A wheel bearing in a car has one of the longest lifespans of any automotive part and requires very little maintenance.
The role of a wheel bearing in a car is to connect the wheel to the axle, minimizing friction and allowing the wheel to keep turning.
Because of their importance, wheel bearings are safely designed to withstand the forces generated by a car, such as cornering and acceleration, but they must be replaced when they fail.
Top reasons wheel bearings fail
The standard lifespan of a wheel bearing is 160,000 kilometers, but this can vary depending on the quality of the product.
Wheel bearings can fail if they are used continuously without replacing old parts, or if they are driven on roads with poor road surfaces, or if poor quality materials are used in the manufacture of the wheel bearings,
or if contaminants such as mud or water seep into the car parts when driving through mud or water, which can wear down the wheel bearings.
Symptoms of a failed wheel bearing
If your wheel bearings are failing, you may notice a persistent noise, loose wheels, and a change in vibration when the vehicle is turning or moving.
Even if you notice these symptoms, it will take time for them to completely fail. Even so, replacing the part as soon as you notice symptoms is the best way to keep driving safely.