How long can you expect a wheel bearing to last if it begins to make noise?
Kohara Yusuke authored this article
You Are Watching: How Long Can You Drive On A Bad Wheel Bearing Updated 04/2024
Tires are an essential aspect of any vehicle, but they are just one component of a much more intricate system that keeps your vehicle working at its best.
The wheel bearing is one such component, and it is essential to the smooth operation of the wheels as a whole. In most circumstances, you’ll hear a noise as the first sign that something is wrong.
However, if a wheel bearing starts generating noise, how long can it be expected to last?
What happens to a vehicle’s performance if the wheel bearings begin to make noises? This is a hazard to yourself and others until you reach 1000-1500 kilometers before it gives up on you and fails. You need to see a mechanic right away.
In spite of this, mileage is not the same for all vehicles. It all relies on driving circumstances, form, mileage, and other variables.
As a result, it is imperative that you be aware of the warning indications, symptoms, and consequences of a faulty bearing.
Driving With A Bad Wheel Bearing
To begin, may I inquire as to the average lifespan of a wheel bearing? Depending on how well you care for your car, wheel bearings can last up to 100,000 miles on average.
You should be on the lookout for strange and unusual noises in your car if it has a high mileage because they could be an indication of deteriorating parts.
What Happens When You Drive?
Despite their modest size and seemingly insignificant importance, wheel bearings are a source of constant frustration for motorists everywhere. Having a poor wheel bearing can cause a bumpy ride and decrease the life expectancy of the tires.
It may jeopardize your own safety as well as the safety of those around you.
Your vehicle would not perform as well as you expect it to if it were not smooth and responsive.
It is your tires that bear the brunt of the strain of the road and your driving habits, and they are often the first parts of your vehicle to show signs of wear and tear.
When a wheel bearing fails, excessive pressure is placed on the tire, hub, CV joint, and even the gearbox, resulting in uneven and rapid wear.
In the worst-case scenario, the wheel could slip off the assembly while driving.
How Long Can Your Drive?
Wheel bearing noise and failure should not be disregarded and should be taken to a mechanic as soon as feasible.
Despite this, it isn’t always possible, so here’s how you can operate your vehicle until you get to safety.
Is there a lot of noise coming from the car that you can make out? The sound of a humming or echoing may be heard.
If you’re used to the sounds coming from the back of your automobile, you should be able to spot it right away. There should be an increase in noise as the vehicle travels further.
These noises are caused by a worn-out bearing that has no lubrication.
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As a result, the temperature soars as the car accelerates. The wheel can be unstable if the overheated bearing damages it.
To avoid this, drive slowly and consistently coast at 40 mph to avoid exceeding the speed limit.
You should keep an ear out for the wheel bearing sounds, and if it goes away, keep going until you get to your destination or to a service shop.
If you drive aggressively or speed quickly, the car is more likely to fall out of control.
You should also keep in mind that the sound of a squeaking ball bearing is very similar to that of a cut tire.
Again, the noise level rises as the vehicle travels faster. At this point, it’s up to you to decide.
What Causes The Wheel Bearing To Fail?
Someone else recently encountered the same problem and wondered aloud: What causes wheel bearings to fail?
Even in old age, it never goes out on its own; it’s a combination of a few faults that eventually causes the wheel bearing to fail.
1. Water Damage
When I say that wheel bearings don’t like water, I’m not exaggerating.
A petroleum-based lubricant is used, which does not perform well in water. There are no seals that prevent water from entering the system if you drive on a flooded street.
If the bearing is damaged by water, the lubrication may no longer be there to preserve it. It is best to have your wheel bearings replaced in this situation to avoid additional repairs.
2. Bad Driving Conditions
When driving, your wheel bearings are subjected to an abnormal amount of stress.
If the road is uneven and full of potholes, the situation is exacerbated. Wheel bearings can be damaged by this type of terrain and eventually fail.
The bearings might be damaged or even broken by dents and fissures. They lose their ability to minimize friction, which results in the wheel being damaged beyond repair.
3. Accident
You can’t always prevent accidents from happening. However, you may assess your car and ensure that all components, particularly the wheels, are in good operating order.
As a result, the noises you’re hearing may be coming from your wheel bearings if your wheels have been dented in any way.
Mechanics should be aware of this and replace your wheel bearings before they start producing noises.
4. Poor Installation
The installation of your new wheel bearings may have gone wrong if you hear grinding or grinding sounds.
It might be the mechanic’s error, or the improper bearings were installed. Take it back and get it rectified as soon as possible, whatever it is.
There is a chance that if you delay, you will have to pay for the next set of bearings as well.
5. Unbalanced Tires
It is essential for any vehicle to have a regular maintenance schedule. It should also include tire balancing.
A few wheel bearings may take more stress and pressure than others if they are not properly balanced.
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Additionally, the tires are impacted by them as well. As part of your servicing, make sure that your wheels are properly balanced.
Diagnose Bad Wheel Bearing Noises
Older cars, more than any other type, are prone to making noises at any given time. Possibly the engine noise, loose metal pieces, or something else.
The capacity to discern between various noises is essential for a motorist.
The tires, wheel bearings, and CB Joint are the most common causes of a humming noise, although there are many others.
Wheel bearings emit a chirping sound accompanied by a growling or screeching noise when they are defective. It gets worse when the speed picks up. It can go away for a short period before reappearing.
There are a variety of reasons why you might hear a howling noise. If it only occurs when the vehicle is slowing down, a disconnected pinion-bearing may be to blame. It could be because of frayed gears if it changes at different speeds.
When the wheel bearings lose their oil, a grinding noise will be heard. Wheel bearing issue should be the source of the noise that sounds like pieces of food rubbing against each other.
Related Questions
Can A Bad Wheel Bearing Make My Tire Fall Off?
It doesn’t, in fact. Wheel bearing failure can cause a vehicle to lose control, although the wheel does not come off.
Bearings aren’t involved in keeping the wheel in place on the axle.
How Expensive Is It To Replace A Wheel Bearing?
The front wheel bearing should cost you anywhere from $260-$480, with the parts costing you roughly $120-$200 and the labor taking up the balance of the price.
Rear wheel bearings are more expensive than front wheel bearings since the entire hub assembly has to be replaced.
How Do I Know When My Wheel Bearing Is Bad?
When a wheel bearing starts to make a lot of noise, it’s probably on its way out. Rough rides and uneven tires will be added later. Here are a few things to look out for if your wheel bearings are going bad.
a grating sound
Sound effects of clinking, snapping, and popping
Steering wheel vibrations
As a result, the vehicle veers to one side.
Wheels that wobble
Conclusion
Small though the wheel bearing is, it performs an important role in a vehicle’s wheels. After a few years of use, it breaks down due to wear and tear and other factors.
The initial sign is an increasing amount of noise, such as buzzing, screeching, or groaning.
Even if you have a thousand more miles under your belt, the road becomes more hazardous for everyone else.
In addition to uneven tires, problems with brakes, steering wheel wobble, and wobbling wheels, a faulty bearing can cause all of these issues.
To avoid further problems, have your car checked by a mechanic if you notice any of the above symptoms or hear any of the aforementioned sounds.
Sources: https://micdot.com
Category: Car
