When do you need a wheel bearing replacement?
Wheel bearings can have a variety of indicators as to why it’s failing. Below we will cover most of their indicators. If you know you need a wheel-bearing replacement, get a quote below.
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How to check for wheel bearing issues
There are various indicators that you need a wheel bearing replacement, there are 3 methods to check it, listening, checking the wheel for play and doing a diagnostic in some newer car models.
Listen or feel for noises
- Noises – Howling, grinding, and humming noises from near your wheel area could be a sign that your wheel bearing is starting to fail.
- vibrations coming from your wheel area while you drive.
- Loose steering; if you notice your steering wheel feels really harder to control or very loose.
- ABS & traction control indicators on your dashboard, can and will turn on.
The sound will get progressively louder the faster you go. If you hear or feel a vibration while you are braking, this is part of the brake system.
it’s important that should you notice any of the above wheel-bearing symptoms, it’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible the sound will get progressively louder the faster you go. If you hear or feel a vibration while you are braking, this is part of the brake system.
Physically checking the wheel
For this, you need to jack the car up slightly and shake the wheel by placing your hands in a horizontal position and moving it left to right.
- You will have some play on the wheel (it will allow it to wiggle left & right)
- You might hear a noise
Is it the wheel-bearing or tie-rod ends?
To confirm, place your hands at the top and bottom of the wheel, press on each side and wiggle the wheel up and down. if you have some free play and hear a noise, the issue is not a tie rod problem. if you want to check out this website to see if the issue ties in with your tie rod end.
Keep in mind not all wheel bearings will have free play, the primary indicator should be the sound. If you aren’t sure book a check-over with Fangio Auto Service.
Diagnostic scan
modern cars have more sensors placed all over them and allow us to pick up the faults using a diagnostic tool.
in some cars, the ABS sensor is built directly into the wheel bearing which would then indicate on the diagnostic report that the wheel bearing needs to be replaced.
