Should You Replace One or Both Rear Wheel Bearings When One Fails?
4 Answers
When a rear wheel bearing fails, replacing just the one is sufficient. Below are specific details regarding rear wheel bearings: Regular Inspection: To maximize safety and reliability, regardless of the vehicle's age, it's essential to frequently inspect the rear wheel bearings. Watch for early warning signs of wear, such as any friction noise during rotation or abnormal deceleration of the suspension assembly during turns. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, it's recommended to lubricate the rear wheel bearings at 38,000 kilometers. When replacing the brake system, inspect the bearings and replace the oil seals. Noise Handling: If you hear noise coming from the bearing area, first identify the source of the noise. There are many moving parts that could potentially generate noise, or it might be due to contact between rotating and non-rotating components. If the noise is confirmed to be from the bearing, it may be damaged and require replacement.
I've been driving for over ten years and always prioritize saving money. When my rear wheel bearing failed, my first thought was to replace just one to save on parts cost. But upon reflection, the other side's bearing has the same mileage and likely similar wear. If I don't replace both now, the other side might fail in a few months, requiring another wheel removal and more labor costs. The additional cost of replacing both mainly lies in the bearings themselves, but when amortized, it's more economical than doing the job twice. Moreover, balanced axles are crucial for stability – replacing only one new bearing may cause vibrations or noise from the old side, potentially accelerating tire or suspension damage long-term. I've tried the money-saving approach myself, but ultimately switched to replacing in pairs. I recommend you do the same – it truly saves hassle and enhances safety in the long run.
As a safety-conscious veteran driver, I take rear wheel bearing issues very seriously. If a bearing fails, it must be addressed promptly, but replacing just one carries significant risks. The uneven wear between old and new bearings can cause imbalance during turns or at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of losing control. I strongly recommend always replacing bearings in pairs to ensure synchronized operation and smooth driving. Moreover, vehicles are designed with symmetrical structures, and replacing only one side may prolong labor time or affect other components. In the past, I once opted for single-side replacement to save trouble, only to have the other bearing fail shortly after, nearly causing an accident. Now, I always replace them in pairs without exception—safety comes first and must never be compromised. This is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
I've been repairing cars myself for over a decade and have encountered rear wheel bearing issues several times. If one side fails, I always check the wear condition of the opposite side - generally at high mileage both sides should be replaced. Replacing just one is simpler and cheaper, but the new bearing will endure greater stress, causing the old one to fail quickly, which creates more trouble. Replacing them as a pair costs more, but solves the problem in one go and saves time, plus the car runs much more evenly after installation. Remember: bearing removal/installation requires special tools - don't attempt it without experience, it's best to have professionals oversee the work.
