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The cost of car ownership is only ever on the rise, and unexpected repairs can set you back hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars each year. Whether it’s your original car manufacturer warranty or a vehicle service contract, having some form of auto protection in place can be a lifesaver when components let you down.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re worried about your wheel bearings in particular. And with RepairPal estimating a wheel bearing replacement will cost you somewhere between $283 and $377, it’s little wonder why. That’s a lot of money for a single one, let alone all four.
To help you understand whether you’re financially protected, we’ll take a closer look at what makes wheel bearings so important and clarify whether they’re covered under a factory warranty or an extended warranty.
Wheel bearings are what connect your car’s wheels to its axles. A set of steel balls or rollers enclosed in a metal ring is called a bearing race. Each bearing is typically mounted within a hub assembly or wheel hub, which then connects the front wheel or rear wheel to the car’s suspension system.
Wheel bearings have two key functions:
While bearings are thankfully low maintenance, they’re crucially important safety components of a vehicle’s braking, steering, and suspension systems. Because of this, you should keep an eye (and ear) out for common signs of failure so you can seek professional assistance as soon as possible.
Some things you should watch out for include:
If your vehicle is relatively new, you’ll most likely still have a factory warranty in place, which can be fantastic for driving peace of mind. This typically covers issues due to defects in workmanship or materials. Manufacturer’s warranties often classify wheel bearings as part of the bumper-to-bumper warranty or powertrain warranty, depending on the car manufacturer.
However, factory warranties have exclusions, meaning they only cover failures due to defects, not wear and tear. Once your factory warranty expires, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs, including wheel bearing replacement.
It’s worth noting that factory warranties (and auto warranties in general) only cover components that fail prematurely. For example, if you drive your four-door sedan off-road and a bearing breaks as a result, this would be considered improper use and would, therefore, not be authorized for repair. Always familiarize yourself with the full terms of your warranty, including what’s covered, how long for, and what might void coverage, so as to avoid any nasty surprises later down the line.
While factory warranty coverage is fantastic while it lasts, all good things must come to an end. When the expiration date comes around, you will be responsible for the cost of all future repair bills — bearings and all.
For drivers who want to continue enjoying driving confidence after their factory warranty has expired, an extended auto warranty is the ideal alternative. While most manufacturers offer an extended warranty of their own, these are often very expensive, limit where you can have repairs carried out, and require you to have an active factory warranty to qualify for purchase. Because of this, the majority of people opt for a vehicle service contract from a third-party provider, which is much better value for money and usually includes added benefits.
There are lots of providers to choose from; however, each has multiple levels of coverage, so it will depend on a number of factors as to whether bearings are covered. Generally, you’ll find that comprehensive and powertrain plans look out for your wheel bearings, but of course, there are always exceptions. Some plans also cover related components like the torque converter, water pump, and alternator.
If you want to ensure your wheel bearings are covered, the only way you can be totally certain is by reviewing the terms of the coverage you’re interested in before you put pen to paper. Quality providers should have a customer service team on hand to answer any questions or queries.
There are a number of factors that can influence coverage for wheel bearings, with the first (and most obvious) being your warranty provider and plan. Some providers may steer clear of wheel bearings completely, while others may only include them in higher levels of coverage.
Your specific vehicle will also come into play. Warranty providers will take the age and mileage of your car into consideration when deciding what components they’ll cover, and they may decide that yours has seen too much time on the road for them to cover anything outside of basic powertrain parts. Pre-existing issues can also limit your coverage, so if your bearings are diagnosed as worn when you apply for coverage, your provider will omit them as they’re likely to fail soon.
Similarly, the vehicle’s maintenance history will also have an impact. Providers will want to see that you have followed your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to the letter since purchase, as a neglected vehicle will be prone to issues that could have been prevented. This may mean they refuse coverage for certain components (like your bearings, for example), or they could even refuse coverage for your vehicle altogether.
At Endurance Warranty Services, we class bearings as part of a vehicle’s powertrain, which means they’re covered under every single one of our plans. From our most basic Secure plan all the way up to the fully comprehensive Supreme plan, you can rest assured that your drive axle is protected, including center support bearings and axle bearings.
Once your aftermarket coverage is in place, we’re with you every step of the way. So if your bearings give up on you, all you need to do is pay a visit to the certified auto shop or dealership of your choice, let them know that you have an Endurance contract, and we’ll take care of the rest. As long as the affected component is covered under the terms of your contract, your wallet can stay firmly in your pocket (deductibles, of course, apply).
As well as industry-leading extended warranty coverage, you’ll also gain access to some incredible added benefits. Whichever plan option you decide on, you’ll get access to 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage as standard. Endurance customers also get a year’s access to our Elite Benefits package, which adds on complete tire coverage, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and more.
Whether it’s your wheel bearings, drivetrain, turbocharger, or almost any other vehicle component, you can make sure it’s covered with a vehicle service contract from Endurance. To find out more about our range of plans and get advice on which is right for your needs and budget, get in touch with our award-winning advisors at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote, or shop our eStore.
You can also check out our extended warranty blog for other articles on handling car issues, frequently asked questions, maintenance tips, warranty comparisons, and more.
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By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
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Alex has worked in the automotive service industry for over 20 years. After graduating from one of the country’s top technical schools, he worked as a technician achieving a Master Technician certification. He also has experience as a service advisor and service manager. Read more about Alex.