How do I know if my wheel bearings are going out?

Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement
  1. Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. ...
  2. Squealing, Growling. ...
  3. Clicking Sound. ...
  4. Wheel Wobble. ...
  5. ABS Failure. ...
  6. Uneven Tire Wear. ...
  7. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
  8. Steering Wheel Vibration.


How long can you drive on a bad wheel bearing?

Typically, you shouldn't exceed 1,000 miles on a bad wheel bearing. Driving for distances longer than 1,000 miles could lead to serious complications with your vehicle. Continuing to put stress on this wheel bearing will also hurt the hub, CV joint, and even the transmission.

Can you drive a car with a bad wheel bearing?

Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.

What does it feel like when a wheel bearing is going out?

The symptoms of bad wheel bearings include: Noise: A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns. A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.

How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?

The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more. Please note: If the wheel bearings need replacing at one wheel, you don't necessary need to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. It's not like matching a pair of tires.

How to Check a Wheel Bearing (Sound, play in the wheel, ABS light)



Can a bad wheel bearing affect brakes?

We found significant play in the bearing, which can lead to a soft brake pedal. Brake rotors are held in alignment by wheel bearings. If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This wobble causes the rotor to push the caliper piston into its bore (See Image 2).

What causes a wheel bearing to go bad?

Poor Road Conditions. If you consistently drive on bumpy roads, dirt roads, salty roads, or roads with potholes this will take a toll on your wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are carrying your entire car while ensuring your wheels continue to spin as needed. We put a lot of strain on them just from daily driving.

How often do wheel bearings need replaced?

Your wheel bearings have a heavy impact on the handling of your vehicle. It would be extremely dangerous to drive with old wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning entirely and abruptly. You should expect to replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles.

What does a failing ball joint sound like?

Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner.

Will wheel bearings cause shaking?

Other tire problems that cause excess vibration often show up at high speeds. On the other hand, a failed wheel bearing can cause vibration issues at much slower speeds, only to grow worse as your vehicle picks up speed. Failing wheel bearings also often cause the affected wheel to wobble back and forth while moving.

How long do wheel bearings last after they start making noise?

To determine how long do wheel bearings last is tough as we mentioned before other factors can play a huge part in determining their durability. However, a wheel bearing can last an average of anywhere from 136,000 to 160,000 km which is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles.

Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?

Your wheel bearing may have been damaged slightly in the past and has now worn to the point it is starting to make noise. Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.

What are four symptoms of a defective wheel bearing?

Common signs include abnormal tire wear, grinding or roaring noise from the tire area, vibration in the steering wheel, and play in the wheels.

What causes a car to vibrate at 60 mph?

The most common reason for a car to shake is related to tires. If the tires are out of balance then the steering wheel can shake. This shaking starts at around 50-55 miles per hour (mph). It gets worse around 60 mph but starts to get better at high speeds.

What can causes a clunking sound in front end?

A front end clunking noise going over bumps is most often caused by damaged control arms or suspension struts. Often, this kind of damage happens if you use your vehicle for off-roading adventures—or there are a lot of potholes on your daily commute.

What happens if a ball joint breaks while driving?

A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they're worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car. A scary thought!

How do you check ball joints on a car?

To check a ball joint for axial (vertical) play, leave your vehicle on stands and place a pry bar or 2x4 under the tire and gently lever the wheel up and down. If the ball joint displays a lot of movement then you are likely outside of the manufacturer's specs and the ball joint needs to be replaced.

Should you replace all wheel bearings at once?

Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it's logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.

What causes a loud humming noise while driving?

If your car makes a humming noise, it could mean the differential needs lubricant, the transmission is failing or the universal joints or wheel bearings are wearing out. What to do about it: Pay close attention to what happens before and when your car starts making the sound.

Why is my car making a roaring noise when I accelerate?

Roaring sound during acceleration. What you hear: A roaring sound that increases as you accelerate, usually coming from beneath the driver's seat. What it could mean: Engines are noisy, but so is the process of venting the engine's exhaust.

What does a noisy differential sound like?

Hearing an increase in the level of humming noises or gear grinding is a way of knowing almost for sure that you have a worn out differential. Usually the humming gets louder under acceleration. When this occurs it's best to check the condition of your differential and replace if it's in a rough condition.