Well, it’s very hard to determine with certainty the expected service life of a perfectly good car part. But you want to know how long a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise for the first time or exhibiting symptoms of failure.
You should note that wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). Although this is only a rule of thumb, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions. Our best recommendation is to change it once it starts making noise to avoid the risk of an accident. Related Articles: Wheel Bearing Noise Diagnosis +Rear & Front Wheel Bearing Noise Symptoms
HOW LONG WILL A WHEEL BEARING LAST AFTER IT STARTS MAKING NOISE
To address the question, first, we have to consider or observe, how the bearing failing? Is it howling, or is it grinding? Does it have excessive free play in the wheel or hub? And when did the noise becomes unbearable?
In must cause a wheel bearing will last within the range of 200-1000 miles after its first noise indication. The symptoms of wheel bearing noise are often signs that there are other faults with the wheel bearing or other parts of your car. Sometimes these could be just a minor problem that may allow you to drive the vehicle for over 1,500 miles.
However, you should know that if you can hear the noise or feel it, the bearing has already been damaged. So you’re already operating on a risky lane.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU HAVE A BAD WHEEL BEARING
This means failing wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible.
For those who keep wondering what can happen if you have a bad wheel bearing, you should know that it can lead to pulling to one side while braking which can be very risky for you. Below are what can happen if you have a bad wheel bearing.
- It will have a Loud or Softer Noise When Turning or Accelerating
Whenever you are turning, the outside wheel works harder, which means the bad wheel bearing, will not amplify in sound anytime you turn on the side with the good bearing and the bad wheel bearing will reduce in sound when turning on the side with the bad bearing. Note that if there is any noticeable sound from the wheels while driving that amplifies or reduces when turning can indicate that the wheel bearing is bad.
- It will have a Sloppy or Vibrating Steering
Anytime you accelerate, a bad wheel bearing with a broken seal can wear down the parts inside the bearing, which leads to a grinding noise or vibrations that amplifies. A wheel bearings have seals which protects the inner working parts, and they are made to reduce friction and let the wheel spin in a smooth way. But bad wheel bearing will prevent this from happening.
And also, a worn down wheel bearing can lead to a play at the wheel, which leads to looser steering. However, this usually happens from dirt or debris going inside, causing it to work less smoothly.
- It will have an Excessive Play in the Wheel
It’s true that a bad wheel bearing can be tested by jacking up the vehicle at the suspected wheel. However, if the wheel makes a noise while turning or does not turn in a smooth way, the wheel bearing is likely to be replaced. You can turn the wheel side to side at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions or the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. Once done, the wheel will feel loose at either of these positions if the bearing is bad, and, since many vehicles come with the bearing and wheel as an assembly, both will likely have to be replaced.
Anytime a wheel bearing goes bad, it’s not only noticeable in sound or steering, but can also be very risky. For example, the wheel can fall off while driving.
Now you know what can happen if you have a bad wheel bearing, so we recommend replacing your wheel bearing as soon as possible with a quality replacements. Make sure to also read this Article: is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? 11 Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing
I hope the article how long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise was of help to you; please it if helped you.
