Consequences/Dangers of a Bad Wheel Bearing

[llll1l1ll]

My left front hums terribly at 45mph. Otherwise, it's just a quiet hum and a slight vibration at any other speed.

Handling does not seem to be affected. It has been like this for over three months now.

What kind of dangers, or what could happen while driving on this bad bearing?

[Dominic49]

its always fun when a bearing siezes at 60mph

[Aptyp]

that little hum also transfers into heat (a lot of heat) and your front spindle can shatter in pieces as you drive. It's lots of fun.

[llll1l1ll]

Touché.

[z31maniac]

You can buy new wheel bearing/hub assemblies for like $75.

Or you can just continue to risk your safety.

[llll1l1ll]

I have the tools, but I lack enough muscle to torque 215 foot pounds.

Plus, I've never done a wheel bearing. It looks easy, actually. I'm just puny.

[metalix1021]

Leverage is your friend!

[ManBearPig]

Leverage is your friend!

you need a pipe of death

[Jean]

I would do one of the following:

a) buy a new hub with a new wheel bearing already installed (about $100)
b) buy a new wheel bearing and take your hub to a machine shop and see if they can swap it out for you
c) part your car out.

Ok I kid about the last option.

[llll1l1ll]

I actually found a shop nearby that will install the part if I have it.

Within walking distance, too--and done in one day!

[Philo]

Ugh. I guess this is on my list now. The front left is out on my car also. BMA, here I come.

[llll1l1ll]

Found a good deal (in fact, the best so far) at Turner Motorsports.

100 bux for hub and bearing assembly. Just buy the nut, the dust cover, and the brake bolts...