Hardesty cautions that if you think something is wrong, don’t wait to get it diagnosed: “The longer you wait, the more it will cost as other components may be damaged by a wheel bearing.”

When you suspect issues with your car’s wheel bearing, seek advice from certified mechanics immediately. Once the problems are detected early, they only need simple re-lubricating and repacking, which is much cheaper than any other alternative after the damage has worsened.

The average cost for one wheel bearing replacement is about $350, but this number might change based on the make and model of your vehicle and the mechanic’s labor rate.

What causeswheelbearings to gobad

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Wheel bearingnoise

In some cases, the mechanic might ask you to replace the entire hub assembly, which raises the total cost even higher; fortunately, such serious damage is not always common.

However, luxury cars are more expensive to repair. Do note that if bearings go bad at one wheel, replacing the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle is unnecessary. Don’t let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.

Wheel bearings connect a car’s wheels to the axles. They allow wheels to turn with minimal friction. Though wheel bearings are low-maintenance parts, they are important safety components of a vehicle’s braking, steering, and suspension systems. The one-piece hub assembly, between the drive axle and the brake disc or drums, incorporates the hub, wheel bearings, ABS (anti-lock braking system) wheel speed sensor, and mounting flange.

Wheel bearings are theoretically engineered to last the life of the vehicle. There is no maintenance schedule for replacing wheel bearings, and there is no constant source of lubrication. However, they can be damaged, leading to failure.

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Again, do not forget they are only short-term solutions; a bad wheel bearing should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle and prevent serious accidents.

While driving with bad wheel bearings will compromise performance, some believe they can still last a few more miles before collapsing entirely. Let’s discuss whether that assumption is accurate.

Worn bearings may cause a vehicle to pull to the left or right when brakes are applied. The direction the vehicle pulls signals where the worn bearings are located, on the left or right side of the vehicle. However, this can also signal brake rotor or brake caliper problems.

When you have to drive with a bad wheel bearing, extreme caution is the key. Drive slowly, pull over when the symptoms become more worrying, and seek immediate professional help for further diagnosis. Otherwise, it’s best to stop driving and bring your car to a repair shop.

The typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings are squealing and/or growling. The sound intensifies as vehicle speed increases. Try to pinpoint the location of the noise because it will identify the location of the worn-out bearings.

Your vehicle will signal that it’s time to replace a failed wheel bearing. For example, if you hear unusual sounds like humming or clicking, then your bearing might be bad. Watch out and listen for these signs and symptoms:

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The bearings are tightly packed in a grease-filled, waterproof, sealed metal ring. This housing, called a race, is located inside the hub, and each wheel has one. Wheel bearings have a Herculean responsibility: They are engineered to support the vehicle’s entire weight.

Wheel bearingreplacement cost

Wheel bearings are critical to a car’s performance, as they support its weight and ensure consistent, smooth wheel spinning.

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But what if you still have to drive for several miles? Do so cautiously while staying alert to any possible symptom of degrading bearings, which we will discuss further in this guide.

Howto tell whichwheel bearingisbadwhile driving

The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. But it can be confusing. For example, the source of a humming noise can be linked to other issues, such as tires and the CV joint.

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The original equipment bearings on your vehicle are engineered for specific loads. Those bigger and wider tires look cool, as do tires with lower tread walls. But they place higher loads on the wheel bearings, possibly resulting in accelerated wear. That could present a safety issue if your wheel bearings fail.

If you hear a clicking sound that increases in frequency as the vehicle accelerates, there could be a problem with the wheel hub assembly.

How longwilla wheel bearinglast once it starts making noise

The anti-lock warning light may illuminate if the ring, tire, and wheel wobble, the wheel’s speed sensor is no longer operating properly, and the ABS may operate sporadically or not at all. See a professional for repair.

Pro mechanics don’t recommend driving with bad wheel bearings. It’s best to fix the issue before getting back on the road. Driving for a long distance might wreak havoc on other parts like the suspension or brakes. If the nearby axles and components are eroded due to these faulty bearings, the damage might be irreparable.

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Bad wheel bearings can cause the steering wheel to vibrate. The intensity increases as the vehicle speed increases and the vehicle turns to the left or right. However, the vibration could be linked to an out-of-round tire (there could be a flat spot on the tire) or a tire that is no longer balanced. Another cause is damaged or worn suspension components.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published. Rick Kranz contributed to this report.

If there is excessive play in the steering, meaning the steering seems less responsive or less precise than normal, worn bearings could be causing the problem. Also, this could be a sign the vehicle needs a wheel alignment. If you have any of the signs listed above, visit a dealer service or auto repair shop.

If one tire wears out faster than the others, it could be a sign that the wheel bearings are worn. However, it also could be a sign the tire is improperly inflated (too much air pressure or not enough), the tires are improperly aligned, or the vehicle has damaged or worn suspension components.

Temporary fix forbad wheel bearing

Technicians can check for wheel wobble by putting the vehicle on a lift and manually checking for wheel movement. Typically, it would be impossible to shake the wheel and tire. However, if it moves, the hub assembly needs immediate attention. The tire and wheel can literally come off the vehicle at any time, at any speed, if you don’t repair your vehicle.

We do not recommend driving with a bad wheel bearing. But if immediate repairs are not yet possible, these are some precautions you should take to keep the risks minimal:

In this story, we’ll tell you quick facts to know, such as what causes a bad wheel bearing, how long you can drive on one, and the estimated replacement cost of a wheel bearing as you maintain your vehicle.

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It’s probably the case. A damaged or worn-out wheel bearing results in excessive free play or wobbling in your wheel, causing it to tilt. If left unattended, the wheel might completely detach from your vehicle while in motion, leading to loss of control, accidents, and even deadly injuries.

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What happens ifyoukeep drivingon a bad wheel bearing

Driving with bad wheel bearings impacts the safety of a vehicle, and it could cause a serious car accident. We do not advise driving on them when they fail and recommend getting them checked out as soon as possible. Bad wheel bearings can damage things like your hub, the vehicle’s constant velocity joint (CV joint), or the automatic transmission.

Still, for the most reliable assessment, we suggest consulting a professional since they have enough expertise and specialized equipment to investigate the problem more thoroughly.

The cost to replace one front-wheel hub assembly varies widely. Among the variables are the vehicle brand and model, the garage’s labor rate, and the cost of parts. The average out-the-door wheel bearing replacement cost without taxes is about $350 per wheel.

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“The good news is most of the time, a vehicle will let you know way before a failure ever happens,” said Gary Hardesty, Kelley Blue Book’s in-house service and maintenance expert and an A.S.E. certified master technician. “The key is to listen to your car. Most times, a failing wheel bearing will exhibit a growling type of noise that changes with vehicle speed. The faster the car (goes), the faster the frequency of the growl.”

Note that the results are mostly accurate on your non-driven axle; the car’s differential on the driven axle might make it harder to perform this test:

Most vehicles today use sealed hub bearing assemblies that contain roller bearings. While we don’t address these, older cars used tapered roller bearings, which required servicing and preload adjusting to ensure the right amount of end play or axial clearance.

All in all, it is important to have your wheel bearings inspected regularly. The sooner you identify the symptoms, the less they will cost for repairs.

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Imagine driving on the freeway when the left front tire and wheel suddenly break off, sending your out-of-control vehicle skidding across several lanes of 65 mph traffic. This is not an exaggeration. This is reality, and can happen if you fail to notice the signs the wheel bearings are deteriorating and need immediate repairs. Your wheel bearing might be bad if you hear unusual sounds like humming, squeaking, or clicking. Some experts say a bad wheel bearing can sound like a bird chirping. Also, if your car wobbles or pulls to one side, you will want to get it checked.