QA

How To Know If Wheel Bearing Is Going Bad

What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearings A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns. A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion. Clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.

What are signs of bad wheel bearings?

Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and common symptom of bad wheel bearings is audible. Squealing, Growling. Clicking Sound. Wheel Wobble. ABS Failure. Uneven Tire Wear. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. Steering Wheel Vibration.

How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?

Typically, a wheel bearing should last roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles after it starts making noise. This doesn’t mean you should keep driving since a noisy wheel bearing is always a risk. When your wheel bearings are making noise, it’s a sign that something is not working properly and might fail when you’re driving.

Can I drive with a bad wheel bearing?

Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.

How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?

The labor cost for a wheel bearing replacement also varies and will generally cost anywhere from $60 to $300. It should take between 1 to 1.5 labor hours to change the wheel bearing. In total, the cost to replace a wheel bearing is around $150 to $800.4 days ago.

How much does it cost to replace 4 wheel bearings?

The cost to replace both front wheel bearings is going to be between $260 and $480. The parts alone for the front wheel bearings are about $120 to $200. However, the labor costs will be a bit more extensive at around $140 to $280.

Do wheel bearings affect brakes?

We found significant play in the bearing, which can lead to a soft brake pedal. Brake rotors are held in alignment by wheel bearings. If you have a faulty or loose wheel bearing, the rotor will wobble on its axis. This causes a low or spongy brake pedal.

What happens if you don’t fix a wheel bearing?

If you ignore bad wheel bearings, your wheel could stop working while driving, or you could have issues steering your car. In addition to the danger, it can put a lot of strain on other parts of your vehicle, such as the hub, CV joint, and transmission.

How can you tell the difference between bad CV joints and bad wheel bearings?

If it moves back and forth, the wheel bearing is bad. A CV joint will make a clack, clack, clack noise, most often when turning. A wheel bearing will make a constant droning noise while you are moving. CV joints clunk or make louder noises on tight turns.

Can I just replace the wheel bearing and not the Hub?

On some cars, you can just replace the bearing and call it a day. On others, the hub assembly must be removed and replaced. The most difficult type involves removing the hub assembly and setting it in a press. If you’re not sure what type of wheel hub assembly you have, stop by or give your local Pep Boys store a call.

How long does it take a mechanic to change a wheel bearing?

Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.

Can I change wheel bearings myself?

Usually located in the wheel’s hub, rotor, or brake drum, bearings help the wheel rotate smoothly when the vehicle moves. You can save money by changing your own wheel bearings rather than going to a mechanic, but if you do so, use caution — the bearings may be small, but they’re very important.

How often should wheel bearings be replaced?

Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.

What damage can a bad wheel bearing cause?

Beyond leaving you without a tire on your vehicle, a bad wheel bearing can compound issues and lead to extreme wear of other parts of your suspension, including the CV joints and hub. It also wears the transmission and your tires, causing uneven or faster wear.

Why does my tires make a humming noise?

Humming tire suspects include faulty wheel bearings and uneven wear on the tires. You can solve this mystery by: Having your vehicle’s wheel bearings inspected and serviced by a trained technician. Getting your tires rotated according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

How can you tell the difference between tire noise and wheel bearing noise?

Squealing Or Grinding Noise To confirm it, change the speed of the vehicle. If the noise becomes worse the faster you drive, then it’s almost certainly a bad wheel bearing. If the noise remains the same, then the issue may be the tires instead.

What noise does a bad axle make?

When constant velocity axles fail, you may also hear an unusual clicking sound may when turning the vehicle as joints become loose. These clicks are on the side of the faulty axle shaft and typically become noisier during sharp or fast turns.