If your car is not moving properly when you turn the steering wheel, this could be a bad wheel bearing symptom.
The wheel bearing is a critical part of your wheels, and if it malfunctions, it can be particularly dangerous. But the question is – how do you know if your wheel bearing is bad?
Luckily, you do not need to worry anymore because we are going to explain how you can figure out that this set of mechanical parts has failed through touch, hearing, and a simple inspection of tires.
First, let us further examine what a wheel bearing is and how it works.
What Is Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing is a set of mechanical parts that reduces heat by reducing friction and evens out the rolling. You can locate it behind the rims of each wheel, which are attached to the axle shaft and the wheel. It consists of a series of rings and steel balls.
Furthermore, these rings have a very tight fit to work properly. Generally, they should keep functioning for around 75,500 – 150,000 miles, and reports indicate they can support around 850 lb – 1,500 lb.
If they are of poor quality or you use them on roads in poor condition or during bad weather, their lifespan reduces. Also, overloading, unbalanced tires, and the quality of the wheel bearing and its installation can affect its longevity.
What Are the Signs of Bad Wheel Bearing?
As you now understand what these mechanical parts are, it is clear that if they malfunction, they can affect your driving experience.
Next, we have listed the signs and symptoms you need to watch out for to identify this issue:
Grinding Noise
The first sign you should look for is the bad wheel bearing sound. As with many car parts, when something is out of order, you will most probably hear something new and unusual.
So, what does a bad wheel bearing sound like? Usually, it will sound like grinding, squealing, growling, howling, or grating. When you change speeds, the grinding sound will remain, although the sound will become more quiet when you slow down and become louder as you speed up.
Loose or Vibrating Steering Wheel
Another major symptom of a bad wheel bearing is loose or vibrating steering. When your car has a well-functioning wheel bearing, the steering feels tight, and the slightest movement of the wheel causes a corresponding change in the wheels’ directions.
Yet when the wheel bearing is wearing out, it can start to loosen, which makes it less responsive and accurate. Turning your wheel does not lead to the same precise turn as when your car was new.
Likewise, the steering wheel may start to vibrate. When you drive at high speeds or make turns, the vibrations will intensify.
ABS Malfunctioning
The turning on of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light is one of the common symptoms of bad wheel bearing.
Although your brakes might be working correctly, this system’s light might turn on if the wheel bearing is loose. This is because a loose wheel bearing is putting pressure on the brakes or tires, triggering the system.
Uneven Tire Wear
Uneven wear on your tires is another sign of a bad wheel bearing. When the wheel bearing begins to fail, there is the risk that the wheel will begin to wobble since it no longer has a tight fit.
This movement will cause the tire to get noticeably uneven wear, especially if you have ensured that your tires have the right alignment.
Pulling Steering Wheel
The steering wheel pulling to one side by itself is the final way on our list to learn how to tell if wheel bearing is bad. Since a worn-out wheel bearing does not have the right friction, it will start to pull on the steering wheel.
So, it could lead you out of your lane if you let go of the wheel at any point, which is extremely dangerous.
Key Questions about Bad Wheel Bearing
A malfunctioning wheel bearing can cause all sorts of problems. To clarify this issue, we will answer a few questions you might have about them.
1. Can a bad wheel bearing bog down?
A failing wheel bearing could cause your car to bog down or slow down. This will happen because the loose wheel bearing will create friction. This friction will overheat the car and cause it to slow down, which might stop it.
2. Does bad rear wheel bearing affect gas mileage?
A bad rear wheel bearing will act as a slight brake that will therefore affect your gas mileage. With failing wheel bearings, your car will be using gas while slowing you. So, you will be wasting some gas with completely malfunctioning wheel bearings.
3. Does bad rear wheel bearing bind?
If you have a malfunctioning rear wheel bearing, it can bind. This is because the wheel bearing puts pressure on the brakes. Then, the brakes are slightly engaged, even when you have completely disengaged them.
4. How does a car act with a bad wheel bearing?
A car with a bad wheel bearing will pull to the side, make a loud grinding sound, and have trouble regulating speed. While going at a high speed, the wheel can even break off. If you try to slow down, the brakes will also be less effective.
5. What happens if a wheel bearing fails while driving?
If a wheel bearing fails completely while driving, it can cause an accident. This is because the wheels could be stuck at the same speed, preventing you from driving safely. Still, you will usually only notice a few symptoms at first and should fix the issue before it becomes worse.
6. What can be mistaken for bad wheel bearing?
The auto-lock braking system turning on can be mistaken for a wheel bearing, but it could actually be low levels in the fluid reservoir. This is why you need to consider multiple symptoms before you decide what is wrong with your car. Also, relying on professional inspection will guarantee you rule out or resolve any other issues.
Get the Best Wheel Bearing Replacement from Us
At all our Texas locations, Integrity 1st Automotive professionals will thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any signs of a bad wheel bearing.
With our automotive service excellence certification, we have proved that we can efficiently and expertly locate the issues in any car make and model. We will then address your bad wheel bearing symptom with a quality replacement that will fit your vehicle perfectly and last its 3-year warranty.
The following are just some of the quality services you can expect from us:
- Scheduled maintenance
- Brake pads and rotor replacement
- Tire replacement and alignment
- Steering and suspension repairs
- Prepurchase inspections
Conclusion
As we have mentioned all the bad wheel bearing symptoms, it is your duty now to look out your wheels for strange sounds, an auto-lock braking system light alert, or uneven tear.
Alternatively, you can examine your steering wheel – if it is loose, vibrates, or pulls to the side, your wheel bearing likely has a problem – especially if you notice all of these symptoms at once.
If you are still not sure how to tell if your wheel bearing is bad, seek out professional help from Integrity 1st Automotive. Our technicians have the hands-on expertise to resolve such issues, making your vehicles well-performing
