Warranty Guide
Wheel Bearing Warranty and Guarantee
Parts and labor warranties differ significantly by brand and shop. Understanding what is covered before you authorize the repair protects you from an uncovered return visit.
Parts Warranty by Brand
| Brand | Parts warranty | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKF | Limited lifetime | Manufacturing defects, material failure | Contamination, impact damage, incorrect installation |
| FAG / Schaeffler | Limited lifetime | Manufacturing defects | Contamination, abuse, incorrect torque |
| Timken | Limited lifetime | Manufacturing defects, material failure | Corrosion from water exposure, impact damage |
| NTN / Koyo | Limited lifetime | Manufacturing defects | Contamination, incorrect installation |
| Moog | 1 year | Manufacturing defects | Wear, contamination, impact damage |
| National | 1 year | Manufacturing defects | Wear, contamination |
| Dorman | 90 days - 1 year | Manufacturing defects only | Wear, contamination, incorrect installation |
Shop Labor Warranty
The shop warranty covers their labor, not the parts. Most independent shops offer 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. National chains (Midas, Meineke, Firestone) often offer 24 months or 24,000 miles.
| Shop type | Typical labor warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Independent shop (most) | 12 months / 12,000 miles | Varies - always ask before authorizing work |
| Midas, Meineke, Firestone | 24 months / 24,000 miles | Franchise standardized warranty |
| Dealership | 12 months / 12,000 miles | Covered under dealer service warranty |
| Dealer during factory warranty | Full vehicle warranty period | Check if still within powertrain warranty coverage |
How to Protect Your Warranty
Get everything in writing
Ask for a written invoice that specifies the brand and part number of the bearing installed, the labor warranty duration, and whether parts or labor or both are covered under the warranty.
Keep all receipts
Store the invoice for the bearing replacement permanently. Warranty claims require proof of the original repair date, shop name, part brand, and part number.
Return to the same shop
Labor warranties are typically voided if another shop touches the work. If you have a warranty issue, return to the original repairing shop. If you moved or the shop closed, contact the parts brand directly for parts warranty claims.
Note axle nut torque spec on the invoice
Ask the technician to note the axle nut torque spec used on your invoice. Incorrect axle nut torque voids the bearing warranty - having it documented protects you.
Estimate your repair cost
Use the Calculator