Smart/MCC Wheel Bearing replacement made easy

Over time, a damaged wheel bearing can affect your car’s steering, as the weight of the bearings, or any defects in the race can cause your wheels to not sit level with the road. This can lead to uneven and premature tyre wear, and your car behaving unpredictably when turning corners.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, a wheel bearing replacement should be carried out as soon as possible.

• When the car vibrates whilst driving.
• When a wheel does not move (bearing has seized).
• When there is a thudding or clunking noise coming from underneath the car.
• When there is a squeaking noise coming from underneath the car.

A front wheel bearing replacement on average takes just over 1 hour, but can take anywhere from under 1 hours to 2 hours. A rear wheel bearing replacement takes on average under 1 hour, but can range from under 1 hour to 2 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

A typical wheel bearing will likely need replacing every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on a number of variables. Remember, wheel bearings should always be serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

Over time the bearings can wear, usually the bearings wear due to inadequate lubrication. In severe cases, it might be that a bearing fails completely. The result is generally a squeaking or grinding noise coming from one of the car's wheels.

Should you experience problems with the bearings then it is advisable that you have them inspected as soon as possible and, if necessary, have the bearings replaced.

Wheel bearings are often damaged when a car hits a kerb with some force. But also, because the bearings have to be able to travel as smoothly as possible around the race to help keep your car wheels turning predictably.

Until the late-1990s, it was common for car manufacturers to recommend wheel bearing replacement every 30,000 miles. But while today’s wheel bearings can typically last twice as long, many cars are also doing far higher mileages, so they are subjected to much more wear and tear.

A hard impact against a kerb can easily damage a wheel bearing. So avoiding hitting any kerb is a good way to treat your wheel bearings kindly and prolong their life.

Also, while wheel bearings can withstand lots of wear and abuse, their biggest enemies are heat and water. Heat – which is usually caused by a lack of lubrication, so too will water penetrating the bearings.

Replacing a wheel hub assembly, as seen on many modern vehicles, would cost between £150 to over £300 depending on the vehicle model and hub assembly used.

A worn wheel bearing can quickly fail, sometimes within 100-200 miles. This can cause further damage to the wheel hub and suspension. It is therefore advisable you get the wheel bearing issue fixed before you drive the car again.

Wheel bearings can last as much as 60,000 miles, but this does depend on a few factors. Maintaining the bearings, like regular lubrication, according to manufacturer recommendations is key to extend their lifespan.

A wheel bearing that's on it's way out will usually produce a clunking, thudding or squeaking noise. The noise will come from one of the wheels on the car where the wheel bearings are fitted. If noise is coming from a wheel bearing it's important to get it checked by a professional mechanic.

The cause of a wheel bearing to break is typically due to excessive wear and tear, although it can also be caused by an impact or other damage. Sometimes improper installation can also lead to wheel bearing failure.

No, they will most likely not be covered under warranty as they are considered a wear and tear component.

Yes, many local garages are able to offer collection and delivery for a wheel bearing replacement on your Smart/MCC. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a wheel bearing replacement on your Smart/MCC.

Yes, mobile mechanics can do a wheel bearing replacement at your home or office on your Smart/MCC, provided there is a safe and sufficient space to conduct the repair or replacement. With ClickMechanic, once booked for a date and time of your choice, your booking will be offered to vetted mobile mechanics in your area.