Is Driving on Bad Wheel Bearings Really That Bad?

As car owners, we all know that regular maintenance is essential to keep our vehicles running smoothly and safely. One important component that often gets overlooked is the wheel bearing. Wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, and they play a vital role in the overall performance of your car.

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's possible that you need to replace your wheel bearings:

• A grinding noise coming from the wheels
• A humming noise that increases with speed
• Vibration in the steering wheel or seat
• Uneven tire wear

Ignoring bad wheel bearings can lead to serious problems, including:

• Premature tire wear
• Damage to other suspension components
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Increased risk of accidents

Firestone Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost

The cost to replace wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the parts and labor.

Here is a breakdown of the average Firestone wheel bearing replacement cost by vehicle type:

Note: These are just averages, and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation.

Stories

Story 1:

Benefit: Replacing your wheel bearings can improve your car's performance and safety.

How to: To replace your wheel bearings, you will need to:

1. Remove the wheel from the car.
2. Remove the brake caliper and bracket.
3. Remove the hub nut and washer.
4. Remove the old wheel bearing and replace it with a new one.
5. Reassemble the hub and install the wheel.

Story 2:

Benefit: Ignoring bad wheel bearings can lead to serious problems.

How to: If you think you may have bad wheel bearings, it is important to have them checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Story 3:

Benefit: You can save money by replacing your wheel bearings yourself.

How to: If you are mechanically inclined, you can save money by replacing your wheel bearings yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a complex procedure that should only be attempted by experienced mechanics.

6-8 Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

• Check your wheel bearings regularly. The best way to prevent problems with your wheel bearings is to check them regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• Avoid driving on rough roads. Rough roads can damage your wheel bearings, so it is important to avoid them as much as possible.
• Don't overload your car. Overloading your car can put extra stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Get your wheel bearings replaced as soon as possible if they are damaged. Ignoring bad wheel bearings can lead to serious problems, so it is important to get them replaced as soon as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't try to replace your wheel bearings yourself if you are not mechanically inclined. Replacing wheel bearings is a complex procedure that should only be attempted by experienced mechanics.
• Don't use cheap parts. When replacing your wheel bearings, it is important to use high-quality parts. Cheap parts are more likely to fail prematurely, which can lead to further problems.
• Don't overtighten the hub nut. Overtightening the hub nut can damage the wheel bearing, so it is important to tighten it to the correct torque specifications.

What to Consider

• The severity of the damage. The cost of replacing your wheel bearings will vary depending on the severity of the damage. If the damage is minor, you may be able to get away with a simple repair. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the entire wheel bearing assembly.
• The type of car you drive. The cost of replacing your wheel bearings will also vary depending on the type of car you drive. Some cars have more complex wheel bearing assemblies than others, which can lead to a higher cost of replacement.
• The labor rates in your area. The labor rates in your area will also affect the cost of replacing your wheel bearings. In some areas, labor rates are higher than in others, which can lead to a higher overall cost of replacement.

Advanced Features

• Extended warranty. Some Firestone locations offer an extended warranty on wheel bearing replacement. This can provide you with peace of mind and protect you from unexpected costs in the future.
• Mobile service. Some Firestone locations offer mobile service, which means they can come to your home or office to replace your wheel bearings. This can be a convenient option if you don't have time to take your car to a service center.

FAQs

• How can I tell if my wheel bearings are bad? You can tell if your wheel bearings are bad if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • A grinding noise coming from the wheels
  • A humming noise that increases with speed
  • Vibration in the steering wheel or seat
  • Uneven tire wear
• How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings? The cost to replace wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the parts and labor.
• Can I replace wheel bearings myself? If you are mechanically inclined, you can save money by replacing your wheel bearings yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a complex procedure that should only be attempted by experienced mechanics.
• How long does it take to replace wheel bearings? The time it takes to replace wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the experience of the mechanic. However, you can expect the job to take between 1 and 3 hours.
• What is the warranty on wheel bearing replacement? The warranty on wheel bearing replacement varies depending on the Firestone location. However, many locations offer a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor.
• Can I drive on bad wheel bearings? You should not drive on bad wheel bearings because they can lead to serious problems, including:
  • Premature tire wear
  • Damage to other suspension components
  • Reduced fuel efficiency
  • Increased risk of accidents