Transmission issues can really grind one’s gears. Loud noises, engine vibrations, and gear slips are frustrating — never mind the expensive repairs accompanying them.
If these issues sound familiar, you likely have a bad input shaft bearing. You need to replace it ASAP to avoid putting yourself in danger on the road.
Wondering about the input shaft bearing replacement cost?
We’ll discuss the factors behind the charges, explain why they’re worth paying, and help prevent this issue from happening again.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an Input Shaft Bearing Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Input Shaft Bearing?
- 4 Concerning Signs You Need New Input Shaft Bearing
- How Long Does an Input Shaft Bearing Replacement Last?
- 4 Primary Reasons Your Input Shaft Bearing Fails
- Can You Replace an Input Shaft Bearing Yourself?
- How to Prevent Transmission Issues
How Much Does an Input Shaft Bearing Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to pay to replace your input shaft bearing:
A. Range
The average cost of replacing an input shaft bearing is between $255 and $2,255. This includes:
- Parts cost: $15 to $45
- Labor cost: $240 to $2,210
NOTE: By comparing the price parts list of different shops, you can purchase affordable input shaft bearings that fit your budget. However, labor costs will be generally high as the replacement process is complex.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Some other aspects that affect the labor cost include:
- Make and model: High-performance vehicles often feature custom-built or specialized gearboxes, making them difficult and expensive to replace.
- Manual vs. automatic: Manual transmission systems are less complex, easier to disassemble and reassemble, and don’t involve working with electronics. Most automatic vehicles don’t typically have an input shaft system, but the ones that do will be complex, incurring higher labor costs.
- Type of gearbox: Dual-clutch transmissions are more intricate, requiring specialized tools and expertise.
- Dealer vs. independent repair shops: A dealer typically charges higher labor rates because it has higher overhead costs due to its large-scale operations. Moreover, a dealership often uses expensive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which may be costlier than the aftermarket options on an independent shop’s price parts list.
- Geographical location: Labor rates are higher in big cities due to living costs.
Is It Worth Replacing the Input Shaft Bearing?
Yes, replacing this gearbox bearing is essential for your transmission’s functioning.
An input shaft bearing supports the input shaft, which connects the engine to the gearbox. This allows power transfer from the engine to the transmission.
If it fails, you’ll experience gear slips. This reduces your power and control over your vehicle, as the output shaft won’t deliver power to the wheels. In addition, misalignment will cause significant friction, leading to damage and costly repairs.
4 Concerning Signs You Need New Input Shaft Bearing
If your input shaft bearing is faulty, you’ll notice:
- Strange noises in neutral: The first symptom of bearing failure is a squealing or growling noise from the transmission, which worsens as the RPM increases.
- Gear noise: When the car is put into drive, the transmission parts continue squealing or grinding, which gets louder as the engine works harder.
- Gear slips: A failed input shaft bearing allows the shaft to move excessively, creating a misalignment between gear shafts and causing slipping between them.
- Engine vibrations: Excessive movement of the input shaft creates vibrations felt throughout the engine and transmission, especially during clutch engagement.
NOTE: Faulty drivetrain components, such as a trailing arm bushing, can also cause excess vibration. To verify the source of the problem, you’ll need a mechanic to inspect your vehicle thoroughly.
How Long Does an Input Shaft Bearing Replacement Last?
An input shaft bearing generally lasts between 85,000 and 150,000 miles if it features a ball-bearing design.
It may last longer if it features a roller-bearing design, as it has a higher load capacity. However, several factors can affect its longevity:
- Quality of materials: While most bearings are made from steel due to their durability, ceramic bearings are stronger and provide more resistance to heat.
- Maintenance and lubrication: Regular use of lubricant is essential to minimize friction and protect the gearbox-bearing from contaminants like road salt and dirt.
- Driving conditions: Rough terrain, frequent stops, and extreme temperatures increase wear on transmission parts, such as the input shaft and its bearing.
4 Primary Reasons Your Input Shaft Bearing Fails
There are several causes of a faulty input shaft bearing, including:
- Poor lubrication: Lack of adequate transmission fluid leads to metal-on-metal contact, which causes excessive wear, heat buildup, and bearing failure.
- Contamination: Debris and water reduce the viscosity of lubricants, leading to corrosion of the bearing.
- Improper installation: If the gearbox-bearing is not properly fitted to the shaft, it can cause stress points, leading to premature wear. This includes issues like an oversized or undersized shaft.
- Misalignment: A misaligned shaft or housing can cause uneven loads on the bearing, leading to excessive vibration and stress, which can result in its failure.
Can You Replace an Input Shaft Bearing Yourself?
No, replacing an input shaft bearing entails dismantling and reassembly of the gearbox, which requires specialized knowledge.
In addition, since some transmission issues can affect clutch engagement, checking components like the clutch cable and release bearing is also necessary. This ensures that the faulty input shaft bearing hasn’t caused other problems.
Any errors made during input shaft replacement could cause additional problems with the transmission system and clutch, making your vehicle dangerous to drive. So, it’s better to have a professional mechanic take care of the diagnosis and replacement.
How to Prevent Transmission Issues
There are several things you can do to maintain your transmission system, including:
- Change gears smoothly: To reduce strain on the manual transmission, bring the car to a complete stop before shifting between drive and reverse.
- Avoid overloading: Don’t exceed your vehicle’s weight capacity, as overloading can cause overheating and damage the transmission.
- Check the transmission fluid: Always use the fluid specified by your car manufacturer to ensure proper lubrication and performance. Change the fluid every 50,000 miles or at the interval recommended by your vehicle’s manual.
- Service the cooling system: Maintain your engine’s cooling system to prevent overheating the transmission fluid.
- Annual inspections: Have a professional inspect your transmission once a year for wear, leaks, or abnormalities (e.g., ring gear, release bearing, and pilot bearing problems).
- Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings: Warm your car up for 30 seconds before driving, especially in cold weather, as cold transmission fluid is less effective.
Input Shaft Bearing Replacement Made Easy with AutoNation Mobile Service
A faulty input shaft bearing disrupts power transfer from the engine to the output shaft and wheels. When this causes gear slipping, it’ll result in a loss of vehicle control, so don’t wait to replace it.
Want to avoid driving to the mechanic with a faulty bearing?
Call AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics. Our experts will quickly replace the input shaft bearing in your driveway!
We’re available seven days a week and offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs, including clutch cable, ring gear, and pilot bearing replacements.
Contact us for any transmission issues or car repair services.