One of the most critical components of your car’s suspension is the wheel bearing, which connects the steering knuckle to the wheel hub, the part where your wheel and tire mount. A worn or damaged wheel bearing can cause your wheel to grind or, in severe cases, become loose. That’s why it’s crucial to replace a failing bearing right away, before it leads to more serious problems. Continue reading to learn more about wheel bearings and how long you can expect a new set to last.
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Wheel Bearing Function & Importance
Normal Wheel Bearing Lifespan
Daily commutes, driving over potholes, and navigating through snow and water can take a serious toll on your car’s wheel bearings. How long a set of wheel bearings lasts depends not only on driving conditions but also on their quality. Using OEM Nissan wheel bearings ensures that your replacements will perform as reliably as the originals, or sometimes even longer.
Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect early signs of wear, giving you the chance to schedule a replacement before a problem becomes serious. Ignoring a worn wheel bearing can lead to severe failures, including the wheel potentially detaching. More commonly, you may notice the car pulling to one side, loud noises coming from the wheel, or even wheel lock-up if the bearing overheats.
Wheel Bearing Service FAQs
Can you drive a car with a bad wheel bearing?
No, you should limit how often you drive a vehicle with a wheel bearing unless it’s been checked by a professional mechanic, as it could be ready to fail completely.
What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?
A few symptoms of a bad wheel bearing are a grinding noise that goes away when the bad side is not under load, the car pulls to one side, and reduced fuel economy.
Can a tire fall off with a bad wheel bearing?
Yes, when a wheel bearing fails completely, it can separate and make your tire fall off the car while driving.
How long will a wheel bearing last once it starts making noise?
It can be a few minutes to several months of driving, but it’s hard to predict, as different bearing types can fail much quicker than others, making it a good idea to get the car inspected and repaired.
What can be mistaken for a bad wheel bearing?
A bad CV axle or failing suspension components can cause similar symptoms to a bad wheel bearing.
Should I replace both wheel bearings at the same time?
Yes, it’s recommended that you replace both wheel bearings from the same axle at the same time, as both are likely to fail within a similar time frame.
Schedule Your Wheel Bearing Replacement at Nissan Downtown
Under normal circumstances, wheel bearings typically show signs of wear on higher-mileage vehicles, though damage from road debris can also shorten their lifespan. Additionally, a damaged axle seal can allow water to enter the bearing assembly, causing internal rust and preventing the bearing from maintaining a proper fit. If you suspect a wheel bearing issue, contact us at Nissan Downtown to schedule your service appointment. Our Nissan-certified technicians will inspect your vehicle and perform the necessary repairs using high-quality Nissan bearings.