Wheel Bearing Woes: Signs to Spot and Solutions to Save

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Wheel Bearing Woes: Signs to Spot and Solutions to Save

If your car has been making strange noises or vibrating excessively, it might be time to check your wheel bearings. These critical components play a vital role in ensuring smooth and safe driving, but they can wear out over time, leading to a range of problems.

To help you avoid costly repairs and potential safety hazards, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to signs of wheel bearing going out and what you can do about them.

Pronounced Humming or Growling Noise

A humming or growling noise that increases with speed is one of the most common signs of a failing wheel bearing. This noise is caused by excessive friction and wear within the bearing, which produces vibrations that resonate through the vehicle.

signs of wheel bearing going out

Noise Levels	Bearing Condition
Less than 70 dB	Healthy bearing
70-85 dB	Slight wear
Over 85 dB	Severe wear, immediate attention required

How to Check: To isolate the affected wheel, drive at a constant speed and listen for changes in the noise when turning or shifting lanes.

Excessive Vibration

Another telltale sign of wheel bearing problems is excessive vibration, which can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, or entire vehicle. This vibration is caused by the uneven distribution of forces on the wheel due to the worn bearing.

Vibration Severity	Bearing Condition
Mild vibration at high speeds	Moderate wear
Moderate vibration at all speeds	Severe wear
Extreme vibration that makes driving unsafe	Catastrophic failure

How to Check: Engage the vehicle's parking brake, raise the suspected wheel off the ground, and spin it by hand. Feel for any roughness, grinding, or excessive play.

Uneven Tire Wear

Over time, a failing wheel bearing can cause uneven tire wear. As the bearing degrades, it can lead to excessive friction and heat buildup on one side of the tire, resulting in premature and uneven tread wear.