“Dealer” refers to service centers that specialize in one or two makes and sell those vehicles. As a franchise dealer:
They use top-quality manufacturer-recommended or “official” parts
Parts usually come with a manufacturer's warranty - ask the dealer about this as details may vary
They have the highest level of training and knowledge, and their labor rates may reflect this
Total Estimate:
Parts
$512 - $566
Labor
$213 - $249
“Independent” refers to a service center that services multiple makes instead of specializing. In addition:
They don't sell vehicles
Because they can use non-official or aftermarket parts, their pricing might seem lower
Independents tend to be generalists with a broad level of knowledge and training on many vehicles
Price includes parts and labor
About Wheel Bearing Replacement
Wheel bearings are hardened steel ball bearings that roll around inside a casing on your vehicle’s axles. When you hear a growling or grinding noise from your wheel or wheels, it might be indication that bearings are failing, usually due to a lack of lubrication. The noise will grow progressively worse and there will be a certain roughness to the ride of your car, truck or SUV. It may also be evident by a vibration that travels up your steering wheel. The longer you drive on failing bearings, the more expensive the damage to your vehicle can be. Depending on the vehicle and its front, rear or all-wheel-drive, repairs can be quite involved. Brakes and rotor assemblies are removed first to expose the axle nut and hub assembly. The old bearings are removed and replaced with new units and then reassembled. A certified mechanic at your dealership service department or at a local automotive repair center can do the replacements.
2 Recalls for Cars Like Yours
Recalls may not affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model. Use your VIN or plate to find out if your specific car has open recalls.
What's the cost for wheel bearing replacement on my Chevrolet
For a national average across all vehicles, the average cost to replace the wheel bearings (for 1 wheel) is about $350 (including parts and labor). But KBB.com goes deeper than that. Based on analyzing 100s of actual repair orders, we put together the Kelley Blue Book Fair Repair Range to show you what you should expect to pay for this repair for your Chevrolet. Simply tell us the year, model and style of your Chevrolet and we’ll show you a fair price for the repair.
What are the warning signs of bad wheel bearings on my Chevrolet.
These are the ways to tell if something is amiss with the wheel bearings on your Chevrolet.
Humming noise
Squealing, growling
Clicking sound
Wheel wobble
ABS failure
Uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side
Steering wheel vibrations
Steering feels loose
For more on any of these complaints – not to mention more than you ever knew you wanted to know about wheel bearings, read the full article
How long will the wheel bearings last on my Chevrolet
In theory, wheel bearings could last as long as your Chevrolet. Unlike oil changes or tire rotations, there’s no standard maintenance schedule for replacing them. However, wheel bearings can be damaged if you hit a pothole, smack into a curb or bounce over a speed bump too fast.
If water, grit, salt or sand get to the bearings, the grease in the hub assembly gets contaminated. This will wear down the bearings, and they will eventually give out.
The best course of action? Find a reputable service technician for advice.
I hear a grinding noise coming from my Chevrolet
If you hear noises at the wheels, one explanation might be a need for a wheel bearing replacement at one or more wheels. The noises might be described as rattling, clicking, humming, growling, or squealing. It can be a real symphony of sound if you’re not careful.
More than just noisy or bothersome, bad wheel bearings could also lead to real performance issues like inconsistent braking, spongy steering and handling, uneven tire wear and, in extreme cases, the wheels could fall off. No matter how much (or how little) you know about cars, you don’t want the wheels falling off, right?
Don’t ignore the issue. Best to get it checked out by a trained service center.
Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing?
The short answer is: Not for too long. Having bad wheel bearings can range from inconvenient and unpleasant to downright dangerous.
If you have bad wheel bearings, you might experience the vehicle pulling to one side, sloppy or loose steering, grinding and rattling noises, and uneven tire wear.
In the worst case scenario, the wheel could come off while you drive.
We recommend you consult the professionals and make a service appointment here on KBB.com.
Pricing for Other Common 2012 Chevrolet Impala Repairs & Services