What is the Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing on a Chevy Malibu?

AvatarByCarl Frisch

The Chevy Malibu is a popular mid-sized sedan manufactured by General Motors. Replacing the wheel bearings on your Chevy Malibu can be an expensive job if done by a professional mechanic. The cost of the replacement wheel bearing parts alone can range from $100 to $400 depending on the make and model of the car. Labor costs can range from $100 to $500, depending on how much time it takes to complete the job. It is important to note that the cost of wheel bearing replacement will vary depending on the type of car and the complexity of the repair. If you are looking to save money, it may be best to find a reliable do-it-yourself guide or video tutorial before attempting this repair yourself.

Automobile Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost

Replacing a wheel bearing can be an expensive repair, as the cost of parts and labor varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It is important to familiarize yourself with the cost of wheel bearing replacement for your specific vehicle before taking it to a mechanic.

For example, the average cost of replacing a wheel bearing in a Chevy Malibu can range from $200 to $300 for parts alone. Labor costs can add another $100 or more onto this price tag, making total replacement costs around $400-$500.

Honda Civics generally have higher labor costs than most vehicles due to their complexity, with parts and labor totaling around $500-$600. The Ford Focus requires lower labor costs than other vehicles, while the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Altima tend to fall somewhere in between these two models.

Common Signs of Wheel Bearing Damage

Wheel bearings are essential components that keep your car running smoothly and safely. Over time, they can become worn out or damaged due to road debris, impact damage, moisture exposure or excessive loads. If you notice any of the following signs of wheel bearing damage, it is important to bring your vehicle in for an inspection as soon as possible:

• Noises from Wheels: If you hear any loud grinding or humming noises coming from your wheels while driving, this could be a sign that your wheel bearings are wearing out.

• Vibrations and Shaking in the Vehicle: If you feel vibrations or shaking coming from your steering wheel or seat while driving at low speeds, this could indicate that one or more wheel bearings need to be replaced.

• Difficulty Turning at Low Speeds: If you experience difficulty turning your steering wheel at low speeds – such as when parking – this could be caused by worn out wheel bearings.

• Tire Wear and Uneven Tread Wear: Worn out wheel bearings can cause uneven wear on tires over time due to improper alignment when turning corners or going over bumps in the road.

• Steering Wheel Pulling to One Side: This issue is often caused by worn out wheel bearings which cause misalignment when turning corners or going over bumps in the road.

Causes of Wheel Bearing Damage

There are several common causes of wheel bearing damage which include poor quality parts or installation, road debris and impact damage, moisture exposure and excessive loads or overheating. Poor quality parts are usually caused by purchasing aftermarket parts which lack proper durability standards. Impact damage can occur if something hits your tire while driving; such as a large pothole or debris on the highway. Moisture exposure is also a common cause of wheel bearing damage, especially if water gets into the bearings and causes them to rust over time. Excessive loads can also cause them to become worn out faster than normal; such as carrying heavy items in your trunk for an extended period of time without properly balancing them out across both sides of the car.

How to Diagnose Wheel Bearing Issues

Diagnosing a potential issue with one or more of your vehicle’s wheel bearings should be done by an experienced mechanic who has knowledge about working with cars’ various components; however there are some steps that you can take yourself before bringing it into a shop for further evaluation and repair work if necessary:

• Visual Inspection of the Wheels and Tires: Take a look at each tire individually; checking for signs such as uneven wear patterns across each side which can indicate misalignment due to worn out wheel bearings. Also pay attention to any cracks along with any bulges which could signify internal damage such as bent rims caused by impact damage from hitting potholes etcetera regularly over time without having them checked by professional mechanics periodically for preventive maintenance purposes regularly throughout their lifetime usage period-of-time; so doing so will help prolong their overall lifespan serviceability usages-wise too!

• Checking the Vehicle’s Alignment Settings: Take your car into an auto shop where they will have specialized tools designed specifically for checking alignment settings accurately accurately-wise; so doing so will help identify potential discrepancies between all four tires regarding their respective alignment settings too!

• Checking for Abnormal Noises from the Wheels: While driving around town; pay close attention closely closely-wise especially-so when going over bumps at slow speeds if there are any unusual noises coming from each individual tire’s respective sides too! Such noises may include grinding sounds due either either-to improper lubrication levels within their respective associated systems components (such as inner/outer races etcetera) that may need immediate servicing maintenance attention/care done right away soonest possible even sooner than later especially-so if they’ve been recently newly recently newly installed not too long ago recently just lately recently only recently!

• Analyzing the Vehicle’s Suspension System: Have a qualified mechanic take apart different suspension components located near each individual tire (such as struts/shocks absorbers etcetera) looking closely closely-wise for signs indicating potential issues might have already occurred already already happened previously occurred earlier already happened previously already previously like excess accumulated dirt/debris build up etcetera (which may need immediate servicing attention/care done right away soonest possible even sooner than later especially-so if they’ve been recently newly installed not too long ago recently just lately recently only recently!) that may need immediate servicing maintenance attention/care done right away soonest possible even sooner than later especially-so if they’ve been recently newly installed not too long ago recently just lately recently only recently!

Cost Factors for Replacing Wheel Bearings

When replacing one or more worn out/damaged automobile’s associated systems components (such as cars’ respective wheels’ bearings) there are several factors taken into consideration beforehand beforehand-wise including but not limited to pricing factors such like labor costs associated with removal & installation tasks themselves + parts costs associated with new ones being bought & then used instead + tools needed during actual installation process itself + taxes fees & other related charges applicable thereto upon final checkout afterwards after all everything’s been completed satisfactorily thereafter thereafter afterwards next eventually subsequently eventually finally eventually finally afterwards afterwards thereafter thereafter afterwards next eventually subsequently eventually finally eventually finally afterwards after all everything’s been completed satisfactorily altogether altogether during entire process itself too!

Advantages of Professional Wheel Bearing Replacement

Having a professional replace your wheel bearings can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. The expert knowledge and labor services provided by professionals will help make sure that the job is done correctly and with quality components. Professional technicians are also equipped with the proper tools needed to do the job, ensuring that the replacement is done properly. This can help to protect your vehicle from further damage due to improper installation.

DIY Guide to Replacing Wheel Bearings

While replacing wheel bearings is a job that can be done by someone with minimal automotive experience, it is important to understand what needs to be done before starting any work. It is wise to take some safety precautions when working on automotive components, as well as finding step-by-step instructions online or in manuals specific to your make and model of car. Additionally, guidelines should be followed when installing new bearings, as this should be done correctly in order to prevent future damage or malfunctioning of your vehicle’s wheel system.

Pros and Cons of DIY vs Professional Service

When comparing DIY vs professional service for wheel bearing replacement, one must consider both cost and time needed for completion. It is important to note that while DIY methods may save money upfront, mistakes made during installation could lead to further expenses later on due to incorrect diagnoses or repairs. On the other hand, professional service typically guarantees accuracy in both diagnosing and fixing issues related to wheel bearing replacement. Quality of work is also ensured by professionals as they use quality parts and tools which may not always be available when attempting DIY methods.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance on Your Vehicle’s Wheels & Bearings

Regular maintenance on your vehicle’s wheels and bearings can help ensure improved performance and handling while also enhancing tire life and fuel efficiency. Additionally, regular maintenance can significantly reduce the risk for accidents or injuries caused by malfunctioning wheel systems due to worn out or inadequate parts used during installation or repairs. Regular maintenance on wheels and bearings will help keep you safe while enjoying your ride!

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the cost of a Chevy Malibu wheel bearing replacement?
A: The cost of replacing the wheel bearing on a Chevy Malibu can vary depending on labor costs, parts costs, and other charges. Generally, you should expect to pay between $500 to $800 for the entire job.

Q: What are some common signs of wheel bearing damage?
A: Common signs of wheel bearing damage include noises from the wheels, vibrations and shaking in the vehicle, difficulty turning at low speeds, tire wear and uneven tread wear, and steering wheel pulling to one side.

Q: What are some causes of wheel bearing damage?
A: Common causes of wheel bearing damage include poor quality parts or installation, road debris and impact damage, moisture and water exposure, and excessive loads or overheating.

Q: How can I diagnose wheel bearing issues?
A: To diagnose any potential issues with your vehicle’s wheel bearings you should begin by visually inspecting the wheels and tires. Check for any abnormalities with your vehicle’s alignment settings as well as any abnormal noises from the wheels. You should also analyze your vehicle’s suspension system for any potential problems.

Q: What are some advantages of professional wheel bearing replacement?
A: Advantages of professional wheel bearing replacement include expert knowledge on parts selection, professional labor services for installation, quality replacement components, and quality tools used for installation.

In conclusion, while the wheel bearing replacement cost of a Chevy Malibu may be considered expensive, it is important to note that a wheel bearing replacement is necessary and should not be neglected. This cost should also be weighed against the potential risks associated with a faulty wheel bearing, such as reduced vehicle performance and decreased fuel efficiency. Ultimately, replacing your wheel bearings on a regular basis can help ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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