Is It Safe to Drive With a Damaged Wheel Bearing?

In order for your wheels to turn, they need bearings. Wheel bearings fit into the hub (inside a race) and allow the wheel to turn freely. However, bearings wear over time and they’ll eventually fail. Is it safe to drive with a damaged wheel bearing? The answer is no.

Some things to watch out for include:

  • Roaring: The most common symptom of a failing wheel bearing is a roaring sound from the affected wheel while you’re driving. It may become more pronounced during turns as the car’s weight shifts and a different load is placed on the wheel. In some instances, you’ll only hear a noise under specific driving conditions (it depends on where the wear in the race is occurring). If you notice a roaring sound from one of the wheels, it’s vital to have it inspected as soon as possible.

  • Wheel play: If you grab the tire by the top and bottom edges and wiggle it up and down, movement should be very minimal or nonexistent. However, if you notice a lot of movement, it means that your bearing is nearing the end of its life.

  • Progressive damage: Once a wheel bearing begins to fail, it will affect other components. The bearings won’t allow the wheel to turn freely, which exacerbates the problem. It also puts stress and strain on the hub, the CV joint, the axle, and the transmission.

  • Ultimate damage: If you don’t replace a damaged wheel bearing before it fails completely, the wheel will completely seize up. If this happens while you’re driving, the results can be catastrophic. This is not a component to take chances with.

If you suspect that one of your wheel bearings is damaged or beginning to fail, have it inspected immediately. It is not safe to drive on for any length of time. YourMechanic can diagnose the problem and replace a damaged wheel bearing.


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Matthew

34 years of experience
1438 reviews
Matthew
34 years of experience
Volkswagen Tiguan L4-2.0L Turbo - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Newport News, Virginia
Arrived early, very courteous, professional, answered all my questions. I will recommend Mrs Lerman to my friends. And this company.
Kia Optima - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Norfolk, Virginia
Matthew is a very friendly and knowledgeable individual who is professional and detailed with his work. Not my first time incorporating his services into my car maintenance but will definitely not be the last! I thank him for all that he has done and will continue to be greatly appreciated.

Michael

5 years of experience
355 reviews
Michael
5 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L Turbo - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Passenger Side Rear) - Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael was great. He was quick, professional, and did a great job. Glad I chose yourmechanic instead of using a local shop.
Nissan Sentra - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Indianapolis, Indiana
Extremely cold and still great service provided by Michael. Would highly recommend him and the Your Mechanic service.

Eliud

24 years of experience
312 reviews
Eliud
24 years of experience
Ford Fusion L4-2.0L Turbo - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Dacula, Georgia
Eliud came out almost an hour and a half before our scheduled time. Very friendly and got to work immediately and put in a new wheel bearing for me. Took the car for a spin and everything’s is working just fine. Will be calling Eliud for anymore car troubles I might have.
Jeep Grand Cherokee - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Grayson, Georgia
Service was great. Mr Hernandez is professional, efficient, courteous, and someone who takes pride in his work. Vehicle and work area were left clean and swept up as if no one had been there. Thanks, highly recommended.

Shane

18 years of experience
379 reviews
Shane
18 years of experience
GMC Terrain L4-2.4L - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Austin, Texas
I needed my wheel bearing replaced before Thanksgiving trip and Shane was able to help us out even with short notice on our end. Will use again for sure.
Jeep Patriot - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Rear) - Austin, Texas
I have had Shane as my mechanic a few times now and I absolutely recommend requesting him!! He is always so pleasant, efficient and detail oriented. He continues to listen to my concerns, provide me with a quote for the services and do exceptional work!

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