Imagine traveling on the interstate when your left front tire and wheel blow out, sending you tumbling across multiple 65-mph lanes. This may happen if you ignore the indicators of wheel bearing deterioration and require emergency repairs. No exaggeration. We’ll explain what causes a faulty wheel bearing and the approximate replacement cost of this piece.
| Symptoms | Description |
| Humming Noise | Easily identifiable and expected, but may not be apparent; linked to issues like tires and CV joint. |
| Squealing, Growling | Typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings; intensify with vehicle speed; pinpointing the noise locates the worn-out bearings. |
| Clicking Sound | Increasing frequency with acceleration indicates a problem with the wheel hub assembly. |
| Wheel Wobble | Detected through a manual lift check; if the wheel and tire move, the hub assembly requires immediate attention to prevent accidents. |
| ABS Failure | Illumination of the anti-lock warning light signals potential issues with the wheel’s speed sensor, sporadic or no ABS functionality. See a professional for repair. |
What Are Wheel Bearings?
Car wheels are connected to axles via wheel bearings. They reduce wheel friction. Despite inexpensive maintenance, wheel bearings are vital to a vehicle’s braking, steering, and suspension systems. The hub, wheel bearings, ABS wheel speed sensor, and mounting flange comprise the one-piece hub assembly between the driving axle and the brake disc or drums.
A grease-filled, watertight, sealed metal ring holds the bearings securely. Each wheel races within the hub. Wheel bearings must sustain the vehicle’s total weight. Most cars have sealed hub bearing assemblies with roller bearings. We don’t discuss tapered roller bearings, although earlier automobiles needed service and preload settings for the correct endplay or axial clearance.
How Long Do Bearings Last?
The vehicle’s wheel bearings are designed to endure. Wheel bearing replacement and lubrication are not scheduled. However, damage may cause failure.
What Can Damage A Wheel Bearing?
Wheel bearings are susceptible to potholes, towering curbs, and speed bumps at high speeds. Water, dirt, road salt, or sand via the seal will contaminate the grease, causing the bearings to wear out and fail prematurely. Ignoring worn-out wheel bearings might ruin the CV joint or automatic gearbox. The outer CV joint links the driveshaft to the wheels and the inner to the gearbox. Consult a trusted service specialist to identify your next steps.
Custom Wheel And Tire Warning
Be cautious while installing aftermarket tires or rims. Vehicle OEM bearings are designed for particular loads. Wider tires and lower tread walls look great. However, they load wheel bearings more, which may hasten wear. That might be dangerous if your wheel bearings fail. It’s preferable to follow OEM replacement requirements.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost?
Replacing a front-wheel hub assembly costs vary. Vehicle make and model, garage labor rate, and component cost are factors. The average out-the-door wheel bearing replacement cost, excluding taxes, is $350 per wheel.
Luxury brands are more costly to fix. Replacing the other axle wheel bearings if one fails is needless. No one should pressure you into unnecessary effort. Get a wheel-bearing replacement quote for your automobile.
A Bad Wheel Bearing Symptoms And Replacement
The car will alert you to replace a failing wheel bearing. be aware of these signs:
Humming Noise
The most apparent sign of failing wheel bearings is noise. However, it remains to be seen. Tires or the CV joint may cause a buzzing noise.
Squealing, Growling
Wheel bearings squeak and grumble when worn. Faster vehicles make more noise. Finding the noise will reveal the worn-out bearings.
Clicking Sound
The wheel hub assembly may malfunction if you hear a clicking sound that rises with speed.
Wheel Wobble
Technicians may detect wheel wobbling by physically inspecting wheel movement on a hoist. Shaking the wheel and tire is usually impossible. The hub assembly requires rapid attention if it moves. Unrepaired tires and wheels may come off at any moment or pace.
Abs Failure
If the ring, tire, or wheel wobbles, the wheel’s speed sensor fails, and the ABS works intermittently, the anti-lock warning light may activate. Repair by a pro.
Uneven Tire Wear
Wheel bearings may be worn if one tire wears out quickly. It also indicates that the tires need to be inflated or misaligned or the suspension is old or broken.
Vehicle Pulls To One Side
Brakes may pull a car left or right due to worn bearings. The car’s pull indicates where the worn bearings are, left or right. It may mean brake rotor or caliper issues.
Steering Wheel Vibration
Poor wheel bearings may cause steering wheel vibration. The severity rises with vehicle speed and left/right turns. The vibration may be caused by an out-of-round tire (flat spot) or an unbalanced tire. Other causes include worn suspension parts.
Steering Feels Loose
Old bearings may cause excessive steering play, making the steering less sensitive or accurate. Also, the car may require wheel alignment. Visit a dealer or car repair facility for any of the following indicators.
Conclusion
Vehicle lifetime and road safety need vigilant wheel bearing maintenance. Deterioration may be devastating for the driver and other road users if ignored. Drivers may protect themselves by studying wheel bearings, identifying symptoms, and following maintenance instructions. Timely replacements, competent inspections, and following carmaker requirements make driving safe and easy. Wheel bearing health is essential to reducing traffic accidents and responsible vehicle ownership.
FAQs
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Typically Last?
All-life wheel bearings are designed for vehicles. Wheel bearings do not need continual lubrication. Potholes, pollution, and non-standard tire adaptations may cause premature wear and failure.
Can Custom Wheels And Tires Impact Wheel Bearing Health?
Vehicle customization using non-standard tires and rims might damage wheel bearings. Original equipment bearings handle specific loads. Wider tires may put more stress on wheel bearings, accelerating wear. Wheel bearings must be replaced according to the carmaker’s requirements to work correctly.
How Often Should Wheel Bearings Be Inspected?
There is no wheel-bearing maintenance plan, although frequent checks are necessary. Drivers should listen for humming, screeching, wheel instability, and uneven tire wear. Professional inspections during routine maintenance or when symptoms appear may avert road breakdowns.