4. It Can Leave You Stranded Wheel bearing failure isn’t the kind of issue that gives you weeks of warning. If the bearing seizes or breaks apart, you could find yourself stuck on the side of the road—possibly with a wheel that’s no longer attached to the car.

Since they’re designed to handle heavy loads and high speeds, wheel bearings are built tough. But they’re not invincible. Over time, wear and tear, poor road conditions, and even moisture can take a toll, leading to damage or failure.

There’s no definitive answer, as the lifespan of a failing bearing depends on the severity of the damage and your driving conditions. That said, the moment you notice signs of trouble, it’s best to address the issue immediately. Driving with a bad wheel bearing is a ticking time bomb—one that can go off unexpectedly.

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.

Find out what our economists say about car prices dropping. We share the best and most updated information so you can make an informed car-buying decision.

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.”

Learn all about E85 in our guide, what cars use it and availability of this biofuel. Find out what flex-fuel offers plus the advantages and disadvantages.

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.

2. It Causes More Damage Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away—it makes it worse. A bad bearing can strain other components like the hub assembly, CV joint, and even the suspension system. The longer you drive with the problem, the more expensive the repairs become.

Drivingwith bad wheel bearing

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.

Signs ofbad wheel bearingreddit

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.

M 3.6 - 28 km W of Hayfork, CA. 2024-12-29 00:21:10 (UTC); 40.466°N 123.499°W; 6.3 km depth. Interactive Map. Marker. Contributed by NC 2 ...

1. It Compromises Your Safety A faulty wheel bearing can lead to unpredictable handling. You may experience a loss of control, particularly when turning or braking. Worst-case scenario? The bearing could fail completely, causing the wheel to detach. That’s not a chance you want to take on busy roads.

What does abad wheel bearingsound like

A bad wheel bearing doesn’t fail silently—it sends you signals. Recognizing these signs early can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations:

Regular inspections and maintenance are key to avoiding wheel bearing issues. Keep an eye on your tires, ensure proper wheel alignment, and avoid driving through deep water or mud, which can allow moisture to infiltrate the bearings. Catching minor issues early can save you a lot of hassle—and money.

3. It Wastes Fuel and Tires A wobbly or misaligned wheel caused by a bad bearing increases rolling resistance. This means your car uses more fuel to maintain the same speed. Plus, uneven tire wear shortens the lifespan of your tires, adding another expense.

LM11949/LM11910 Taper Roller Bearing SET · $ 10.75 · Customer Reviews. Be the ...

How longcan you driveon abad wheel bearing

2023318 — The cost for the CV joint itself can range from $50 to $200. It depends on the model of your Nissan and if you choose an OEM (Original Equipment ...

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:

2024102 — In theory, wheel bearings can last as long as the vehicle itself. However, depending on road conditions and driving habits, you can expect to ...

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.

Order today, ships today. V62/23618-01XE – Transceiver, Non-Inverting 1 Element 8 Bit per Element 3-State Output 20-TSSOP from Texas Instruments.

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.

Frontwheel bearingnoise symptoms

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.

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

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.

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.

The short answer? You shouldn’t. Driving with a bad wheel bearing isn’t just risky; it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Here’s why:

Kelley Blue Book® Values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area. Your ZIP code also helps us find local deals and highlight other available offers.

Temporary fix forbad wheel bearing

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.

Best selling BASCO WBK1003E Wheel Bearing Kit Regular price $73.95 Add to Cart BASCO WBK1051E Wheel Bearing Kit Regular price $62.95 Add to Cart

At its core, a wheel bearing is a small but critical component located at the hub of your wheel. Its job? To allow your wheel to rotate while supporting the vehicle’s weight. This part consists of steel balls or rollers encased in a metal ring, lubricated to reduce friction.

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.

Fixing a bad wheel bearing isn’t a DIY job. It requires specialized tools, precise measurements, and a lot of expertise. Our professional can inspect the bearing, determine the extent of the damage, and replace it if needed. The good news? Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively straightforward repair when caught early.

Order Mityvac MV7400 Fluid Evacuator Mityvac 7400 Online and save. ✓ 365 Days Return. FREE Shipping on most orders. ✓ Best Prices and fast shipping ...

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

© 1995-2025 Kelley Blue Book Co.®, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyrights & Trademarks | Vehicle Photos © Evox Images | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Linking Policy | Accessibility Statement | Manage Cookies

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.

Single housed bearing assembly-Type:Bearing secured with circlips-Shape:Round- and.

The dynamic load rating (C) for a radial or angular contact ball bearing is a calculated, constant radial load that a group of apparently identical bearings ...

Kelley Blue Book® Values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area. Your ZIP code also helps us find local deals and highlight other available offers.

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.

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.

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.

Is your car making strange noises or handling poorly? Don’t take chances with your safety. Visit Extreme Auto Repair for a thorough inspection and professional wheel bearing replacements. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Find your Belt frequency meter PHL FM10-400 at ERIKS. Choose from more than 500.000 products online and order right away.

How long will awheel bearinglast after it starts making noise

Wheel bearingreplacement cost

A bad wheel bearing might seem like a minor inconvenience at first—a faint humming or grinding sound coming from your wheel. But is it really something you can ignore? While it’s easy to brush off odd noises, driving with a faulty wheel bearing is a gamble that can lead to severe damage and safety risks. We'll explain what wheel bearings do, the signs of trouble, and the potential dangers of ignoring the problem.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.