Can You Drive With A Bad Wheel Bearing?
While you can drive with a broken wheel bearing, you really shouldn't be.
Wheel bearings generally last a long time but with constant use, they can lose their lubricity causing rapid wear and deterioration and will eventually start to show various signs of failure. These indications must not be ignored and you should always inspect and replace the hub assemblies if you start to notice the symptoms of bad wheel bearings.
It isn't advised to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel bearing as you can face many different problems, which can develop into bigger, more pressing concerns and will require more expensive repairs if the signs are neglected.
What Happens If I Don't Replace Bad Wheel Bearings?
Ignoring wheel bearing issues can affect braking performance. A low brake pedal feel is caused by a misalignment of the brake rotor to the brake caliper when severe failure is imminent. Also, a potential loss of steering control can develop if faulty wheel bearings are not replaced because a change in vehicle camber and toe will cause unstable tracking and handling when driving. Finally, in some extreme cases, a bad wheel bearing can cause the wheel/tire assembly to come off of the vehicle, potentially leading to an accident.
Can I briefly Drive with a Bad Wheel Bearing?
A car with worn wheel bearings is not safe to drive for any length of time. But if you are in an unsafe situation and there is no other option but to drive your car, it must be done with extra care, with the driver following these pointers:
Drive as slowly as possible, at a steady speed
Keep off highways and avoid heavy traffic
Turn slowly
Apply brakes with care
Drive only in fair weather
We never recommend driving a car with a worn wheel bearing.
Can Wheel Bearings be Serviced?
Wheel bearings need periodic checking and depending on the type of wheel bearings in your car, there are a variety of service options. Wheel bearings most commonly fail for the following reasons:
Misadjustment
Contamination
Loss of grease
Fatigue spalling
Wheel bearings on most modern cars sit inside a sealed hub assembly that is mounted inside the steering knuckle. These sealed bearings are maintenance-free, but if a sealed bearing has gone bad there is no other option but to replace it.
Not to Wading for a Long Time When Driving
Once water enters the wheel bearing, the grease will emulsify and flow, and lubrication cannot be guaranteed. The long wading mentioned here does not mean that you cannot drive on rainy days, but don't let the wheels soak for a long time in water that is less than half the depth of the wheels.
Can I Replace Wheel Bearings by Myself?
Generally, front-wheel bearings are replaced as a hub/bearing assembly, meaning no extra parts will be necessary. Only if extended use has damaged the brakes, a replacement of pads and rotors may be needed. However, in the case of rear wheel bearings, there are many other variables that can be uncovered after inspection. Rear brake pads/linings can be contaminated with axle lubricant. Rear axle bearing housings, races, seals, axle fluid, and axles themselves may become casualties too. A proper inspection will uncover any further cost issues regarding rear wheel bearings.
Are There Any Ways to Save on Cost?
Auto parts discount stores may offer wheels/bearings at preferential prices. But keep in mind that the warranty period they can provide is shorter, and this route is usually not recommended. Choose ECCPP to get a long-term warranty. The best way to make a wheel bearing repair cost less is to have the vehicle serviced and inspected on a regular time and mileage schedule so that potential wheel bearing issues can be discovered before the costs get too catastrophic.
