Signs of Bad Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings on your vehicle are an important part of the safe operation of the vehicle. Wheel bearings are positioned inside the hub and slide onto the axle. The wheel bearings protect the axle and the hub from friction and allow the wheel to turn freely. Damaged or improperly working wheel bearings are a safety concern and it is important to understand the signs of a bad wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is an inexpensive part but ignoring a bad wheel bearing can cause expensive damage.
Hear
The firstsigns of a bad wheel bearingare often unusual sounds while operating the vehicle. The driver may hear a rubbing sound as they make a turn and the rubbing sound may become worse and be heard while driving straight. Clicking and popping sounds may come from the wheels when a wheel bearing is bad. The click or pop may be heard while turning the wheels. The front wheel bearing noises may be felt through the steering wheel. The rear wheel bearings may create a roaring noise at higher speeds as the wheel bearings are going bad. It is important to remember that the wheel bearings protect the wheel and axle from friction. The bad wheel bearings create noises that are caused by friction. Friction causes the wheel and axle to heat and the metal will become weakened.
Feel
The wheel bearing is responsible for holding the wheel in place and allowing the wheel to turn freely. A bad wheel bearing can cause the wheel to become loose and may result in the wheel separating from the vehicle during operation. A wheel bearing can be inspected by raising the vehicle off the wheels and attempting to wiggle the wheel from side to side. The wheel should be secure and if there is wiggle room, the cause may be a bad wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing may cause the wheel to lean inward and the lean of the wheel may cause the vehicle to feel like it pulls or is out of alignment. A bad wheel bearing will cause friction and friction means heat. If you suspect a wheel bearing of being bad you may gently touch a suspected wheel and feel for heat. You must be very careful because a bad wheel bearing can generate enough heat to burn your skin.
See
A wheel bearing can be visually checked for wear, dirt, and debris. If you are not mechanically inclined then have the wheel bearing inspected by a reputable shop.The bad wheel bearing can cause the tire to lean towards the wheel well and cause the tire to rub against the wheel well. The wear can be seen on the side of the tire facing the wheel well. A bad wheel bearing can be indicated by using your natural senses of listening, feeling, and looking. If you have any doubts have the wheel bearing checked for the safety of you and your family members.
