How long can you drive with a bad wheel bearing?

Drivers should not operate a vehicle with a bad wheel bearing at all. Driving with a bad wheel bearing is risky because the wheel can come loose and fall off the vehicle at any time. A bad wheel bearing may also make controlling the steering wheel more difficult.

Wheel bearings are auto parts that allow the wheel to spin properly. They are crucial elements in a car's wheels and help to turn the car effectively. Wheel bearings generally last about 100,000 miles. The first sign that a wheel bearing is beginning to fail is usually a noise coming from the wheel when the car makes a turn. A bad wheel bearing may also cause the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are employed.