How Long Will a Noisy Wheel Bearing Last? Typically, a wheel bearing should last roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles after it starts making noise. This doesn’t mean you should keep driving since a noisy wheel bearing is always a risk.

Similarly, What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearings?


Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement

  • Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. …
  • Squealing, Growling. …
  • Clicking Sound. …
  • Wheel Wobble. …
  • ABS Failure. …
  • Uneven Tire Wear. …
  • Vehicle Pulls to One Side. …
  • Steering Wheel Vibration.

Additionally, What happens if you drive too long on a bad wheel bearing? The wheel bearings in your vehicle work with the tire, hub, and wheel to make a smooth ride while you are driving down the road. If a wheel bearing goes bad, more friction will be placed on the wheel, and the wheel will start to wobble. It is not safe to drive with a missing wheel bearing.

What noise does a bad hub bearing make?

Most people describe a bad wheel bearing as making a growling or rumbling noise (the sound is often mistaken for worn tires). Also, in some cases, a bad bearing may make a high-pitched grinding or squealing sound. In either case, the frequency of the sound will correspond to the rotation of the tires.

Does bad wheel bearing make noise?

The most common and often most-identifiable symptom associated with a bad wheel bearing is noise coming from the wheel or tire area of the moving vehicle. You may mistake this as engine noise, but when you listen closely you are likely to hear grinding or grating that gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.

How do you diagnose a wheel bearing noise?

Wheel bearing noises become louder with speed. That is one of the best ways to tell whether the noise is coming from the wheel bearing or if it’s originating in/around the engine. RPM induced noises can be diagnosed while the vehicle is static. Speed-dependent noises usually indicate tire or wheel hub problems.

How can I tell which wheel bearing is making noise?

You can test this by gently swaying your car while driving slowly. If the noise lessens when you sway right, then the damaged bearing is likely on a left wheel bearing. If it lessens when you sway left, a right wheel bearing is likely broken.

How can you tell the difference between bad CV joints and bad wheel bearings?

Often, a bad CV axle will make a clicking noise when steering the car left or right. A bad bearing makes an intermittent roaring noise, until it fails catastrophically. CV joints clunk or make louder noises on tight turns. Wheel bearings get louder with speed.

Can a bad wheel bearing affect acceleration?

Unlike a tire balance problem that typically shows up at higher speeds, a vibration in the steering wheel due to a bad bearing will be noticed at slower speeds and progressively get worse as the vehicle accelerates.

How much does it cost to fix a bad wheel bearing?

The cost to replace one front-wheel hub assembly varies widely. Some variables include the make and model, the garage’s labor rate and the cost for parts. The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel.

How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?

On average, a wheel bearing alone will cost you between $60 – $150, and an entire bearing and hub assembly replacement is around $200 – $400 for each wheel depending on your vehicle type.

How do I know if my hub assembly wheel bearing is bad?


Grinding Noise

  1. Loose Steering Wheel. When a wheel hub bearing goes bad, you may feel some looseness in the steering wheel. …
  2. Vehicle Pulling To The Side When Brakes Are Applied. Worn bearings become loose. …
  3. Uneven Tire Wear. This happens when the wheel bearing becomes bad enough. …
  4. Wheel Vibration And Wobble.

What can causes a loud humming noise while driving?

If your car makes a humming noise, it could mean the differential needs lubricant, the transmission is failing or the universal joints or wheel bearings are wearing out. … Don’t let the noises continue without having an expert take a look at your vehicle.

Is it tire or wheel bearing noise?

Squealing Or Grinding Noise

If you’re hearing this noise, the issue may be a bad wheel bearing. To confirm it, change the speed of the vehicle. If the noise becomes worse the faster you drive, then it’s almost certainly a bad wheel bearing. If the noise remains the same, then the issue may be the tires instead.

What causes a loud humming noise while driving?

The unbalanced tread depths cause tires to emit loud noises while driving. Usually, you’ll hear sounds caused by uneven wear coming from one tire. … When the wheel bearing in your tires is damaged or deteriorating, it produces a soft humming sound or grinding noise when you change lanes.

What does a bad differential bearing sound like?

Overly worn out bearings tend to make a howling noise when they do not properly support the gears. Rumbling while turning, on the other hand, is a sign of bad wheel bearings. … This rear differential noise is described as a heavy clicking type of sound which occurs every eight feet or so.

How do I know which hub assembly is bad?


Here is a list of signs if you have a hub assembly that may need to be replaced:

  1. Snapping, clicking or popping noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
  2. Grinding noise when the vehicle is moving.
  3. Knocking or clunking sensation from the vehicle.
  4. Wheel vibration and/or wobble.
  5. Poor steering control.

What are the symptoms of a bad inner CV joint?


4 Signs of a Bad CV Axle/Half Shaft

  1. “Clicking” Noises When Turning.
  2. A Knocking Sound. …
  3. Grease on the Inside or Edge of the Tires. …
  4. Vibration While Driving. This is a tricky one, since there are many things that could cause vibration when you drive. …

How do you test a CV joint?


Take a Test Drive

  1. Put the car in reverse. Then turn the steering wheel all the way to one side and drive backward in a circle. Turn the steering wheel in the other direction and repeat the process.
  2. If you hear a very pronounced clicking or snapping noise, there’s a good chance an outer CV joint is worn out.

What does a bad CV joint sound like while driving?

Ans: The most common symptoms of a bad CV joint are the clicking, popping, and clunking sounds it makes when decelerating or accelerating. Vibration when driving is also a common symptom. You might find grease on the car’s underside caused by a torn boot leaky oil.

Can bad wheel bearing cause loss of power?

Over time, wheel bearings lose their strength and become weak. As they get weak, they make noise and this is where you have to figure it out, and replace them.

Does wheel bearing affect transmission?

Continuing to drive with a bad wheel bearing is very dangerous. A faulty wheel bearing will affect many other important components on your vehicle like the hub, CV joint, axle and even the transmission. Even worse, if a damaged wheel bearing fails completely, the wheel will seize and you will have an accident.

Will bad wheel bearing affect gas mileage?

If the torque applied was too high the bearings can be put into excessive pre-load, or if the torque was too low, the bearings can have excessive endplay. Both of which could affect fuel economy and the performance of the bearings over time.