What is the effect of excessive wheel bearing play on brake rotor life?

Excessive wheel bearing play significantly reduces brake rotor life by causing uneven wear and premature damage. Wheel bearings support the vehicle's weight and allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. When wheel bearings have excessive play, the wheel and hub assembly can wobble or move excessively. This wobble causes the brake rotor, which is attached to the hub, to also move and vibrate. This vibration leads to uneven contact between the brake pads and the rotor surface. The uneven contact results in some areas of the rotor experiencing more friction and heat than others. This uneven heating can cause the rotor to warp, develop hot spots, and experience accelerated wear. The increased vibration and movement can also damage the rotor surface, leading to scoring and cracking. The excessive play also increases stress on the rotor mounting points. In addition to reducing rotor life, excessive wheel bearing play also affects braking performance and vehicle safety.