How To Tell If Wheel Bearing Is Going Out

Hearing strange noises coming from your wheels? Is your steering feeling a little loose, or is your car pulling to one side? These could be signs of a failing wheel bearing, a critical component for the smooth and safe operation of your vehicle. Identifying and addressing a failing wheel bearing early is essential, as ignoring the problem can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs, and even put you at risk of an accident.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Failing Wheel Bearing

Detecting a worn-out wheel bearing can be tricky at first, as the symptoms often start subtly and gradually worsen over time. Here’s a detailed list of common warning signs to watch out for:

1. Unusual Noises: The Tell-Tale Sign

The most common symptom of a failing wheel bearing is a noise emanating from the affected wheel area. This noise can manifest in several ways:

• Growling or Rumbling: This is perhaps the most characteristic sound. It’s often described as a low-frequency growl or rumble that increases in intensity as your vehicle's speed increases. Think of it like a low, constant hum.
• Whining: Sometimes, the noise presents as a high-pitched whine, especially noticeable at higher speeds.
• Clicking or Popping: You might hear a clicking or popping sound, particularly when turning. This can indicate excessive play in the bearing.
• Grinding: A grinding sound is a serious sign and suggests significant damage to the bearing. This often means that the bearing is severely worn and needs immediate attention.

Important Note: The noise might change depending on whether you're turning left or right. For example, if the noise is louder when turning left, the problem is likely with the right wheel bearing, and vice versa. This is because turning puts more load on the outer wheel bearing.

2. Steering Issues: Feeling the Change in Control

A worn wheel bearing can affect your steering, leading to:

• Looseness in the Steering Wheel: You might notice excessive play or wander in the steering wheel, meaning you have to make constant small corrections to keep the car going straight.
• Pulling to One Side: The car may tend to pull to one side, especially under braking. This is because a failing bearing can create uneven resistance.
• Vibration in the Steering Wheel: A worn bearing can transmit vibrations through the steering system, especially at certain speeds.

3. Uneven Tire Wear: A Visual Cue

A failing wheel bearing can cause the affected tire to wear unevenly. Look for:

• Cupping: This refers to irregular wear patterns on the tire tread, resembling small cups or scallops.
• Feathering: This involves wear on one side of the tire tread blocks, making them feel sharp or feathered when you run your hand over them.

While uneven tire wear can be caused by other factors like misalignment, a bad wheel bearing is a definite suspect.

4. ABS Issues: When Systems Start Malfunctioning

In modern vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), a failing wheel bearing can sometimes interfere with the ABS sensors. This can result in:

• ABS Warning Light: The ABS warning light on your dashboard might illuminate.
• ABS Engaging Erratically: You might feel the ABS kicking in even when braking normally, especially at low speeds.

5. Wheel Play: The Physical Check

This requires safely lifting the vehicle and checking for movement in the wheel. With the car safely supported on jack stands:

• Grasp the Tire: Grip the tire at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it back and forth.
• Feel for Movement: If you feel significant play or movement, the wheel bearing is likely worn. You can also try the same at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. Movement in either direction indicates a problem.

6. Overheating Wheel Hub: A Touch Test (Use Caution!)

After driving for a while, carefully (extremely carefully – could be hot!) touch the wheel hub (the center part of the wheel where the lug nuts are). An excessively hot hub compared to the other wheels can indicate a failing bearing due to increased friction.

Safety Warning: Be extremely careful when touching the wheel hub, as it can get very hot and cause burns. Use the back of your hand to test the temperature quickly and avoid prolonged contact.

Understanding the Root Cause: How Wheel Bearings Fail

Wheel bearings are designed to allow your wheels to rotate smoothly with minimal friction. They are typically sealed units containing ball bearings or roller bearings that roll between inner and outer races. Several factors can contribute to their failure:

• Lack of Lubrication: Over time, the grease inside the bearing can dry out, leading to increased friction and wear.
• Contamination: Dirt, water, and other contaminants can enter the bearing, causing corrosion and premature wear.
• Impact Damage: Hitting potholes or curbs can damage the bearing races and balls/rollers.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Like any mechanical component, wheel bearings eventually wear out due to normal use.
• Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can damage the bearing from the start, leading to early failure.

The Consequences of Ignoring a Failing Wheel Bearing

Ignoring a failing wheel bearing can have serious consequences:

• Increased Noise and Vibration: The symptoms will worsen, making driving uncomfortable and potentially distracting.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: The increased friction will put extra strain on the engine, reducing fuel economy.
• Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear will accelerate, requiring premature tire replacement.
• Damage to Other Components: The failing bearing can put stress on other suspension and braking components.
• Wheel Seizure: In extreme cases, the bearing can seize completely, causing the wheel to lock up. This is a very dangerous situation that can lead to a loss of control.
• Accident: A wheel seizure at high speeds can result in a serious accident.

Recommended Fixes: Addressing the Problem

The recommended fix for a failing wheel bearing is replacement. While some DIYers might attempt to repack a bearing with grease, this is generally not recommended for sealed units, as it’s difficult to properly clean and lubricate the bearing without specialized tools. Replacement ensures that you're getting a new, properly sealed and lubricated bearing.

Here's a breakdown of the recommended procedure:

1. Diagnosis: Confirm the failing wheel bearing by carefully inspecting the wheel for play and listening for noise while rotating the wheel.
2. Vehicle Preparation: Safely lift the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Disassembly: Disconnect the brake caliper and other components that obstruct access to the wheel hub.
4. Bearing Removal: This can be the trickiest part, often requiring specialized tools like a hub puller or bearing press to remove the old bearing from the hub assembly.
5. Hub Inspection: Carefully inspect the hub for any damage or wear. If the hub is damaged, it should also be replaced.
6. Bearing Installation: Press the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly using a bearing press. Ensure the bearing is properly seated.
7. Reassembly: Reinstall the hub assembly, brake caliper, and other components.
8. Wheel Installation: Reinstall the wheel and tire, and torque the lug nuts to the correct specification.
9. Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the noise is gone and the steering feels normal.
10. Alignment: After replacing a wheel bearing, it's generally a good idea to get a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

DIY vs. Professional Repair: While replacing a wheel bearing is possible for experienced DIYers, it often requires specialized tools and a good understanding of automotive repair procedures. If you're not comfortable with this type of work, it's best to have a qualified mechanic perform the repair.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing can vary depending on the vehicle make and model, the location of the bearing (front or rear), and the labor rates of the repair shop. Here's a general estimate:

• Parts: The wheel bearing itself can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the quality and brand.
• Labor: Labor costs can range from $150 to $400 per wheel, depending on the complexity of the job.

Therefore, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 or more to replace a single wheel bearing.

Shop Advice:

• Get Multiple Quotes: Call several repair shops and get estimates for the job.
• Ask About Warranty: Make sure the repair shop offers a warranty on the parts and labor.
• Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of the repair shop to get an idea of their reputation.
• Consider Aftermarket vs. OEM Parts: Aftermarket wheel bearings can be cheaper than OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, but they may not be as durable. Discuss the pros and cons with your mechanic.

Credibility: TSBs, Community Data, and Mileage

While specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) vary by vehicle manufacturer and model year, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for any TSBs related to wheel bearing issues for your specific vehicle.

Online forums and automotive communities are also a great resource for information on common wheel bearing failure rates for specific vehicles. Many owners share their experiences, including the mileage at which they had to replace their wheel bearings.

Generally speaking, wheel bearings can last anywhere from 75,000 to 150,000 miles or more. However, factors like driving conditions (e.g., frequent driving on rough roads or carrying heavy loads) can significantly shorten their lifespan.

By paying attention to the symptoms described above and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs down the road. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you suspect a problem with your wheel bearings.