Wheel Bearing Assembly: High quality
Mayasaf is a trusted manufacturer in the automotive industry, and this front wheel bearing can make a great addition to your car. It can provide top performance without causing any sorts of sounds or vibrations, and you can purchase either a single wheel bearing or a pack of two. These wheel bearings are quick and easy to install and they exceed OE standards, making for a top-notch addition to your vehicle. This wheel bearing will fit a wide range of cars, and there’s even a helpful buying guide on the product page to find out if it will be right for your vehicle. There’s a one-year warranty included with your purchase, and if any issues pop up the manufacturer urges you to contact them so that they can help you figure things out.
Pros
- Offers smooth, quiet performance
- Fits a wide range of cars
- One-year warranty included
Cons
- Instructions can be difficult to follow
MOOG Wheel Bearing: Also consider
The MOOG wheel bearing assembly is another great option on our list — with a cutting-edge design and a pretty reasonable price, this wheel bearing is definitely worth giving a go. It’s pretty easy to get this wheel bearing set up and you won’t need any special tools, just follow the user manual and you should be set. This wheel bearing also features socket connectors and ABS molded shields that will not only prolong the wheel bearing’s longevity but will also prevent any sort of contamination as well. It’s corrosion-resistant and can offer you a longer life than competing wheel bearings, and it’s been rigorously tested by the manufacturer’s engineers to ensure that it will offer your vehicle top performance out on the road.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Corrosion-resistant design
- Durable, long-lasting construction
Cons
- Some reported ABS sensor stopped working
Detroit Axle Wheel Bearing Kit: Versatile
Do you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle? If the answer’s yes, then this Detroit Axle front wheel bearing just might be the perfect option for you. It’s great for many different makes & models, including Cadillacs, Chevys, and GMC vehicles. Another impressive thing about this wheel bearing is that it comes with a 10-year special warranty from the manufacturer that’s valid for manufacturing defects, so if you do happen to experience any problems you can get in touch with their customer support team to get things sorted out. This wheel bearing has undergone extensive laboratory testing to make sure that’s ready for the road and can be trusted to support your vehicle.
Pros
- Great for many 4WD and AWD vehicles
- A special 10-year warranty included
- High-quality, durable design
Cons
- Only compatible with five-lug wheel setups
AA Ignition Wheel Hub Bearing: Good value
If you’re on the hunt for a more affordable option, then take a look at the redesigned, all-new version of the AA Ignition wheel hub bearing. Apart from its price, there isn’t anything remotely cheap about this product — it’s made from steel and features an improved wheel hub, OEM-sized studs, a new harness, factory mounting points, and superior craftsmanship overall. This wheel bearing also comes with an ABS speed sensor cable, a critical part of the drivetrain that allows the wheels to rotate evenly without any friction. No extra tools are needed to get this wheel bearing installed, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer so that you won’t have to worry if any problems occur.
Pros
- Great value for its price
- Can significantly improve your car’s maneuverability
- Lifetime warranty included
Cons
- Some users reported a short lifespan
Buyer’s guide: Wheel bearings
Are you having a hard time finding a suitable wheel bearing for your vehicle? Don’t worry, because in this section we’ll be looking at some important things to keep in mind when shopping for a wheel bearing. Read on to find out what to keep an eye out for and what to avoid.
Signs of a bad wheel bearing
Wheel bearings are an essential part of a vehicle’s braking, steering and suspension systems. If you want to prevent additional problems from occurring, you’ll have to replace a broken wheel bearing as soon as possible. Here are some of the most obvious signs that a wheel bearing is broken:
Incorrect tire wear — Excessive tire wear is a big indicator that there could be something wrong with your wheel bearings.
Steering wheel vibration — A damaged bearing can cause severe vibration in your steering wheel.
Abnormal noise — Abnormal noises like squeaking or clicking while turning corners can be a sign that your wheel bearing needs changing.
How to find the correct wheel bearing for your vehicle
Compatibility
This is undoubtedly one of the more important things to keep in mind while shopping around. All wheel bearings and hub assemblies are different, so you’ll have to double and even triple-check that the specific model you’re purchasing is compatible with your vehicle.
You’ll usually be able to track down a full “Compatibility List” somewhere in the product description or elsewhere on the product page.
If you still aren’t sure if it’ll be a good fit, contact the manufacturer and send them specific information about your vehicle (type, year, make, model) — they’ll usually respond shortly.
Type
There are a few different kinds of wheel bearings on the market — here are the notable ones:
- Ball bearings — These wheel bearings are one of the more common options that you can purchase. They’re made to provide you with a smooth driving experience while also reducing the heat friction of the drivetrain
- Tapered bearings — Tapered bearings are incredibly versatile and can handle both radial & heavy-weight loads
- Roller bearings — Roller bearings are great for vehicles that carry much heavier loads. They’re made with sturdy materials and feature solid craftsmanship
- Ball thrust bearings — These models are practically identical to standard ball bearings, but they do have one disadvantage — they can’t really handle fast speeds
Material
The second thing you should pay attention to is the material of the wheel bearing.
Search for wheel bearings that are manufactured from strong and corrosion-resistant steel alloy, a material that has a long lifespan and offers great performance.
Manufacturer
There are hundreds of brands on the market, and even though it’s great to try out new things, now’s not necessarily the time to do that.
Look for top-tier manufacturers like Mayasaf, MOOG, NTN Wheel Bearing, SKF, Timken Group, PFI, AC Delco, Detroit Axle, AA Ignition, and Timken.
Many of the above-mentioned brands have years of background experience and are known for manufacturing high-quality car parts.
Guarantee
Make sure that you search for a wheel bearing that has at least some form of a guarantee policy — this allows you to request a free replacement if something happens to your current wheel bearing.
Don’t forget to look through the entire guarantee policy posted by the product’s manufacturer so that you know what you’re getting with it — and what you might not be getting.
How much do wheel bearings cost?
If you’re in the market for a new wheel bearing, expect to pay as little as $30 or up to $150 for some specific models. The price range can greatly vary depending on a few crucial factors, including the material’s reliability and quality as well as the brand manufacturing it.
Note: The cheapest models might seem like a reasonable option, particularly for cost-savvy purchasers. It’s usually a good idea to stay away from these, though, as they can quickly show serious signs of wear. Go for a mid-priced model instead — these offer great quality and will last for a substantial amount of time without showing any problems.
What causes damage to wheel bearings?
Physical impact
The majority of wheel bearings feature outstanding durability, but one of the things that they can’t really handle is physical impact. To extend the longevity of your wheel bearings and prevent any damage, we strongly advise you to avoid going too quickly over speed bumps or potholes.
Weather
Exposure to poor weather conditions can harm your wheel bearings as well, so try not to drive your car on roads that have too much mud, dust, or road salt.
Car modifications
Believe it or not, car modifications like using a hard shock absorber or installing bigger rims can cause significant damage to wheel bearings.
Incorrect installation
A final thing that can cause severe damage to wheel bearings is improper installation, so make sure that everything is properly positioned before you start driving your vehicle.
Conclusion
We hope that our buyer’s guide has helped you learn a little more about wheel bearings. All of the selections on our list are top-class and will be able to last for an extended period without a problem. You pretty much can’t go wrong with these wheel bearings, and your car will thank you for it!
Wheel Bearing FAQs
Q: How long does a wheel bearing typically last?
This can greatly vary depending on the specific wheel bearing you have on your vehicle. Generally, most of the wheel bearings on the market can last for around 100,000 to 135,000 miles without an issue.
Q: Can I replace a wheel bearing all on my own?
If you have all of the necessary tools (jack, lug wrench & screwdriver) and some background experience, you should easily be able to replace the wheel bearing in under 20 minutes. If you don’t have any kind of experience or tools, then you should consider going to the closest mechanic for installation.
Q: My wheel bearing arrived damaged, what should I do?
If you received a broken wheel bearing, you should immediately contact the manufacturer — make sure that you include visible pictures of the broken wheel bearing as well for proof. Don’t try fixing the bearing or placing it on your car, as this can only cause additional damage to your vehicle and possibly even yourself.