How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Wheel Bearing
If you’re driving with a bad wheel bearing, it can lead to horrible things like premature tire wear. You may have ignored the problem for a long time, but now that it’s serious enough for you to consider buying this piece as soon as possible, you’ll find yourself asking some questions before you make your purchase. This can be an excruciating process because you obviously don’t want to make a mistake. You want to get it right and prevent future damage, or even potential accidents.
The Effect of a Bad Wheel Bearing
If a wheel bearing is bad, it can cause a lot of problems. A bad wheel bearing can make your vehicle shake, vibrate or rumble while it’s in motion. It may also make a grinding noise or cause the car to pull to one side. A failed wheel bearing can lead to serious problems with your tires, suspension and steering system.
If you have a bad front axle, for example, it can affect the way the front wheels turn and steer and make it difficult to steer at low speeds. If you have a bad rear axle, it can affect how well the rear wheels turn and stop particularly in wet weather conditions when turning corners or driving on slippery roads.
Signs of a bad wheel bearing
- A bad wheel bearing can be a very expensive repair. If you’re not sure how to tell if your vehicle has a bad wheel bearing, here are some signs: Unusual tire wear. If you notice that one of your tires is wearing out faster than the others, it could be because of a bad wheel bearing. You might also see scuff marks on the outside edge of the tire where it rubs against the hub or rotor.
- Clunking noises when turning corners or braking. Clunking noises and vibrations can indicate that your wheels are not aligned properly and are hitting the brakes or getting stuck in ruts as they turn corners. This indicates worn bearings and differentials in need of repair or replacement.
- Shaking steering wheel while driving at higher speeds. Shaking steering wheels can indicate warped rotors or bent axles, which require immediate attention if they’re not fixed right away they could cause you to lose control during braking or turning maneuvers.
Drive on a bad wheel bearing
The answer to this question depends on how bad the wheel bearing is. A bad wheel bearing will usually make a grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel. This is caused by metal on metal contact between the hub and the shaft of the wheel bearing. If this happens, you need to have it fixed as soon as possible.
If your car has been driven for an extended period of time with a bad wheel bearing, then the damage can be extensive. The metal parts inside the hub may have gotten so worn down that they could break off completely, leaving nothing holding them together at all. If you are going to drive with a bad wheel bearing for too long, then it is possible for this to happen.
Faulty Wheel Bearing Replacement
If there’s no visible damage on the outside of the tire, you can probably drive for another 100 miles or so before replacing it. However, if there are signs of damage, such as tears in the tread or cracks in the sidewall of the tire, then it’s best to replace it as soon as possible. If your vehicle is making noises when turning, it could mean that your wheel bearings are worn out and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
What causes a bad wheel bearing
Over time, your car’s wheel bearings will wear out and start to make noise. This can happen from regular use, or from an impact with another object such as a curb, pothole or curb when parking.
If you hear squeaking or grinding sounds every time you turn, it could be a sign that one of your wheels needs replacing. If you think something isn’t right with your car’s suspension system and want to get it checked out before it becomes more serious, contact us here at Edge Ford Service Centre today.
Take care of your vehicle
A wheel bearing is a small, yet important part of your vehicle’s suspension system. It helps to reduce the friction between the wheel hub and the spindle. The wheel bearing allows for smooth rotation of the wheels, which is why it’s important to maintain them properly. If you notice the steering wheel shaking when you drive over bumps or around corners, then it’s likely that your vehicle has a bad wheel bearing.
The amount of time that you can safely drive with a bad wheel bearing varies based on how severe the problem is. If only one side of your car is affected, then it might just need some lubrication. However, if both sides are affected or if there’s excessive play in the steering wheel, then further inspection is necessary to determine what needs to be fixed before driving again.
Conclusion
Wheel bearings are important parts of the wheels of your car. These keep your wheels balanced and properly connected to the axles of your vehicle. Because they support a good amount of your weight and take a lot of abuse, they can wear down and degrade over time. If you have a bad wheel bearing, it is best not to drive your vehicle because this may cause other parts to break under heavy stress or the whole car could just fall apart in an accident.
