How Long Will a Wheel Bearing Last After It Starts Making Noise?
A wheel bearing is a device that allows the rotation of the axle in automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Wheel bearings are often designed to allow easy turning and rolling motion for use with large wheels.
The most common cause of wheel bearing failure is lack of lubrication or contamination from dirt and water.
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Noisy wheel bearings are a common problem for many vehicle owners.
You may notice that your car starts to shake or vibrate when you accelerate, and the noise gets louder as you speed up.
If this is happening to you, it might be high time for you to change the wheel bearing.
However, if you’re on a budget, it could be quite a tussle for you to change the bearing.
You may want every last bit of the noisy bearing milage before replacing it.
This article answers the question as to how long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise.
What Are the Signs of Bad Wheel Bearings?
-A humming noise coming from the steering column
-Excessive shaking while driving on bumpy or rough roads
-Vague steering
-Tires wearing unevenly and showing signs of excessive wear patterns.
-ABS malfunctioning
What Do Failing Wheel Bearings Sound Like?
The first indication that they are about to fail will be a grinding or popping sound when turning the steering wheel left and right.
This symptom alone is not enough to warrant replacing the bearings.
However, if you hear any other noises, such as clunking sounds coming from underneath the car or unusual vibrations while driving on rough roads—it’s definitely time for new wheel bearings.
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Additionally, a high-pitched squeal coming from the steering column may also be caused by failed wheel bearings.
What Happens If You Keep Driving on A Bad Bearing?
If you keep driving on a bad wheel bearing, there is potential damage to other aspects of your car.
Failing bearings can cause steering problems as well as tire wear and alignment issues.
The car may also shake when driven over bumps or potholes in the road, resulting in serious damages like bent rims and broken suspension components.
Have your wheels looked at by a trusted mechanic?
If they are found to be defective, it will save you significant time and money down the line because without repair, these parts won’t last long before failing again—possibly causing further harm to not only yourself but others around.
How To Fix a Noisy Wheel Bearing?
I went to a mechanic, and he said it’s my wheel bearing.
The price of repairing the bearings is between $200-400, depending on where you go.
I also asked him if there were any other alternatives, but he said that these are better than new ones because they’re already worn in, so less chance for them to break down too soon again.”
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“The only alternative would be replacing the whole hub assembly, which can cost anywhere from about $1200 up,” he told me with an expressionless face.
“If we wait until the noise gets unbearable, then it might be much more expensive and difficult to take care of later.”
In brief
A noisy wheel bearing can often be fixed by cleaning it.
But if that does not work, you will have to replace the bearings or take out each individual ball for inspection and either clean them or buy a new set of balls and put them back in.
You might also want to check your axle bolts to see if they are tight enough, as this is another cause of noise coming from a wheel bearing.