How many miles should a wheel bearing last?

Most wheel bearings on modern passenger cars are designed to last roughly 100,000 miles or more, though lifespans vary widely and can be shorter or longer depending on use and conditions.

Wheel bearings are sealed units that support the wheel while allowing it to spin with minimal friction. Their longevity is affected by driving style, road quality, weather exposure, and installation quality. This article outlines typical mileage expectations, the factors that influence wear, warning signs, and practical tips to extend bearing life.

Typical lifespan and variability

While some bearings may persist beyond 150,000 miles and others fail earlier due to harsh conditions or improper installation, a practical range for most vehicles falls around 80,000 to 150,000 miles. Variability is common from one vehicle to another and even among drivers of the same model.

Key factors that influence longevity

Below are the primary drivers of bearing life that influence how many miles you can expect from a wheel bearing:

• Road quality and driving style (potholes, rough pavement, aggressive acceleration and cornering)


• Vehicle weight, payload, and towing (greater load increases bearing stress)


• Environmental exposure (water, salt, mud, and corrosion)


• Bearing quality and installation (OEM versus aftermarket; proper torque and preload)


• Maintenance practices (alignment, suspension health, and tire condition)

In practice, many drivers will encounter bearing wear only as a gradual decline in performance or when symptoms appear, rather than reaching a precise mileage milestone.

Signs of wear and diagnostic basics

Early detection of a failing wheel bearing can prevent more serious problems. The following signs warrant a professional inspection.

Common symptoms

• Unusual noises from the wheel area, such as grinding, humming, or rumbling that changes with speed or when turning


• Wheel play or roughness when rotating the wheel by hand with the vehicle elevated


• Vibration or shaking transmitted through the steering wheel or brake pedal


• ABS/traction-control indicators that coincide with a bearing issue (especially if the tone ring is affected)


• Visible damage or grease leakage around the hub area (less common on newer sealed units)

If you notice any of these symptoms, have the bearing inspected promptly. Driving with a failing bearing can be dangerous and may lead to further damage or wheel separation in extreme cases.

Maximizing wheel bearing life and maintenance tips

While you cannot directly replace the bearing’s life with a simple maintenance habit, certain practices can help you maximize its lifespan and delay replacement.

Best practices to extend life

• Drive smoothly and avoid hitting potholes, curbs, and speed bumps at high speed; slow and steady cornering reduces stress on the hub


• Keep tires properly inflated and ensure alignment is checked and corrected as needed


• Address suspension wear and brake issues promptly to prevent abnormal loading on the hub


• Choose quality components and have bearings installed by trained technicians with correct torque spec and preload


• Avoid excessive water exposure or corrosive road salt buildup; wash undercarriage if you frequently drive in harsh conditions

Typical replacement costs vary widely by vehicle and labor rates, but expect a professional replacement on at least one axle to be several hundred dollars, with variations depending on make, model, and whether an OEM or aftermarket unit is used. Planning routine inspections during major service intervals can help catch wear before it becomes a safety issue.

Summary

There is no universal mileage guarantee for wheel bearings, but the common expectation for many passenger vehicles is roughly 100,000 miles or more, with a broad range from about 80,000 to 150,000 miles depending on conditions. Long life is possible with careful driving, proper maintenance, and quality components, but signs of wear should be checked promptly to avoid more serious drivetrain problems.

In short, aim for proactive maintenance and pay attention to performance changes. Bearings can last a long time, but once symptoms appear, it’s time to consult a professional for a precise diagnosis and replacement plan.

How often do wheel bearings need to be replaced?

Wheel bearings don't have a fixed replacement schedule, as they often last the lifetime of the vehicle, but typically need replacement between 85,000 and 100,000 miles, especially sealed bearings. You should replace them sooner if you notice symptoms like a humming or grinding noise, vibration in the steering wheel, or uneven tire wear. Factors like road conditions and driving habits can also affect their lifespan, requiring more frequent replacement. 
This video explains how often wheel bearings need to be replaced and the lifespan of different types of wheel bearings: 59sBabcox MediaYouTube · Dec 20, 2017
Signs that you need to replace your wheel bearings

• Unusual noises: A humming, growling, or grinding noise that gets louder with speed, or a clunking sound. 
• Vibration: A shaky or vibrating steering wheel. 
• Loose or loose steering: The steering wheel feels loose or the car pulls to one side. 
• Uneven tire wear: One tire wears out faster than the others. 

What affects wheel bearing lifespan

• Driving conditions: Driving on rough roads, through mud, or deep water can cause premature wear. 
• Driving habits: Frequent heavy loads or improper tire inflation can also lead to faster wear. 
• Maintenance: Poor maintenance or contamination from water and dirt can cause failures. 
• Installation: Incorrect prior installation can significantly shorten the life of a wheel bearing. 

Is it safe to drive with a worn wheel bearing?

No, it is not safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing. While it may seem okay at first, a failing wheel bearing can lead to a wheel completely breaking off, loss of control, and further, more expensive damage to other parts of the vehicle. You should only drive the shortest possible distance to the nearest repair shop.
 
Risks of driving with a bad wheel bearing 
This video explains how a bad wheel bearing can affect your vehicle: 50sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 6, 2023

• Catastrophic wheel failure: In the worst-case scenario, the bearing can completely fail, causing the wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. 
• Loss of control: A failing bearing can lead to steering issues, vibrations, and pulling to one side, all of which reduce your control over the vehicle. 
• Accidents: The combination of steering problems and the risk of a wheel coming off can easily lead to a serious accident, even at low speeds. 
• Damage to other components: Continuing to drive can cause collateral damage to other parts like the hub, axle, CV joint, and transmission, increasing repair costs. 
• Uneven tire wear: A bad bearing can cause your tires to wear unevenly and faster than they should. 

This video demonstrates the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022
What to do instead

• Drive only to the nearest repair shop: If absolutely necessary, drive very slowly for the shortest possible distance to get it fixed. 
• Avoid the highway: Stay off high-speed roads to minimize the risk and potential for a severe accident. 
• Get it replaced immediately: A bad wheel bearing is a critical safety issue that needs professional attention as soon as possible. 

What is the life expectancy of a wheel bearing?

Wheel bearings can last anywhere from 85,000 to 100,000 miles or more, but their lifespan varies based on driving conditions, the quality of the bearing, and proper installation. While some can last the life of the vehicle, others may fail much sooner due to factors like driving on rough roads, heavy loads, harsh weather, or poor installation. 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing and the potential risks of driving with a faulty one: 39sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Apr 6, 2023
Factors affecting wheel bearing lifespan

• Driving conditions: Rough roads, potholes, speed bumps, and harsh weather can reduce a bearing's lifespan. 
• Driving habits: Frequent sharp turns, hard braking, and off-roading put extra strain on wheel bearings. 
• Installation quality: Improper installation is a common cause of premature failure. 
• Bearing quality: The quality of the manufacturing and materials used in the bearing itself plays a significant role. 
• Vehicle modifications: Aftermarket wheels, spacers, or suspension modifications can negatively impact bearing longevity. 

When to replace a wheel bearing

• Noise: A rumbling, growling, or clicking sound that changes with speed or turning.
• Vibration: Shaking in the steering wheel or the car itself.
• Loose steering: Wobbly or loose steering.
• Uneven tire wear: Noticeable wear on the tire located on the corner with the bad bearing. 

Important considerations

• Be wary of "scare tactics": Some service centers may overemphasize the urgency of a wheel bearing replacement. It's a good practice to get a second opinion from a reputable mechanic to confirm the diagnosis. 
• Address issues promptly: Ignoring signs of a failing wheel bearing can lead to more serious damage and potentially cause a wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. 

What is one of the first signs of bearing failure?

Early indications of bearing failure can include machinery that is running unevenly, or at an exceptionally loud volume, or with reduced accuracy. There are also some visual signs to look for. Here are 5 common signs of bearing failure: Abrasion - Generally caused by excessive wear and friction against mating hardware.