Should You Replace One or Both Front Wheel Bearings When One Fails?
2 Answers
When a front wheel bearing fails, it's recommended to replace both. Below is relevant information about tires: 1. Primary tire materials: The main material of tires is rubber, which inherently ages with prolonged use or storage. This aging causes significant changes in the tire's physical properties such as hardness and wear resistance. Continued use of aged tires may at best affect vehicle performance, and at worst lead to tire blowouts. 2. Tire lifespan: Standard all-season or economy tires typically last 3-5 years with approximately 50,000 kilometers of usage. Under normal conditions, tires have sufficient lifespan when used within one year of manufacture. However, high-performance tires only last about 20,000-30,000 kilometers. If prices drop, these may also be worth considering for purchase.
Over the years of repairing cars, I've encountered numerous cases of failed front wheel bearings. Based on experience, I strongly recommend replacing them in pairs rather than just the faulty one. The reason is simple: wheels always work in pairs, with symmetrical loads causing similar wear rates on both sides. Replacing just one might save money temporarily, but the other old bearing could be nearing failure too, forcing you back to the shop soon with repeated labor costs and hassle. Moreover, this affects vehicle balance, leading to unstable steering, longer braking distances, and significant safety risks. I've seen many customers try to save initially, only to have the other side fail within six months, ultimately doubling their total expenses. From a holistic maintenance perspective, replacing bearings in pairs ensures more even stress distribution across the suspension system, extends overall vehicle lifespan, improves driving comfort, reduces noise, and provides a permanent solution. Safety comes first—address it comprehensively upfront to avoid sudden breakdowns.
