Hello everyone,
I have a 2001 1.8t quattro that's had a bad wheel bearing (rear passenger) for several months, that I have neglected fixing as most of the driving I do is local. However, I'm planning on driving 2 hours to St. Louis this weekend, and was wondering if there were any expert opinions out there on making a 2 hour highway trip on this bearing? Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

 

you risk damaging your wheel speed sensor

 

Hmmm, would that throw a CEL by any chance? I drive from Carbondale, IL to Chicago every so often (6 hour trip) and without fail, the past three trips, I have gotten a CEL about halfway there, that eventually goes away a few days after the trip...

 

I drove for a while without changing mine (also rear passenger) but it's really best to fix it ASAP. You can get the part online for about $50. The DIY is not that easy but you can do like I do and buy your own parts and bring them to a mechanic. They charge a bit more for labour but I think you come out ahead.

 

I just had mine done at a VW dealer since I'm at school. They charged $220. A bit high, but I had no choice.

 

well the same thing is happening to me... but the only thing is that im going to get charged from 270 - 310.... depending on where i go,, these are not dearlships btw

 

I would not drive a long distance on a bad wheel bearing - especially one that has been bad for months. The chances of it seizing are going up every time it gets hot.

When mine went bad I bought the bearing, took off my hub and brought it to a local shop where the guy installed it. The manager just said "No charge, just give the guy a tip." So I gave him 40 bucks and went on my way. I know who to go to from now on. LOL

 

Borrowed time. Though, I guess I shouldn't speak, mine sounds like a commercial jet chasing me. I just haven't had time...

 

i will never drive on a bad wheel bearing again! I had ford contour and it had bad wheel bearing on the front pass side and i didnt think it was bad at all untill one night me and my friends were coming back from bars and took steep hill down and when i stopped my wheel pretty much just locked up and wouldnt go anywhere. I wouldnt risk driving on the highway at all but thats just me