Regardless of the car model you own, a bad wheel bearing can happen anywhere and anytime. Therefore, it is critical to understand how long you can drive on it.
Ask any driver and they’ll tell you that their biggest fear is a bad wheel bearing, and there are several things to keep in mind about dealing with it, particularly if you’re planning a long road trip.
So, let’s find out exactly how long that is and what could prevent such a disastrous situation.
What Exactly Is A Wheel Bearing And What Does It Do In A Car?
A wheel bearing is a component that connects the wheel with the axle. It consists of a metal ring that holds a group of ball bearings together.
It is constructed of hardened steel and can hold up for months or even years of being used depending on the circumstances.
The wheel bearing is installed within the wheel’s center point, which is a hollow metal component. Then it travels all the way to a metal axle shaft, allowing the wheel to turn flawlessly whilst also minimizing any abrasion.
Whenever the car is moving, the wheel bearing supports the entire car’s weight.
A wheel bearing is constantly being used when speeding up, decelerating, or making a turn, so it must always be in excellent working condition.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Wheel Bearing?
Determining how long a wheel bearing lasts is difficult because other aspects can play a significant role in evaluating its longevity.
Even so, wheel bearings could last somewhere around 136,000 to 160,000 kilometers or 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
Do remember, though, that the life expectancy of wheel bearings is also determined by their quality as well as the function of the car.
As a result, there is no definitive answer because some wheel bearings may last longer than others.
Simply get it checked out as immediately when you notice or hear something unusual coming from your car.
It is also worth noting that a damaged brake pad can produce an identical chirping sound as a bad wheel bearing, so try and ensure that this sound is not coming from the brake pad.
Furthermore, sounds deriving from your car could be caused by a faulty lifter or a spark plug blow.
How Long Can You Drive On A Bad Wheel Bearing?
If not the most severe, a bad wheel bearing is among the most serious things that can happen to your car and must be replaced right away.
But what if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and have no choice but to keep driving? In this case, you can notice a light echoing or chirping noise coming from the right back.
On first look, it may appear that the tire has shifted out of balance.
The rising sounds will indeed eventually reveal that there is a bad wheel bearing as there isn’t any lubricant on the damaged wheel to sustain its ‘smoothness.’
The outcome of this is that the increased speed will generate excessive heat, with the heat then effectively destroying the wheel.
To keep this from happening, drivers are strongly urged to drive at a reduced speed to keep the wheel operational and win some extra time behind it.
So, to answer how long you could drive on a bad bearing, 1000 miles is the maximum you should drive to avoid causing any larger problems.
You could try driving at 40 miles per hour if you keep going side by side at a steady pace. Then you should also attempt shifting the car’s weight from one side onto the other.
As previously stated, do not start driving brutally or quickly to prevent the car from twisting around.
Define whether or not the sound is becoming lighter or stronger. In case the noise has subsided, continue driving till you reach the garage or machinist showroom.
Furthermore, there may be a possibility that the compromised bearing is situated on the left side. Therefore, repeat the process and continue driving a couple of miles further with it.
A bad wheel bearing cannot be predicted by sounds because a cut tire might be the cause. The noise of a cut tire could also expand as the speed increases.
As a result, you must exercise caution when trying to diagnose the underlying issue. You could, nevertheless, use the repair helpful suggestions to fix the bad wheel bearing.
Am I At Risk When Driving A Vehicle That Has A Bad Wheel Bearing?
No, driving with a damaged wheel is okay, but only to a certain degree.
It may be stressful to continue driving when you’re in that position, yet you can use this opportunity to get to the closest repair and maintenance shop.
In the most extreme situation, the wheel could completely spin, causing severe harm to those in the surrounding traffic.
What Causes The Noise In A Bad Wheel Bearing?
Installation Error
The incorrect placement could prompt the wheel bearing to start making sounds. Reusing bolts, nuts, pins, and seals rather than just placing new ones could make the wheel bearing react by making noises.
It is preferable to substitute such items rather than reuse the ones you already had in place.
Potholed, Poorly Maintained Roads
Impact damage from traveling on pothole-infested roadways can shorten the life of all wheel bearings, irrespective of the car model.
Traveling over potholes and touching the curb could all reduce the life expectancy of a wheel bearing.
Bad Quality Wheel Bearing
Because safety is the top priority for all drivers, you should not cut corners. A wheel bearing is something you need to invest in to make sure your drives will be safe.
Therefore, make sure you get a high-quality one that will do its job.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know how long you can drive with a bad wheel bearing, make sure to keep yourself and your passengers safe in case you happen to be in such a situation.