Drive shaft/Wheel bearing issue

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Hi everyone,

First and foremost - apologies if this is in the wrong area, I've tried looking around to see where it should go..

I currently own a Seat Ibiza 1.4, had it since May 2015. My question is:

Can wheel bearings or the drive shaft have issues so quickly and if so should this be classed as wear and tear?

I have a 3 year warranty on the car and its currently in for repair as this one of these things seemingly are worn slightly (The technician is trying to figure out which today). I was under the impression that at the very least wheel bearings can last practically forever (well mostly.) unless under a lot of stress and/or an accident has occurred.

My knowledge of drive shafts however is very little. Does anyone have any idea how these might have become damaged in such a short space of time? Is it simply just bad luck on my side? (Or is there a way to change my driving style if that's the cause?)

Thanks!

 

[skyrocketeer]

The most common cause of driveshaft issues is when the protective boot over the CV joints at either end (usually outer) get damaged, and this allows grease to escape, dirt to get in, and ending up in replacement of the joint at the end. Not a major chore on cars with simple front suspension.

Could be you've managed to snag some debris that's damaged the boot - but that's a long shot, as it's obvious from a visual inspection if the boot is shagged 'cos there's grease everywhere.

I'd see what your technician comes back with, but at the end of the day, it could just be you've been unlucky with a bad bearing, unless the tech can find some evidence of actual damage, I'd be expecting it to be fixed under warranty, they can and should last the lifetime of the vehicle.

 

[sscanners]

Thank you for the quick reply!

I did wonder, I was under the assumption that both, unless I'm unlucky, shouldn't be an issue for a while to come.

Either way, we'll see what happens today, it's good to have a little reassurance and understand a bit more why these things can happen.