What are the symptoms of a bad rear wheel bearing?
Squealing or Growling Sound The typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings are squealing and/or growling that intensify as vehicle speed increases. Humming, squeaking, and clicking sounds are the alerting signs that your wheel bearings are bad.A worn wheel hub bearing is a pretty big deal. If you let it go on long enough, the wheel could literally fall off while you’re driving.Once you hear wheel bearing noise, the time left before catastrophic failure is uncertain. It might last days or weeks, but could fail at any time.It’s extremely dangerous, more so than driving with an engine that could die. Having a bearing seize and fall off can have catastrophic results including losing control of the vehicle at speed, where the broken axle can dig in and you could spin and flip as a result. That can even happen if you drive as slow as 30 mph.Your tyre will not fall off the wheel because of a bad bearing. Your wheel may fall off though. But that is along long way down the road where your car is screaming and shaking and telling you it’s in pain.
Do bearings usually give warning before they fail?
Common Early Signs of a Failing Bearing One of the first signs is a low growling or humming noise that increases with speed. It might sound like a tire issue at first, but if the sound gets louder as you turn or shifts from side to side when cornering, it’s more likely the bearing. Driving with a bad wheel bearing isn’t exactly a safe routine. If left unaddressed, you might lose control of your vehicle, develop braking problems, and the wheels can also come off.The first sign of bearing failure is excessive vibration. Following this, the bearing will begin to heat up past acceptable levels and produce excessive noises, either high-pitched or grinding.If you suspect a faulty wheel bearing, it is essential to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring a worn or damaged wheel bearing can result in further damage to the wheel assembly and compromise the safety and performance of your vehicle.Frequently Asked Questions. How can I tell if my wheel bearing is bad? Start by listening for clicking, humming, or growling noises and feel for vibrations through the steering wheel. If you can pinpoint where the noises are coming from, the next step is to remove the wheel and do a physical inspection.Unfortunately you can’t: the only solution to a worn, noisy wheel bearing is to have it replaced by a garage; bearings are not repairable.
What is one of the first signs of bearing failure?
The first signs of bearing failure are unusual noises coming from the bearing such as grinding, squeaking, or rumbling sounds. These noises often indicate that the bearing is experiencing increased friction and wear. Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing? No, it can be very dangerous.If the customer overloads the vehicle, bearing damage could be inevitable. The most common failure pattern for bearings is for those on the passenger side of the vehicle to fail first.You can still drive with a bad wheel bearing, but we wouldn’t recommend it for long distances. Keep your mileage to a minimum and look out for worsening symptoms of a wheel bearing fault; we cover the symptoms to check for later in this guide.If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it’s very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
Can I still drive with a bad wheel bearing?
A bad wheel bearing might seem like a minor inconvenience at first—a faint humming or grinding sound coming from your wheel. But is it really something you can ignore? While it’s easy to brush off odd noises, driving with a faulty wheel bearing is a gamble that can lead to severe damage and safety risks. Squealing or Growling Sound The typical sounds of worn-out wheel bearings are squealing and/or growling that intensify as vehicle speed increases. Try to pinpoint the location of the noise, as this will identify the location of the worn-out bearings.How can you stop a wheel bearing making noise? Unfortunately you can’t: the only solution to a worn, noisy wheel bearing is to have it replaced by a garage; bearings are not repairable.Although rare, faulty bearings can cause an entire wheel to fall off your car while you’re driving. Learning when your wheel bearings need to be replaced can help you prevent dangerous driving situations and keep your car safely running.Common signs of a failing wheel bearing include unusual noises such as grinding or humming coming from the wheel, vibration, uneven tyre wear, and excessive play or looseness in the wheel.
Should I replace both rear wheel bearings at the same time?
Yes — as a strong rule of thumb, replace wheel bearings in pairs (both sides of the same axle). Replacing only one side creates a mix of new and worn components that accelerates wear, can cause uneven preload or binding, and increases the chance of having to do the job twice. If a wheel bearing is damaged or worn, it should be replaced promptly to ensure safe operation of the vehicle and prevent further damage to other components. Keeping on top of regular car maintenance and getting your car serviced can help avoid this issue affecting your vehicle.Absolutely, and if you’re managing a fleet of trucks or industrial vehicles, it’s a problem you can’t afford to ignore. A worn, damaged, or failing wheel bearing can trigger serious vibration issues that affect not only comfort and drivability but also the safety and longevity of your vehicle.Absolutely. Depending on the type of repair, research* has shown it is possible to restore the full, useful life of your bearings. In many cases, a bearing is repairable multiple times – extending its service life and improving your overall cost of operation – without sacrificing quality.
Can I replace wheel bearings myself?
Can You Replace Wheel Bearings Yourself? If you’re a DIYer with the necessary tools, replacing wheel bearings yourself can save you significant money. The cost of parts typically ranges from $50 to $150 per bearing, depending on quality and brand ($200+ for hub assembly). The cost for a Volkswagen Golf Plus Front Wheel Bearing (One) Replacement is typically between £170 and £310.