Worn Wheel Bearing: Symptoms, Causes, Risks, Replacement
If you are experiencing unusual noises, vibrations or odd tire wear, it could be an indication of worn wheel bearings. Worn wheel bearings may cause serious problems down the line, so it is crucial to understand the symptoms, causes, and risks, as well as the proper way to replace them.
Symptoms of Worn Wheel Bearings
- Grinding or humming noises coming from the wheels – If you hear an unusual noise while driving, especially when turning, it might be a sign of worn wheel bearings. The sound may vary depending on your speed, turning radius, and the condition of the bearings.
- Vibration in the steering wheel or car body – Wheel bearings have a direct impact on the stability and smoothness of your vehicle. If they are worn out, you may experience vibrations or wobbling that can interfere with your driving experience.
- Uneven tire wear – Worn wheel bearings can cause the tires to wear out unevenly, which can ultimately compromise the safety of your vehicle. If you notice your tires wearing quickly, it could be time to inspect your wheel bearings.
Causes of Worn Wheel Bearings
- Lack of maintenance – Wheel bearings require proper lubrication and regular check-ups to ensure they are in good condition. If you neglect this important maintenance, they might wear out sooner than expected.
- Environmental factors – Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, and poor road conditions may contribute to the wear and tear of your wheel bearings.
- Aggressive driving – If you frequently drive your car aggressively or frequently brake hard, you may be putting more strain on the wheel bearings, leading to premature damage.
Risks of Driving with Worn Wheel Bearings
Driving with worn wheel bearings can lead to serious risks, such as:
- Loss of control – If one or more bearings are severely damaged, it can cause the wheel to wobble or even detach from the car, resulting in a dangerous situation.
- Tire blowouts – Worn wheel bearings may cause uneven tire wear, which can lead to a blowout if left unaddressed.
Replacing Worn Wheel Bearings
Replacing worn wheel bearings is a job that should be left to a professional mechanic. However, if you have experience working with cars, the following steps may guide you through the process:
1. Lift the vehicle – Use a jack to lift the car off the ground and secure it with jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel – Take off the wheel that has the worn wheel bearings.
3. Remove the caliper – Take out the caliper and hang it out of the way using a bungee cord.
4. Remove the rotor – Use a hammer to tap the rotor from behind and remove it from the hub assembly.
5. Remove the hub assembly – Unscrew the bolts that hold the hub assembly in place and remove it from the spindle.
6. Replace the bearings – Remove the old bearings from the hub assembly and install new ones correctly. Make sure to lubricate them with high-temperature wheel bearing grease.
7. Reassemble the hub assembly – Put the hub assembly back on the spindle and tighten the bolts.
8. Reinstall the rotor, caliper, and wheel – Put the rotor back on the hub assembly, reattach the caliper, and put the wheel back on.
9. Lower the car – Use the jack to lower the car back to the ground.
10. Test drive – Take the car for a short test drive to ensure no unusual noises or vibrations are present.
In conclusion, if you experience any unusual noises, vibrations, or odd tire wear, it may be time to inspect your wheel bearings. Worn wheel bearings may cause serious risks while driving, so don't hesitate to seek professional help to replace them. Proper maintenance can help increase the life of your wheel bearings and keep you safe on the road.