What Happens When A Wheel Bearing Goes Out

Wheel bearings are responsible for bearing the vehicle’s weight and enabling the wheel/tire assembly to rotate smoothly while driving. Each of the four wheels on your car is equipped with wheel bearings that are intended to last for the entire lifespan of the vehicle.

While some vehicles can travel long distances without needing a wheel bearing replacement, others may require one or more replacements over time. If you find yourself in a situation where a wheel bearing fails, you may question whether it is safe to continue driving and what steps you should take.

What Happens When a Wheel Bearing Fails?

When a wheel bearing fails, it can lead to a cascade of issues impacting both vehicle performance and safety. Let’s delve into the consequences of a failed wheel bearing:

1. Loss of Control: A compromised wheel bearing may result in instability, causing the vehicle to veer unexpectedly. This loss of control can be particularly hazardous, especially when driving at higher speeds or maneuvering through traffic.
2. Brake Complications: A failing wheel bearing can adversely affect brake performance. As the bearing deteriorates, it may cause the brake rotor to wobble, leading to unpredictable brake behavior such as increased pedal travel or pulling to one side when braking.
3. Risk of Wheel Detachment: In extreme cases, a severely damaged wheel bearing can lead to the detachment of the wheel from the vehicle. This catastrophic scenario poses a significant safety risk not only to the occupants of the vehicle but also to other road users.
4. Potential for Fires: If a wheel bearing becomes excessively hot due to friction or lack of lubrication, it can pose a fire hazard, especially if adjacent components are affected. The heat generated by a failing bearing can ignite flammable materials in the wheel well area, exacerbating the situation.
5. Compromised Vehicle Stability: Wheel bearings play a crucial role in maintaining the alignment and stability of the wheels. A failed bearing can result in abnormal wheel movement, leading to vibrations, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling characteristics.

How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Wheel Bearing?

Driving with a bad wheel bearing is not recommended as it can lead to serious safety hazards and potentially cause further damage to your vehicle.

A bad wheel bearing can cause vibrations, unusual noises, and in severe cases, even lead to wheel detachment while driving. If you suspect your wheel bearing is bad, it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road. Continuing to drive with a bad wheel bearing can exacerbate the issue and result in more costly repairs or even accidents.

Wheel Bearing Failure: What Can Happen When Driving with a Bad Wheel Bearing

Driving with a bad wheel bearing can lead to various serious consequences and safety hazards:

1. Loss of Control: A bad wheel bearing can cause the affected wheel to wobble or shake, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. This can result in accidents, especially at high speeds or during sudden maneuvers.
2. Wheel Detachment: In extreme cases, a severely worn or damaged wheel bearing can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle while driving. This can result in a loss of control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road or into oncoming traffic, potentially leading to a catastrophic accident.
3. Damage to Other Components: A failing wheel bearing can cause excessive stress on other components of the wheel assembly, such as the hub, axle, and suspension system. Continued driving with a bad wheel bearing can lead to further damage to these parts, increasing repair costs and downtime.
4. Braking Issues: A bad wheel bearing can affect the performance of the braking system by causing uneven braking or reduced braking efficiency. This can compromise the vehicle’s ability to stop safely, especially in emergency situations.
5. Increased Fuel Consumption: A damaged wheel bearing can cause increased rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel consumption as the engine works harder to maintain speed. This can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and higher operating costs over time.
6. Costly Repairs: Ignoring a bad wheel bearing can lead to more extensive damage to the wheel assembly and other related components. This can result in costly repairs or even the need for a complete wheel hub replacement.

Identifying Wheel Bearing Issues

How to tell if your wheel bearing is bad?

Identifying wheel bearing issues typically involves paying attention to several signs and symptoms while driving:

1. Strange Noises: A common symptom of a bad wheel bearing is a grinding, growling, or humming noise, especially when turning or at certain speeds. These noises usually originate from the affected wheel.
2. Vibrations: You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat when driving. These vibrations may become more pronounced as the vehicle’s speed increases.
3. Uneven Tire Wear: A bad wheel bearing can cause uneven tire wear, leading to bald spots or excessive wear on one side of the tire.
4. Looseness or Play: If you notice excessive play or looseness in the wheel when it’s lifted off the ground and rocked back and forth, it could indicate a worn-out wheel bearing.
5. ABS Warning Light: In some cases, a failing wheel bearing can trigger the ABS warning light on the dashboard. This occurs because the ABS sensor may be affected by the erratic movement caused by the damaged bearing.
6. Heat Generation: A severely damaged wheel bearing can generate heat due to friction. If you notice excessive heat coming from the wheel area after driving, it could be a sign of a failing bearing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring wheel bearing issues can lead to further damage and compromise your safety on the road.

Types of Wheel Bearings and Noise

There are generally two types of wheel bearings commonly used in vehicles:

1. Ball Bearings: Ball bearings consist of small metal balls housed within a metal ring, allowing for smooth rotation between the inner and outer races. These bearings are commonly found in older vehicles or in lighter-duty applications.
2. Roller Bearings: Roller bearings utilize cylindrical or tapered rollers instead of balls. They offer increased load-bearing capacity and durability compared to ball bearings, making them suitable for heavier vehicles or applications where higher loads are present. Roller bearings are commonly used in modern vehicles.

When it comes to noises associated with wheel bearing issues, they can vary depending on the type of bearing and the nature of the problem. However, some common noises include:

1. Grinding or Growling: This noise is often indicative of metal-on-metal contact within the bearing, typically caused by lack of lubrication or wear on the bearing surfaces. It can occur with both ball and roller bearings.
2. Humming or Whirring: A consistent humming or whirring noise, especially at highway speeds, can suggest a problem with the wheel bearing. This noise may vary in intensity depending on vehicle speed and can be caused by worn-out or damaged bearings.
3. Clicking or Snapping: In some cases, a failing wheel bearing can produce clicking or snapping noises, particularly during turns. This may indicate excessive play or movement within the bearing assembly.
4. Roaring: A loud roaring noise, especially when driving straight and at higher speeds, can signal a severely worn or damaged wheel bearing. This noise can become more pronounced as the bearing deteriorates further.

It’s important to note that while these noises are common indicators of wheel bearing issues, they can also be caused by other problems such as tire issues, brake problems, or drivetrain issues. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is essential to accurately identify and address the underlying cause of the noise.

This table provides a brief overview of the two main types of wheel bearings and the noises commonly associated with wheel bearing issues for each type. Remember that proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is essential for accurate identification and resolution of wheel bearing problems.

How Do Wheel Bearings Fail?

Wheel bearings can fail due to various reasons, and understanding these factors can help in preventing premature failure. Here are some common reasons why wheel bearings fail:

1. Lack of Lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial for the smooth operation of wheel bearings. Lack of grease or using the wrong type of lubricant can lead to increased friction and wear, causing the bearing to fail prematurely.
2. Contamination: Contaminants such as dirt, water, and road debris can enter the wheel bearing assembly, causing abrasion and corrosion. This can accelerate wear and eventually lead to bearing failure.
3. Overloading: Excessive weight or overloading the vehicle can put additional stress on the wheel bearings, leading to premature wear and failure. This is especially common in vehicles used for towing or hauling heavy loads.
4. Improper Installation: Incorrect installation procedures, such as over-tightening the axle nut or improper torque settings, can lead to premature bearing failure. It’s essential to follow manufacturer specifications and guidelines when installing wheel bearings.
5. Impact Damage: Striking potholes, curbs, or other obstacles can cause impact damage to the wheel bearings, leading to deformation or misalignment. This can accelerate wear and cause premature failure of the bearing components.
6. Age and Wear: Like any mechanical component, wheel bearings naturally wear out over time due to normal use and mileage. As the bearings wear, they become less effective at reducing friction, leading to increased wear and eventual failure.
7. Heat Build-Up: Excessive heat generated during braking or prolonged driving can cause thermal stress on the wheel bearings, leading to premature wear and failure. This can be exacerbated by factors such as towing heavy loads or driving in mountainous terrain.
8. Seal Failure: The seals that protect the wheel bearing assembly from contaminants can degrade over time or become damaged, allowing dirt, water, and debris to enter the bearing and cause damage.

By understanding these common causes of wheel bearing failure, vehicle owners can take proactive measures to maintain their bearings properly and minimize the risk of premature failure. Regular inspection, proper lubrication, and avoiding overloading or excessive impact can help prolong the life of wheel bearings and ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Ignoring wheel bearing issues poses significant risks to vehicle safety and performance. Early detection and prompt replacement are crucial for preventing accidents and costly repairs.

By understanding the signs of wheel bearing failure and addressing them promptly, you ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.