1. Increased wear and tear on other components: A bad hub bearing can cause the wheel to wobble, which can put stress on the tires, suspension, and steering components. This can lead to premature wear and tear on these parts, resulting in costly repairs.
2. Reduced safety: A bad hub bearing can make it difficult to control the vehicle, especially at high speeds. This can lead to accidents and injuries.
3. Complete wheel bearing failure: A bad hub bearing can eventually fail completely, causing the wheel to come loose from the vehicle. This is a very dangerous situation that can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
4. Noise and vibration: A bad hub bearing can produce a loud noise and vibration, which can be annoying and distracting.
5. Increased fuel consumption: A bad hub bearing can cause the vehicle to work harder to maintain speed, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
6. Premature tire wear: A bad hub bearing can cause the tire to wear unevenly, leading to premature tire wear and the need for early tire replacement.
7. Difficulty in steering: A bad hub bearing can make steering the vehicle more difficult, especially at low speeds and when making turns.
8. Potential damage to the wheel hub: A bad hub bearing can damage the wheel hub, which is a costly part to replace.
It is important to have a bad hub bearing replaced as soon as possible to avoid these potential consequences.