Mazda 5 Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly Guide (2006-2017)
Hearing a grinding or humming noise from your wheels? It might be time for a new wheel bearing.
- A humming or grinding noise that gets louder with speed is the top symptom of a failing wheel bearing.
- For the Mazda 5, you will be replacing the entire wheel hub assembly, not just the inner bearing.
- Premium brands like Timken, SKF, and FAG offer the best long-term reliability.
- If your car has high mileage, it is recommended to replace both bearings on the same axle at the same time.
Is Your Mazda 5 Making a Strange Noise?
One of the first signs of a failing wheel bearing is a new noise coming from one corner of your car. It often starts as a faint hum and can turn into a loud grinding or roaring sound that gets worse with speed. 🎬 Watch: How to 100% diagnose a bad wheel bearing. Some owners describe it as sounding like you have aggressive mud tires on the car. You might also feel vibrations through the steering wheel or floor. In some cases, a bad bearing can even trigger your ABS warning light.
Known Issues and Recalls
While there are no specific recalls for wheel bearings on the 2006-2017 Mazda 5, some owners have noted them as a potential trouble spot. A separate recall (NHTSA 15V451) was issued for front lower control arms on some Mazda models, which can affect steering and tire wear, indirectly stressing wheel bearings. Always check for any open recalls on your specific vehicle using your VIN.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Wheel Hub Assembly
For the 2006-2017 Mazda 5, wheel bearings are replaced as a complete hub assembly, which is a bolt-on unit. This makes the job easier than pressing old bearings out. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing bearings without a press. When shopping for a replacement, you'll find several brands. They generally fall into three quality tiers:
- Premium Brands (Timken, SKF, FAG, National): These brands are often original equipment (OE) suppliers for many car manufacturers and are widely trusted by professional mechanics. They use high-quality steel and manufacturing processes, offering the best reliability and longevity. If you plan on keeping your Mazda 5 for a long time, investing in a premium brand is a smart choice.
- Mid-Grade Brands (Mevotech, WJB, Beck/Arnley): These brands offer a good balance of quality and price. Mevotech is known for a wide range of chassis parts, while a brand like WJB is noted by some mechanics as a good value option. Beck/Arnley focuses on sourcing parts that match the original form and function. These are solid choices for a daily driver under normal conditions.
- Economy Brands (Dorman, MPA, IAP, Store Brands): Economy brands provide the most budget-friendly option. They are designed to meet basic fit and function requirements. While the initial cost is low, their long-term durability may not match that of premium or mid-grade brands. These are best if you're on a tight budget or may not be keeping the vehicle for many more years.
Estimated Replacement Costs
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hub Assembly | $35 - $120 |
| New OEM Hub Assembly | $95 - $150+ |
| Shop Labor | $140 - $276 |
| Total Professional Replacement (per wheel) | $236 - $394 |
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs?
If you have over 100,000 miles on your Mazda 5, it's a good idea to replace the wheel bearings on both sides of the same axle (both fronts or both rears) at the same time. If one has failed due to age and mileage, the other is likely not far behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main symptoms of a bad wheel bearing on a Mazda 5?
The most common symptom is a humming, roaring, or grinding noise that gets louder as you drive faster. You might also feel a vibration in the steering wheel, notice the car pulling to one side, or see the ABS light come on.
Is it a wheel bearing or just a noisy tire?
It can be hard to tell. One way to check is to swerve gently from side to side while driving at a steady speed. If the noise gets louder when you turn one way and quieter when you turn the other, it's very likely a bad wheel bearing. Tire noise usually stays constant when turning.
Do I need special tools to replace a Mazda 5 wheel hub?
While you don't need a hydraulic press like with older-style bearings, you will need a good set of metric sockets (including a large axle nut socket), a torque wrench, a breaker bar, and potentially Torx sockets (T50 for the rear). 🎬 Watch: A real-world guide to Mazda 5 rear bearing replacement. Some DIYers use rental toolkits to make the job easier. Because rust can make parts difficult to remove, having an impact wrench is very helpful.
What is the difference between a wheel bearing and a wheel hub assembly?
A wheel bearing is the set of steel balls or rollers that allows the wheel to spin. A wheel hub assembly is a complete, pre-assembled unit that includes the wheel bearing, the hub that the wheel bolts to, and often the ABS sensor. Your 2006-2017 Mazda 5 uses these complete hub assemblies, which are bolted onto the steering knuckle.
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Technical Specifications
The replacement part is a complete wheel hub assembly, which is a bolt-in unit. It includes the bearing, hub flange, and may integrate the ABS sensor ring. Rear hubs are secured with four T50 Torx bolts.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Mazda 5: