Rev Up Your Automotive Smarts

Can I Still Drive if My Wheel Bearing is Shot? The Answer Might Surprise You

Highlights

  • A failed wheel bearing can cause the steering wheel or the entire car to vibrate.
  • When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, difficulty steering, and increased tire wear.

A wheel bearing is a crucial component of your car’s suspension system. It allows the wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including:

  • Noise: A failed wheel bearing will often produce a grinding or humming noise.
  • Vibration: A failed wheel bearing can cause the steering wheel or the entire car to vibrate.
  • Difficulty steering: A failed wheel bearing can make it difficult to steer the car.
  • Increased tire wear: A failed wheel bearing can cause the tire to wear unevenly.

Can I Drive If My Wheel Bearing Has Gone?

The answer to this question is a resounding no. Driving with a failed wheel bearing is extremely dangerous. It can cause the wheel to come off, which can lead to a serious accident.

What Should I Do If My Wheel Bearing Has Gone?

If you suspect that your wheel bearing has failed, you should have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to determine whether or not the wheel bearing has failed and will recommend the appropriate course of action.

How Can I Prevent My Wheel Bearings From Failing?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your wheel bearings from failing:

  • Get regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent wheel bearing failure. A mechanic will be able to inspect the wheel bearings and make sure that they are properly lubricated.
  • Avoid driving on rough roads: Driving on rough roads can put a lot of stress on the wheel bearings. If you can, avoid driving on rough roads as much as possible.
  • Don’t overload your car: Overloading your car can put extra stress on the wheel bearings. Don’t overload your car, especially if you are going to be driving on rough roads.
  • Get your tires aligned: Misaligned tires can put extra stress on the wheel bearings. Get your tires aligned regularly to help prevent wheel bearing failure.

Symptoms of a Failed Wheel Bearing

There are a few symptoms that can indicate that your wheel bearing has failed. These symptoms include:

  • Noise: A failed wheel bearing will often produce a grinding or humming noise.
  • Vibration: A failed wheel bearing can cause the steering wheel or the entire car to vibrate.
  • Difficulty steering: A failed wheel bearing can make it difficult to steer the car.
  • Increased tire wear: A failed wheel bearing can cause the tire to wear unevenly.

Consequences of Driving with a Failed Wheel Bearing

Driving with a failed wheel bearing is extremely dangerous. It can cause the wheel to come off, which can lead to a serious accident. If you suspect that your wheel bearing has failed, you should have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Wrap-Up

Wheel bearings are an important part of your car’s suspension system. They allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, difficulty steering, and increased tire wear. Driving with a failed wheel bearing is extremely dangerous. It can cause the wheel to come off, which can lead to a serious accident. If you suspect that your wheel bearing has failed, you should have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What People Want to Know

Q: What are the symptoms of a failed wheel bearing?

A: The symptoms of a failed wheel bearing include noise, vibration, difficulty steering, and increased tire wear.

Q: Can I drive with a failed wheel bearing?

A: No, driving with a failed wheel bearing is extremely dangerous. It can cause the wheel to come off, which can lead to a serious accident.

Q: What should I do if I suspect that my wheel bearing has failed?

A: If you suspect that your wheel bearing has failed, you should have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.

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About the Author
Cars have been my passion from a young age as I enjoyed learning how engines work, spending hours dreaming about the supercars I hoped to own, and I now have my dream job as a product designer for a luxury automaker. In my spare time I love going to car...