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Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing?

No, you should not drive with a bad wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing can be a serious safety issue and should be addressed as soon as possible. Driving with a bad wheel bearing can lead to further damage to your vehicle and potentially cause an accident.

What is a Wheel Bearing?

A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls or rollers that are housed in a metal ring, called a race. The wheel bearing allows the wheel to spin freely while supporting the weight of the vehicle. Wheel bearings are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension and steering system, and they play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing

There are several signs that may indicate a bad wheel bearing, including:

Unusual noise, such as a grinding, humming, or rumbling sound, coming from the wheel area

Vibration or wobbling in the wheel

Difficulty steering or a feeling of looseness in the steering wheel

Uneven tire wear

Pulling or drifting to one side while driving

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Dangers of Driving with a Bad Wheel Bearing

Driving with a bad wheel bearing can be extremely dangerous for several reasons:

Increased risk of the wheel separating from the vehicle, which can lead to a loss of control and a potentially catastrophic accident

Increased wear and tear on other suspension and steering components, leading to further damage and costly repairs

Reduced braking performance, as the bad bearing can cause the wheel to wobble or lock up

Increased risk of a tire blowout, as the bad bearing can cause uneven tire wear and heat buildup

In summary, it is never recommended to drive with a bad wheel bearing. If you suspect a problem with your wheel bearings, it's important to have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

How far can you drive with a bad wheel bearing?

You should not drive a long distance with a bad wheel bearing; the maximum safe distance is unknown and could be anywhere from zero to a few thousand miles. The failure is unpredictable, and the bearing could fail completely at any moment, leading to a loss of control or even wheel detachment. The best course of action is to get it towed to a mechanic for replacement, but if you must drive, do so at a slow, steady pace, avoid harsh braking or sharp turns, and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Risks of driving with a bad wheel bearing

Safety hazard: A failing bearing can cause unpredictable handling, a sudden loss of control, or the wheel could detach from the vehicle.
Worsened damage: Driving with a bad bearing puts strain on other components like the hub assembly, CV joints, and suspension, leading to more expensive repairs later.
Compromised efficiency: The increased rolling resistance from a wobbly wheel can lead to higher fuel consumption and premature tire wear.

What to do if you have a bad wheel bearing

Avoid driving: Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop to prevent a potential accident.
If you must drive: Limit your speed, drive cautiously, and be prepared to stop immediately.
Check for signs: Look for signs like a grinding or growling noise, a rough feeling when spinning the wheel, or the steering wheel pulling to one side.
Consider replacing both: If the car has high mileage, consider having the wheel bearings on the same axle replaced in pairs, as the other one may be close to failing as well.

How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?

There is no way to know exactly how long a noisy wheel bearing will last; it could fail suddenly at any time, making it a serious safety risk. While some have been known to last for hundreds or thousands of miles, it is best to have the issue addressed immediately, as driving with a bad bearing can lead to a catastrophic failure where the wheel could detach. Addressing the problem promptly also helps prevent more expensive damage to other components like the hub.
You can watch this video to learn how to diagnose a bad wheel bearing by listening to the noise: 57sBCA Bearings by NTNYouTube · Sep 27, 2023
Why you should not drive with a noisy wheel bearing

Risk of sudden failure: A failing wheel bearing can break apart suddenly, especially at highway speeds, which could cause an accident.
Increased costs: The longer you delay, the more likely you are to cause secondary damage, which will increase repair costs.
Steering and control issues: In addition to noise, a bad bearing can cause vibrations and a wandering sensation, negatively impacting steering and control.

What you should do

Drive directly to the mechanic: If possible, drive your car to a repair shop or have it towed immediately.
Avoid highway speeds: If you must drive it, do so with extreme caution, avoid high speeds, and do not accelerate or turn suddenly.
Get it checked and replaced ASAP: The noise means the bearing has already failed to some extent, and its condition will only worsen over time.

Can your tire fall off from a bad wheel bearing?

Yes, a bad wheel bearing can absolutely cause a tire to fall off. When a bearing fails completely, the hub holding the wheel to the axle can break apart, leading to the wheel detaching, often while the vehicle is in motion. This is a very dangerous situation that can occur at any speed, and you should not drive on a car with suspected bad wheel bearings.

This video explains how a bad wheel bearing can lead to a wheel coming off: 59sSnailTrail4x4YouTube · Jul 17, 2018
What happens

A failed wheel bearing means the wheel is no longer securely connected to the axle, causing it to wobble or become unstable.
The failure can lead to a catastrophic event where the wheel comes off the vehicle, which is why it's crucial to have them repaired immediately once a problem is suspected.

Signs of a bad wheel bearing

Noises: You might hear a grinding, humming, or knocking sound that changes with speed or when turning.
Vibrations: A bad bearing can cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel or the car itself.
Wobbly wheel: A very loose wheel bearing can feel wobbly when you try to move the wheel with your hands.

You can watch this video to learn how to check for a bad wheel bearing: 57sDIY OverdriveYouTube · Mar 16, 2023
What to do

If you suspect a bad wheel bearing, avoid driving the vehicle if at all possible.
If you must drive, do so with extreme caution at a low speed and get to a mechanic immediately.
If the wheel bearing has completely failed, it's likely your vehicle is undrivable, and you should have it towed to a repair shop.

How to temporarily fix a bad wheel bearing?

Unfortunately you can't: the only solution to a worn, noisy wheel bearing is to have it replaced by a garage; bearings are not repairable.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.