Understanding Wheel Bearings: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Wheel bearings are crucial components of your vehicle. They allow it to run smoothly by reducing friction and supporting the vehicle’s weight. When they start to fail, recognizing the symptoms early can prevent more severe issues and costly repairs.
What Are Wheel Bearings?
Wheel bearings are sets of precision-machined steel balls or rollers housed within a metal “cage,” all sealed inside a metal ring known as the “race.” This seal removes grease and contaminants, ensuring the bearings can rotate freely. Wheel bearings are installed and secured within the suspension system, allowing the wheel to spin effortlessly on the axle shaft.
Symptoms of Failing Wheel Bearings
- Unusual Noises: If you hear clicking, cracking, grinding, snapping, or whining from your wheels, these could be signs of a failing wheel bearing. These sounds often increase with acceleration or when turning.
- Poor Handling: A failing wheel bearing can make your steering feel unresponsive or sloppy, especially when turning or braking. You might also notice your vehicle pulling to one side, indicating uneven tire or wheel movement.
- Shaking While Driving: Unlike the vibrations caused by unbalanced tires, shaking due to a bad wheel bearing is usually more pronounced and localized to the side of the vehicle where the bearing is failing.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Loose or vibrating suspension components, including failing wheel bearings, can lead to uneven tire wear.
- ABS Light Activation: The ABS sensor is built into the wheel bearing on many vehicles. A faulty bearing can damage the sensor, causing the ABS light to illuminate.
- Excess Heat: Failing wheel bearings generate friction, which can cause the affected wheel or tire to become unusually hot.
Why Do Wheel Bearings Fail?
Wheel bearings typically last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles but can fail prematurely due to low tire pressure, hitting potholes, driving on unbalanced tires, harsh climates, or worn seals. Oversized wheels and improper installation can also contribute to their failure.
Can You Drive with Bad Wheel Bearings?
Driving with bad wheel bearings is highly dangerous and can lead to a complete wheel failure or even a serious accident. You must have your vehicle inspected and the bearings replaced as soon as you notice any symptoms.
Repair Costs and Considerations
Replacing a sealed wheel hub bearing can cost around $350 per wheel, but this can increase depending on the make and model of the vehicle, labour rates, and any additional damage. While some may attempt to replace wheel bearings themselves, it is generally recommended to leave this task to professionals, especially for sealed bearings, which should never be repaired—only replaced.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of failing wheel bearings and addressing them promptly is crucial for your vehicle’s safety and performance. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, bring your car to Gearhead Automotive Services for a thorough inspection and expert repair. Our skilled technicians will ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and running smoothly, helping you avoid more significant issues down the road.