Can You Still Drive with a Bad Rear Wheel Bearing?

[NoraDella]

You cannot drive with a bad rear wheel bearing. It is used for outer ring rotation, equivalent to a double-row angular contact ball bearing, primarily bearing rotational loads. A faulty rear wheel bearing can, at best, affect comfort, increase tire noise, and cause vehicle drift, and at worst, lead to suspension damage and steering system failure. Causes of a bad rear wheel bearing: 1. Damage, rust, foreign object intrusion, or roller misalignment; 2. Reduced clearance between rollers and raceways, causing friction, overheating, and bearing seizure; 3. Poor lubrication. Symptoms of a bad rear wheel bearing: 1. Wheel wobbling and increased vehicle vibration while driving; 2. Impaired wheel rolling, leading to reduced power; 3. Unusual noises.