Wheel bearing noise is a common complaint for mechanics. Signs of wheel bearing issues include rumbling or grinding noises, shaky steering, and uneven tire wear. The warning signs are the same, regardless of the type of vehicle. It is better to be conscious of your car’s sounds all the time in case any signs of damage are about to occur.
The wheel bearing is a group of steel balls or rollers supported by a cage inside the hub assembly and is referred to as a “race.” A wheel hub is a hollow metal element that sits in the middle of your wheels. The axle shaft is made of metal, and the wheel bearings ride on it. Wheels generate heat and friction as they rotate around these metal axles. Wheel bearings safeguard your wheels and tires by reducing heat and friction. Friction from a poor or worn bearing makes it harder for the wheel to roll effectively.
In this reading, I’ll discuss the causes and symptoms of a wheel bearing noise and how to fix the problem.
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Causes of Wheel Bearing Noise
Wheel bearings wear down over time, often due to seals allowing grease, water, and grit to harm the balls and tapers. This can be accelerated by driving in mud or water, or by imprecise replacement.
The gradual development of the issue can make it challenging for drivers to notice, but symptoms may include grating, grinding, or rumbling sounds that change with road pace, as well as a clicking sound and steering wheel tremors. It’s important to address these issues promptly as they can affect the car’s handling.
Symptoms of Wheel Bearing Noise
The most obvious sign of damage is noise, regardless of whether your car has ball bearings, roller bearings, or another form of wheel bearing. Wheel bearing noise falls under the category of one of the odd noises listed below:
1. Noise of Snapping or Clicking
Excessive bearing noise is typically what makes a snapping or clicking sound coming from underneath your car. This noise is frequently audible when turning sharply or cornering at a modest speed. Remember that if your CV joint is injured, you can still hear this noise.
2. Thumping Or Knocking Noise
A loud wheel bearing is likely making a knocking noise because it isn’t rotating as easily as it should.
3. The sound of grinding or humming
A bad wheel bearing or a worn tire may be the source of the humming or grinding noise. It’s almost probably a faulty wheel bearing if the sound worsens and resembles a growling sound as the speed of the vehicle increases. It can be difficult to distinguish between a tire noise and a faulty bearing noise because other car problems, such as tire corrosion, produce a similar sound. This is one of the common symptoms of a wheel bearing noise.
4. Squealing & Growling
A faulty wheel bearing will typically make a cyclical chirping, squealing, or growling noise. If the sound fluctuates proportionally to the speed of the vehicle, this is another sign that it is caused by the wheel bearings. At any given moment, the sound could suddenly stop or it could get progressively worse.
5. Humming Noises
In order to prevent making a wrong diagnosis, it’s crucial to distinguish between the many sounds that a vehicle makes that are cause for concern. Noise can be deceiving; a humming sound while driving might be brought on by a number of different problems, beginning with your tires but also including the wheel bearing or CV joint.
How do you fix wheel bearing problems?
If you want to fix a loud wheel bearing yourself, check a workshop manual or online guide for instructions. Sometimes, on older cars, you may just need to lubricate and tighten the existing bearing. However, if you need to replace components, be cautious as it requires powerful equipment to release seized nuts and press the bearing out.
Consider the costs of a wheel bearing kit and a whole hub assembly, as replacing the entire hub may make more sense. The cost of parts varies, but you might find that the same bearings can be used in different vehicles. Online vendors are probably less expensive than a dealer or motor factor, but you should make sure they are reliable because it is alarmingly frequent for branded vehicle parts to be counterfeit.
Is it safe to drive with wheel bearing noise?
Driving while having a front or rear wheel bearing that is damaged is NOT safe. It wouldn’t be a good idea to drive your car because wheel bearing noise could indicate bearing issues. It’s possible for you to lose a wheel while driving as a result of a failed wheel bearing, which could have fatal results. Therefore, have your car fixed right away if you suspect you hear a wheel bearing problem. Your security is at stake!
How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing?
Replacement wheel bearings typically cost $200 to $800. Wheel bearing replacement requires between $140 and $200 in labor costs and between $150 and $400 in parts. With a clear mile threshold, that is a challenging question to answer. Wheel bearings are said to last the lifetime of the car, or up to 200,000 kilometers. On the other hand, some vehicles appear to need new wheel bearings every few years or so.
It’s critical for car owners to recognize signs of wheel-bearing noise, such as a humming or grinding sound emanating from the wheels. Taking immediate action to address these warning signs can stop further harm and guarantee safe driving. To protect the integrity and safety of your vehicle’s wheels and suspension, you must seek professional inspection and repair if you suspect wheel bearing issues.