If your vehicle’s wheel bearings are going bad, you must get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Things like strange noises, steering problems, and weakness in the car’s brakes can all be signs that your wheel bearings are starting to wear out. 

Bad wheel bearings can be incredibly dangerous, so it is important to know some of the signs that the time has come to replace them. 

With a good understanding of wheel bearings and how to know when they are starting to go bad, you can keep yourself and other people on the road as safe as possible. 

### How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?

For the most part, you can count on your vehicle’s wheel bearings to last for the entire life of the car. They are designed to have the same amount of longevity as the vehicle and should stay in good shape without any kind of scheduled maintenance. 

However, there are certain circumstances where the bearings can become damaged or wear out. This generally occurs after an accident or driving situations that are particularly rough on the bearings like driving over large potholes, hitting tall curbs, or off-roading. If you only do regular driving on smooth city streets, though, you usually won’t have to worry about your wheel bearings wearing out. 

If you want to keep your wheel bearings in good shape for as long as possible, your best bet is to drive safely. Doing things like hitting curbs or slamming on the brakes can put undue strain on the bearings and cause wear and tear that will eventually turn into bigger issues. 

When possible, stay on smooth, well-maintained roads without potholes and avoid off-roading if your vehicle isn’t specifically meant for it. The gentler you are with your vehicle, the longer your wheel bearings will last. 

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### What Do Bad Wheel Bearings Sound Like?

The best indication that something is wrong with your vehicle’s wheel bearings will be a persistent hum or growl coming from the area of the car where the affected bearing is located. This noise will almost always get more noticeable or louder as you step on the gas and the wheel spins faster. 

This is because as the individual balls start to seize up or don’t move as freely, there is more friction between the axle and wheel. 

In some cases, you may also notice that the noise gets louder when cornering. This is because as you turn the steering control arms, the weight of the vehicle transfers to the opposite side. This puts more pressure on the affected bearing and increases friction, which will, in turn, increase the noise. 

### Is it Safe to Drive With Bad Wheel Bearings?

It is never safe to drive with worn-out wheel bearings. In the best-case scenario, there will be some looseness in the wheel, which can cause a wobble at higher speeds on the freeway. However, the bearing can also freeze up entirely, which is a massive issue. This can severely damage your vehicle’s drive shaft, differential, and other elements of the drivetrain. In other cases, the wheel can separate from the vehicle at speed, which is a disaster waiting to happen and a serious safety issue. Most of the time, a wheel bearing replacement will be the safest bet if you suspect they are starting to wear out. 

### What Happens When Wheel Bearings Fail? 

When wheel bearings fail in the front wheel hub, you will almost always notice noises when the steering knuckle moves or when you are accelerating in a FWD car. This is due to the increase in friction since the wheels aren’t moving as freely as they should be. In a RWD or AWD car, the noise will be persistent and get louder as you step on the gas pedal. You may also notice that the noise gets louder when you hit the brakes since a worn bearing hub can interfere with the braking system and the auto parts associated with it like the brake pads and calipers if it has been allowed to get more worn out over time. All of these issues are potential safety hazards, so it is crucial that you get replacement parts put in as soon as possible when you notice an issue. 

### Signs Your Wheel Bearings Are Going Bad

There are a few surefire signs that your wheel bearings have started to go bad and if you notice them, it is important to act quickly. However, some vehicle issues can potentially be related to other problems, so taking your vehicle into a shop to have it diagnosed will be a big help. Knowing some of the most common signs of bad wheel bearings, though, will put you on the right track. 

#### New Noises 

The most common sign of a bad wheel bearing is any kind of new noise that seems related to friction. Noises like hums or growls that speed up or get louder as you accelerate can be related to a wheel bearing that is starting to wear out. One other particularly common sign of a bad bearing is when that noise gets worse when turning. This is due to the increased friction that happens when the weight of the vehicle is shifted in a turn. This can also help you determine what side of the vehicle has a bad bearing, which is important if you are planning on doing a DIY replacement. 

#### Steering Wheel Issues 

Worn wheel bearings can have a big impact on the way your vehicle steers and how the steering wheel feels. If you notice a loose feeling in the wheel or the vehicle seems to pull to the right or left when you apply the brakes, this could be from a bad bearing. Since there is more friction in one wheel than there is in the others, the car will feel like it is constantly trying to turn in one direction when you are slowing down or coming to a stop. Steering wheel vibration is also common but this can be due to a worn suspension strut or a tire that is out of round. 

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#### Uneven Tire Wear 

Sometimes, bad wheel bearings can cause rapid wear in one particular tire over the others. While there are plenty of other reasons why you might see uneven tire wear on your vehicle, when wheel bearings wear out and create more friction, they can pull the tire inward, especially during turns. This can create bald spots on the tire or cause wear on the inside or outside where there normally wouldn’t be. If you are noticing this tire wear in conjunction with noises or other symptoms of a bad wheel bearing, it is a good idea to have a professional take a look at it. 

#### Brake Weakness

A spongy feeling in your vehicle’s brakes can be another sign that your wheel bearings have gone bad. As the bearings start to wear out, the rotors on the brake system push the piston further than they should when you hit the brakes. This can make the brakes feel like they are not as effective as they usually are or that they take longer to engage. It can also cause the brakes to slip intermittently, which is a big safety issue, so it is best to get the problem assessed as soon as possible.

#### ABS Warning 

A worn wheel bearing can affect the wheel speed sensor that works alongside your ABS. Because of this, a bad bearing may trigger the ABS light on your dashboard. If this light engages and you are not noticing any difference in the way your brakes are behaving, it could be related to the bearings. Either way, an ABS light should always be addressed if you want to keep your care working safely and efficiently on the road.  

### Cost of Replacing Wheel Bearings 

Depending on the kind of vehicle you have, the cost to replace a wheel bearing will change. According to RepairPal, a wheel bearing replacement for a [Honda Civic](https://www.autolist.com/honda-civic) will cost somewhere between $245 and $350. For a [Toyota Tacoma](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-tacoma), this job will cost between $507 and $641. A [Chevy Silverado](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-silverado+1500) will require between $492 and $563 for a new wheel bearing. For the most part, the cost of the component itself will be the same across makes and models. However, the amount of labor that is required to get to the bearing and replace it will change. For simpler, smaller vehicles like the Civic, this translates into a cheaper replacement. 

### What Are Wheel Bearings?

The wheel bearings in your car are responsible for keeping the wheels connected to the axles while also allowing them to spin freely. They are designed to withstand the load of the vehicle’s weight and keep the friction between the axle and the wheel hub assembly as low as possible. 

Generally, the driven rear or front wheel bearings will have ball bearings that roll along the assembly and the non-driven front or rear wheel bearings use tapered roller bearings that do the same thing. The wheel bearing hub will be between the drive axle shaft and the brake rotors or brake drum, depending on the type you have. 

Because wheel hub bearings take the brunt of the force when you move, steer, or stop the car, they will eventually wear out. Over time, the individual balls or rollers can develop flat spots or the wheel hub assembly itself can start to deteriorate or lose lubrication. 

No matter what the issue is, replacing the worn hub bearing assembly is a safety precaution that should not be ignored. The more the bearings wear out, the more likely they will be to damage the CV joint or the transmission or come apart completely, which can be disastrous. 

### Final Thoughts

A worn wheel bearing in your vehicle can be dangerous if it is not taken care of as soon as possible. If you want to avoid a serious safety hazard like a seized wheel or a separation of the wheel and axle while you are at speed, it is important to recognize the signs of a bad bearing. By knowing what to look for and what symptoms a bad bearing is most likely to cause, you can keep yourself safe and protect your vehicle’s drivetrain. Plus, you can avoid more serious repairs down the line and save money in the long run.

Wheel bearings are small components, but they are critical in keeping your vehicle safe and straight on the road. Understanding when they need to be replaced is crucial.

Wheel Bearings: When To Know It's Time to Replace Them

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