Service and Cost
Wheel Grease Seal Replacement Cost Guide
The cost of wheel grease seal replacement can vary depending on the vehicle type and labor requirements. Here's a breakdown of typical costs based on our shop rate of $125/hour:
Front Wheel Grease Seal
Labor Time:1-1.5 hours per side
Typical Cost Range:$125-$190 per side
Parts Cost:$15-$40 per seal
Total estimated cost for front seal replacement: $140-$230 per side
Rear Wheel Grease Seal
Labor Time:1.5-2 hours per side
Typical Cost Range:$190-$250 per side
Parts Cost:$20-$45 per seal
Total estimated cost for rear seal replacement: $210-$295 per side
Additional Considerations:
- Costs may be higher for luxury or heavy-duty vehicles
- Additional repairs might be needed if bearing damage is found
- Both sides often need replacement at the same time
Note: These are estimated costs based on typical repair scenarios. Your actual costs may vary depending on your specific vehicle make and model, as well as any additional repairs needed.
Wheel Grease Seal Replacement Procedure
1. Vehicle Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface
- Engage parking brake
- Loosen wheel lug nuts before lifting
- Raise vehicle with jack and secure with jack stands
- Remove wheel and tire assembly
2. Brake Component Removal
- Remove brake caliper and secure it aside
- Remove brake rotor
- If drum brakes, remove drum assembly
3. Old Seal Removal
- Remove dust cap from hub center
- Remove cotter pin and castle nut
- Carefully pull hub/bearing assembly off spindle
- Pry out old grease seal using seal removal tool
- Clean seal mounting surface thoroughly
4. Bearing Inspection and Preparation
- Clean bearings thoroughly with solvent
- Inspect bearings for wear or damage
- Pack new bearings with high-quality wheel bearing grease
- Clean hub assembly thoroughly
5. New Seal Installation
- Apply thin coat of oil to new seal's outer edge
- Position seal squarely in hub
- Use seal installation tool to drive seal into place
- Ensure seal is fully seated and level
6. Reassembly
- Install inner bearing and new seal
- Slide hub assembly onto spindle
- Install outer bearing and washer
- Install castle nut and adjust bearing preload
- Install new cotter pin and dust cap
7. Final Steps
- Reinstall brake components
- Mount wheel and tire assembly
- Lower vehicle
- Torque lug nuts to specification
- Test drive to ensure proper operation
Note: This procedure may vary depending on vehicle make and model. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
Warning:Proper wheel bearing adjustment is critical for safe vehicle operation. If you're unsure about any step in this process, please consult a professional mechanic.
Understanding Wheel Grease Seals
AWheel Grease Seal, also known as a wheel oil seal or axle seal, is a crucial component in your vehicle's wheel assembly that serves multiple important functions:
What is a Wheel Grease Seal
It's a circular-shaped seal typically made from rubber or synthetic materials with a metal backing or casing. The seal is designed to fit snugly between your vehicle's wheel hub and axle.
Primary Functions:
- Retains Lubricant:Keeps wheel bearing grease contained within the wheel hub assembly, ensuring proper lubrication of the bearings.
- Prevents Contamination:Blocks dirt, water, dust, and other harmful contaminants from entering the wheel bearing area.
- Protects Bearings:Helps extend the life of your wheel bearings by maintaining a clean, well-lubricated environment.
Why It's Important:
A properly functioning wheel grease seal is essential for:
- Preventing premature wheel bearing failure
- Maintaining safe vehicle operation
- Avoiding costly repairs
- Ensuring optimal wheel performance
Note:Regular inspection of wheel grease seals is recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance. If you notice grease leaking around your wheels or hear unusual noises, it might indicate a failing seal that needs replacement.
Common Failure Symptoms of Wheel Grease Seals
Understanding Wheel Grease Seal Maintenance and Failure Signs
Inner Wheel Grease Seals
- Signs of Failure:
- Grease leaking around wheel hub or brake components
- Dark stains on inside of wheels
- Uneven or premature brake wear
- Wheel bearing noise (grinding or humming)
- Service Schedule:
- Inspect during every brake service
- Replace when performing wheel bearing service
- Typically every 100,000 miles under normal conditions
- Signs of Failure:
- Visible grease on axle housing
- Oil/grease contamination on brake shoes
- Differential fluid loss
- Burning smell from axle area
- Service Schedule:
- Replace when servicing rear axle bearings
- Inspect during differential service
- Recommended replacement every 150,000 miles
- Vehicle make and model
- Driving conditions (highway vs. city)
- Climate and environment
- Manufacturer recommendations
Axle Grease Seals
Important Note: These are general guidelines. Service intervals may vary based on:
Regular inspection of wheel grease seals is crucial for maintaining proper wheel bearing lubrication and preventing expensive repairs. If you notice any of these warning signs, please schedule a professional inspection immediately.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
