The noise at the rear of your car may be a sign of a bad wheel bearing. The noise will increase with every kilometer you drive. As the bearing wears out, it loses its lubrication, which makes it unbearably hot when accelerating. When this happens, the wheel bearing will no longer support the load and becomes wobbly. This is why it is important to drive at a steady speed and listen for a loud noise. If you hear one of these symptoms, it is highly likely to be a bad wheel bearing.
Cost
There are several ways to find out if your wheel bearing is bad. For starters, the type of wheel bearing you have will determine how long it will last. While most wheel bearings can live up to a hundred thousand miles, you should still inspect your wheel bearing every three to five years. The lifespan of your bearing also depends on the type of road conditions and driving style you use. If you drive fast and over bumpy terrain, the bearing could wear out sooner. Also, the quality of the wheel bearing will determine how long it lasts. A high-quality wheel bearing may last 75,000 to a hundred thousand miles, depending on the type of load your car puts on it.
To avoid spending too much money, consider purchasing remanufactured wheel bearings. These are typically half the price of OEM parts. However, the cost will vary greatly from car to car. Depending on the car model, you may want to spend a few extra dollars on a remanufactured wheel bearing. The warranty is usually good too. It’s easy to get replacement parts for wheel bearings from a 3rd party manufacturer.
Symptoms
If you’ve experienced a clicking or squealing noise in your car, you may have a noisy wheel bearing. These problems often start during a service or MoT test. Despite modern cars’ improved noise insulation, you can easily hear a noisy wheel bearing if you drive at low speed. The noise might also carry through the steering wheel and affect the way your car handles.
The noise can come from a variety of sources, including the wheel bearing, the CV joint, or the exhaust system. If the noise is increasing during sharp turns, it could be a problem with your car’s brake system. A noisy wheel bearing can also cause vibration, which can impair steering control and stability. These sounds may occur only at slow speeds and will become louder as your vehicle accelerates.
Causes
If your car’s wheels are making noises when you shift gears or turn the steering wheel, it may have a worn or faulty wheel bearing. A noisy wheel bearing can be a sign of a number of problems, including a mismatched hydraulic system or an uneven tire gap. While it may be difficult to detect, noise from wheel bearings can be unbearable. Read on to discover how to diagnose and fix a noisy wheel bearing.
Typical wheel bearing noises are a combination of metal balls, cylinders, and smooth surfaces that minimize friction inside the bearing. A wheel bearing is not reliable if it fails to seal properly or is improperly lubricated. This can result in premature failure. Noise from a wheel bearing is a sign that it is time to replace it. The noises vary depending on how much play the wheel is experiencing, the angle of steering, and the amount of wear and tear on the bearings.
Repairs
If your car is making a grinding sound while you drive, it is probably a noisy wheel bearing. While it is difficult to diagnose a noisy wheel bearing on your own, you can perform a few DIY tests to determine if it is a serious problem. First, raise your car and spin the individual wheels. Also, rock the wheel and listen for any give. If you notice any of these symptoms, your wheel bearing is probably the culprit.
Often the noise begins as a faint rumble on the highway shoulder, but gets louder as time goes by. It sounds like a tire hitting a rumble strip, or playing cards banging against bicycle spokes. When you start hearing this noise, take your car to a mechanic immediately. Ensure the bearing is working properly by turning the steering slightly left, then right. If you can hear the noise while you’re driving, you may have a noisy wheel bearing.
Common causes of failure
Noisey wheel bearings can be a difficult diagnosis to make unless you have a mechanic look at them. To diagnose this problem, you should listen to the noise from the wheel bearing with a screwdriver handle or stethoscope. The louder the noise, the more likely it is to be a bad wheel bearing. In some cases, it can be difficult to diagnose the noise, and if this is the case, you should look at another component of your car.
When you drive your car, you may hear the noises from your wheel bearings. This noise can vary in volume, accompanied by an increased speed. Sometimes the noise is growly or humming. If you listen carefully, you can pinpoint the source of the noise. For instance, if the noise occurs while you are driving, the source of the noise may be inside the wheel or in the wheel itself. The noise is typically louder when you’re turning or traveling at high speeds. If you hear this noise when you’re turning, it could be a worn wheel bearing.
