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.
Are wheel bearings covered under warranty?
Yes, if the vehicle is still inside its factory warranty and the bearing failed from a defect. The new-vehicle basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty covers defects in factory-installed parts, and wheel bearings are factory-installed parts. Whether the longer powertrain warranty also covers them depends on the manufacturer's list of covered components.
- Powertrain warranty: Ford's 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty names front bearings (front-wheel drive), rear bearings (rear-wheel drive) and front and rear bearings (four-wheel and all-wheel drive) in its covered-components list (ford.com, checked October 2026). Not every manufacturer's list includes them, so read the covered-components page of your own warranty booklet.
- Not covered by any factory warranty: normal wear, impact damage (potholes, curbs, accidents) and damage from outside causes such as a torn seal letting in water.
- Extended warranty: a vehicle service contract covers only what its contract lists. Check the contract for the words "wheel bearings" or "hub assembly" before assuming cover.
- After a paid repair: the new bearing carries the parts brand's warranty and the shop's labor warranty, set out below.
Parts Warranty by Brand
SKF
Parts warranty: 5 years
Covers: Manufacturing defects, material failure
Does not cover: Contamination, impact damage, incorrect installation
FAG / Schaeffler
Parts warranty: Limited (varies by seller)
Covers: Manufacturing defects
Does not cover: Contamination, abuse, incorrect torque
Timken
Parts warranty: Set by the seller (no published light-vehicle term)
Covers: Manufacturing defects, material failure
Does not cover: Corrosion from water exposure, impact damage
NTN / Koyo
Parts warranty: 1 year
Covers: Manufacturing defects
Does not cover: Contamination, incorrect installation
Moog
Parts warranty: 3 years (as listed by retailers)
Covers: Manufacturing defects
Does not cover: Wear, contamination, impact damage
National
Parts warranty: Set by the seller
Covers: Manufacturing defects
Does not cover: Wear, contamination
Dorman
Parts warranty: Limited lifetime (original purchaser)
Covers: Manufacturing defects only
Does not cover: Wear, contamination, incorrect installation
| Brand | Parts warranty | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKF | 5 years | Manufacturing defects, material failure | Contamination, impact damage, incorrect installation |
| FAG / Schaeffler | Limited (varies by seller) | Manufacturing defects | Contamination, abuse, incorrect torque |
| Timken | Set by the seller (no published light-vehicle term) | Manufacturing defects, material failure | Corrosion from water exposure, impact damage |
| NTN / Koyo | 1 year | Manufacturing defects | Contamination, incorrect installation |
| Moog | 3 years (as listed by retailers) | Manufacturing defects | Wear, contamination, impact damage |
| National | Set by the seller | Manufacturing defects | Wear, contamination |
| Dorman | Limited lifetime (original purchaser) | Manufacturing defects only | Wear, contamination, incorrect installation |
Shop Labor Warranty
The shop warranty covers their labor, not the parts. Terms vary by shop, so ask before you authorize the work. Shops in the TECHNET and NAPA AutoCare networks offer a nationwide 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on qualifying repairs; Firestone Complete Auto Care's nationwide service warranty is 12 months/12,000 miles for most services.
Independent shop
Labor warranty: Set by the shop
Often 12 months / 12,000 miles; always ask before authorizing work
TECHNET or NAPA AutoCare shop
Labor warranty: 24 months / 24,000 miles
Nationwide network warranty on qualifying repairs (technetprofessional.com, napaonline.com)
Firestone Complete Auto Care
Labor warranty: 12 months / 12,000 miles
Published nationwide service warranty; some services carry longer terms
Dealership (paid repair)
Labor warranty: Set by the manufacturer's parts warranty
Varies by brand; ask for the replacement-parts warranty in writing
Dealer during factory warranty
Labor warranty: Full vehicle warranty period
Check if still within powertrain warranty coverage
| Shop type | Typical labor warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Independent shop | Set by the shop | Often 12 months / 12,000 miles; always ask before authorizing work |
| TECHNET or NAPA AutoCare shop | 24 months / 24,000 miles | Nationwide network warranty on qualifying repairs (technetprofessional.com, napaonline.com) |
| Firestone Complete Auto Care | 12 months / 12,000 miles | Published nationwide service warranty; some services carry longer terms |
| Dealership (paid repair) | Set by the manufacturer's parts warranty | Varies by brand; ask for the replacement-parts warranty in writing |
| 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
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