Riding a problematic car will make the issue more serious. How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise? If you recently have got trouble with a strange sound emitting from tires, this is a must-touch topic for you. This article will explain the fact clearly.
If you are an experienced driver, you know the innocent sounds that come out when driving other than the engine’s sound. For instance, the sound of the operating windshield and the usual humming sound from the tires are some normal conditions in a car. But when there is an increase in these sounds or when you hear a strange noise, it is the right time for a check-up.
What Happens When a Wheel Bearing Goes Out While Driving?
You can catch many signs if you have good corporation with your car. First, if there is a strange noise you have not heard before that emits from the wheels, it is a fact to be considered. If the grounding sound increase when you accelerate, it can be counted as a symptom of a bad wheel bearing.
There will be no noises when the car stops because the wheel bearing moves with the vehicle’s motion. Sometimes the sound will stop when you change the direction or will reduce the volume. But it does not mean that the danger is gone.
A vibration in the steering wheel is also a major symptom here. You will recognize that your car is less responsive to your directions. The car will not corporate with you, and you will feel a pulling force against the way you try to go. You will sometimes notice that the car goes to one side when braking. You will find issues when driving on neutral.
Your ABS dash lights will also illuminate. You will sometimes notice a decrement in fuel efficiency. If the case has gone to the edge, there is a risk of the wheel coming off from the vehicle. Hence, a faulty wheel bearing is a cause of road accidents.
How Long will a Wheel Bearing Last After It Starts Making Noise?
You can travel about 1000 – 1500 miles since you first hear the strange noises from the wheel bearing. But you need to know, most notably, that there is a potential risk of driving with a malfunctioning wheel bearing. Therefore, the best ever advice is to meet a mechanic once your car is diagnosed with noise. High speeds are prohibited in this kind of situation.
If you notice the noise increase in a shorter period, immediately go to the nearest mechanic. If you are in an unknown location, calling a towing truck for help would be better.
It is crucial to identify the problem with the wheel bearing as quickly as possible because the damage may become severe in case of late treatments. When you postpone the inspections of your car with a professional, your suspension system also has a risk of damage.
Wheel bearings are essential components that maintain the alignment of your car’s wheels. The average lifespan of a wheel bearing is about 150 000 miles. But various other facts will affect the longevity of these. Heavier vehicles will put more pressure on the vehicle’s suspension system and apparently will make the bearing wear out sooner.
Vehicles that often experience rough terrain will also end up in a similar situation. Your driving habits also play a vital role in wearing wheel bearings. If you are used to accelerating your vehicle within seconds and stepping hard on your brake, it will apply a huge strain on the moving parts of your vehicle, including the wheel bearing.
How to Stop Wheel Bearing Noise?
A noisy wheel bearing means you have to go for a new one. There is no other solution than this. Applying grease will not make any positive result. We highly recommend you go for a garage rather than doing it yourself. This is because the replacement needs special skills and tools. If the installation is faulty, you will again come up with the same problem with many other issues, like uneven tires.
You should expect a bill of about $350 per wheel. But always remember the cost for the replacement will vary according to the model of your vehicle, brand of the bearing, labor costs, and location.
What Happens If you Drive on a Bad Wheel Bearing for Too Long?
Driving with a bad wheel bearing is riding toward danger. You will feel a sort of looseness in your vehicle. That means although you turn the steering wheel, the vehicle may be reluctant to change direction. You also will notice a strange pulling power in one direction. If you drive at high speed and your wheel bearing comes out completely, there will be an accident making a huge threat to the lives of the passengers.
A malfunctioning wheel bearing will affect the brake rotor, and you will encounter braking difficulties. If you drive with poor performance in your braking mechanism, the vehicle will not stop in the desired positions making the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians end up in an accident. Sometimes you will stop nowhere suddenly, and if this happens on a highway, you can imagine the hazardous situation it creates
What Causes a Wheel Bearing to Keep Going Bad?
There are many reasons that make wheel bearings keep going bad. When you quickly step on the brake and accelerator, there will be more strain on the vehicle’s suspension system, making the wheel bearings wear out rapidly.
The wheel bearing tends to create issues when there is dust, dirt, or any foreign particle contamination during the lubrication. Driving in mud and watery surfaces will make water and debris enter the wheel bearings, and you will eventually hear annoying noises. If the seal that covers the grease for friction leaks, wheel bearings will continue to be noisy.
How Long does a Wheel Bearing Take to Fix?
The time will depend on the car’s model, the project’s complexity, and the mechanic’s skill. You can assume a time of about 90 – 120 minutes for one wheel bearing installation. The mechanics need to deal with many moving parts, joints, and sealing in this kind of replacement. Therefore, it will consume more time.
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