when he moves the tire back and forth.Is this very serious to be replaced with new wheel bearings asap?
You didn't say what kind of car. If front wheel drive, it is unlikely you have play unless it has lots of miles. If rear wheel drive, you can have play, but almost anybody can grease and tighten them. So it depends.
the sooner the better ... i had a guy come into my shop and left with two bad wheel bearings the left one completley came apart and the only thing holding the wheel on was the axle nut long story short this gentelmen runind his axel/ upper ball joint/tire/ and tire turning a 300 $ repair into 1700 so do it as soonass u can
It used to be common practice to remove wheel bearings and inspect and repack with grease and replace and re-torque. This has become a thing of the past with the newer bearings being replaced as a unit with the abs systems in use now days. If your wheel has noticeable play top to bottom it a safe bet the wheel bearings are worn past there useful life but ball joints or struts can also cause play. If the play is front to back, the steering components should also be checked to determine if it is the steering or bearings. And yes it can be serious and dangerous. Any problem with the steering or suspension and rotating parts should be addressed immediately.
If it really has play, yes, it's serious. A bearing has to be in pretty bad shape to feel enough play If you trust him, then replace them A.S.A.P. If you don't, get a second opinion--soon.
