The Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy is specially designed to allow an operator to lubricate and monitor ultrasonic levels at the same time to avoid over-lubrication.

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The Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy translates high frequency sounds into the audible range, where technicians can hear and recognize bearing sounds. It also focuses on these sounds even in the noisiest environments to help identify the right time to stop lubricating.

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.

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.

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When lubrication levels drop, friction levels increase and will produce ultrasonic waves that are directional and localizable.

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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Douglas Mercer is an automotive service manager with 12-year experience at Stockton Wheel Service, Douglas excels in addressing intricate tire and wheel concerns as plating wheels, straightening bent wheels, widening stock wheels, and precisely correcting offset and back-spacing…

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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:

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.

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.