How long do car bearings last?

Although wheel bearings are engineered to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle, they can break and get worn out. Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Some vehicles have wheel bearings that last a lot longer, and some vehicles need them replaced fairly quickly.

How often should wheel bearings be replaced?

Your wheel bearings have a heavy impact on the handling of your vehicle. It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles.

How do I know if my car bearings are bad?

Is it OK to drive with a bad wheel bearing?

Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.

How many years do wheel bearings last?

Car wheel bearings are not wearable items like brakes and tires, most wheel bearings last the lifetime of a car without ever being replaced, so don't let a mechanic tell you otherwise, if so you need to find a new mechanic because that one is just trying to steal your money.

Doing This Will Make Your Wheel Bearings Last Forever

How much does it cost to replace bearings on car?

The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more. Please note: If the wheel bearings need replacing at one wheel, you don't necessary need to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. It's not like matching a pair of tires.

What causes wheel bearings to go bad?

Driving Conditions

Frequently driving through mud, water, or road salt can cause wheel bearing malfunction. Contaminants can get past the seals and enter the bearings, which pollutes the grease and damages the bearings.

Can I drive 200 miles with a bad wheel bearing?

If the bearing noise has been growing gradually, then without suggesting it is "okay" to drive 200 miles, the noise may just grow worse over that distance. If the bearing noise appeared out of nowhere, then that suggests an immediate failure potential and should be changed BEFORE a 200 mile drive.

Should you replace both wheel bearings if one is bad?

Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it's logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.

What does a failing bearing sound like?

Squealing Or Grinding Noise

If you're hearing this noise, the issue may be a bad wheel bearing. To confirm it, change the speed of the vehicle. If the noise becomes worse the faster you drive, then it's almost certainly a bad wheel bearing. If the noise remains the same, then the issue may be the tires instead.

How fast can you drive with bad bearings?

Drive your car slower, at about 50-60 kph, or a maximum of 40 miles per hour. Try not to take sharp turns while driving, as it can also create problems for your vehicle.

What does a bad bearing feel like?

A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns. A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion. Clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.

What happens if you don't fix a wheel bearing in a car?

If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it's very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.

How do I know if wheel bearing needs replacing?

So how do you know your wheel bearings are failing? The most commonly reported indicator of bearing malfunction is odd or irregular noise when driving. Often described as a humming, clicking, grinding or growling noise, wheel bearing problems are generally worsened by acceleration or in turning maneuvers.

Should I replace all 4 wheel bearings?

The decision to replace both wheel bearings simultaneously is totally up to you. Only replacing the one that failed will save you some money, while replacing them at the same time can potentially save you the hassle of having to return to the repair shop soon.

Do bearings give warning before they fail?

So, the short answer is yes. There are definitely warning signs of a bearing about to fail. The real question is, "Do you know what to look for?" The most popular technologies today for bearing monitoring are vibration analysis, oil analysis, ultrasonics and thermography.

Can my tire fall of with a noisy wheel bearing?

Once it starts making noise and causing vibration, you need to get it fixed. A bad bearing can stop your wheel from moving, and this can happen while you are driving. The wheel bearing keeps your wheel attached to the car, so if it fails to function completely, then your tire could fall off.

How much does a wheel bearing cost?

These bearings can easily be replaced, are less expensive to buy, and generally cost around $6-20.00 per unit, and $80-100.00 to service, along with the cost of replacing the rotor usually, as the bearing race is pressed in.

Can bad wheel bearings ruin tires?

Bad wheel bearings can also have an impact on your vehicle's tire wear. The side-to-side wobble commonly caused by bad wheel bearings can change your tire's wear pattern, causing that tire to lose its tread faster than the others.

Can pothole damaged wheel bearing?

When a wheel bearing takes a hit from a pothole, the seal can become dislodged. Internal damage to the bearing can create excessive heat, which breaks down the grease, making it easier for the grease to leak out.

How do you check wheel bearings?

Other times, a bad bearing doesn't even make a sound. But to test whether a bearing has gone bad, you can either put your car up on a lift or put it up on jack stands, then grip your hands on either the 3 and 9 o'clock or the 6 and 12 o'clock positions of the tire, then try to wiggle the wheel back and forth.

What happens when engine bearings fail?

Low Oil Pressure - Many times when a bearing is beginning to fail (or has failed), you will noticed signs of decreased oil pressure. This is usually more evident upon first starting the vehicle. In many cases, a bad rod bearing will lead to a "check engine oil" light being displayed on the dash.

Are wheel bearings easy to replace?

There are a lot of moving parts in between you at the wheel bearings, so it isn't easy to replace yourself. Unless you have a lift and a lot of know-how, you're probably best off taking it to a mechanic.

How many miles can you drive a broken wheel bearing?

Typically, you shouldn't exceed 1,000 miles on a bad wheel bearing. Driving for distances longer than 1,000 miles could lead to serious complications with your vehicle. Continuing to put stress on this wheel bearing will also hurt the hub, CV joint, and even the transmission.