5 Signs That Your Wheel Bearings Are Worn

 It's no secret that owning a car demands a lot of maintenance. Regular oil changes and maintenance are required to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Even with the finest of care, your vehicle will eventually require repairs or even break down.

A full breakdown can sometimes be predicted and even avoided if the vehicle is maintained by a competent technician.

Check MOT history of your car to establish the expiry date and schedule a pre-MOT test inspection with a competent mechanic to avoid a failed MOT test.

When the front or rear wheel bearings, for example, begin to wear out, your vehicle will most likely create some noise as a result of friction.

How can you know if your wheel bearings are bad?

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of worn-out wheel bearings:

1.      A buzzing, rumbling, or growling sound that gets louder as the vehicle accelerates or turns.

2.      When the car is in motion, it makes a loud whining or grinding noise.

3.      When driving on a bumpy road, a clunk can be heard.

4.      Steering wheel looseness or excessive play (vague steering)

5.      Steering wheel vibration that changes with vehicle speed or as the vehicle turns

6.      ABS problem. Failure of the ABS sensor embedded in the wheel end bearing can cause problems with the ABS system.

If you complete a MOT history check for your car and see that a previous failure was due to one of the above, then this means that the wheel bearing could have been at fault and may have been replaced.

What is the life expectancy of a wheel bearing?

Wheel bearings typically last between 85,000 and 100,000 kilometres. However, this is simply a guideline; the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing is determined by the quality of the bearing and the operating conditions.

When looking for car garages in Reading online to book your car in next for a routine service or maintenance, request the mechanic to also check the condition on the wheel bearing.

What causes wheel bearings to fail?

The following are the most common causes of wheel bearing failure:

1.      Faulty installation - Using the wrong tools, such as a hammer or an impact wrench, can harm the wheel end bearing's exterior and/or inside, causing it to fail prematurely. Reusing outdated accessories such as bolts, nuts, circlips, split pins, seals, etc. rather than replacing them with new ones can cause the wheel end bearing to operate under abnormal or unsafe conditions, resulting in increased wheel end bearing wear and the likelihood of a car accident. Always make sure, when looking for garages in Reading, ask relevant questions beforehand to make sure the mechanics are qualified and competent to complete the necessary repair work.

2.      Collision damage or poor road conditions - Any impact, such as hitting a pothole, speed bumps, or the curb can destroy a wheel bearing and shorten its lifespan.

3.      Wheel bearing of poor quality - A wheel bearing is constantly under great pressure. Poor heat-treatment can cause premature wear and failure in wheel bearings made of low-quality materials.

4.      Driving conditions - Your wheel bearings can fail if you drive through deep water or dirt. Water, mud, or other pollutants like dust or road salt could get past the seals and into the bearing, contaminating the oil and causing the bearings to wear out.

5.      Modifications - Fitting larger or wider rims, tyres with lower thread walls, firmer shock absorbers, and suspension springs to a vehicle increases the pressure on the wheel bearing, which can hasten wear. To reduce the influence on the wheel bearings' longevity, stick to the rims, tyres, shock absorbers, and springs recommended by the automobile manufacturer.

What is the definition of a wheel bearing? What does it do in a car, exactly?

A wheel bearing connects the wheel to the axle and is an important part of the wheel assembly. It's a metal ring that holds a group of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings) together. It allows the wheel to spin smoothly and with minimal friction. Because wheel bearings are designed to withstand radial and axial loads induced by gravitation, accelerating, breaking, and cornering forces, they must be replaced when they cease performing properly.