This symptom comes when the bearing is only grinding at certain angles. When the vehicle is turning, the wheel bearings are under a different kind of pressure than when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. The pressure on the steer axle’s bearings, for example, is due to weight distribution and the changed angle of attack. The pressure on the rear axle’s bearings is due to the “wheel drag” or change in physics as the vehicle makes the turn, pulling the rear tires along with it.

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United Way's 211 information referral service is a 24/7, free, and confidential resource designed to connect individuals with essential support and services. Funded and operated in partnership with local United Ways, 211 helps people access a wide range of community resources, including but not limited to rent and utility assistance, food provision services, and emergency housing.

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This is the most well known of the wheel bearing symptoms. If there is a grinding noise coming from the axle that’s heard only when the vehicle is in motion, it’s likely a bad bearing. Raising the vehicle and spinning the tires by hand should confirm the source of this grinding as well as which wheel it’s coming from.

If you spot an odd tread wear pattern on a single tire – or if two tires on the same axle are wearing differently – it’s a good idea to get your vehicle looked at by a professional.

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An odd wheel wobble, shudder, or shimmy usually coincides with an unusual tire wear pattern. When bearings are going bad, the wheels will be slightly off or wobbling a bit, especially at specific speeds or in specific driving situations where pressure on the bad wheel bearing is increased.

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If uneven tread wear or a shimmy or shudder is noticed, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle checked out by a professional. There are a few problems that can lead to these symptoms.

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However, if you’ve got a vehicle with an odd tread pattern or shimmy – and one of our other failing wheel bearing symptoms (like grinding or popping), that’s a pretty clear indicator that you have a wheel bearing issue.

Still, wheel bearings can and do fail. When wheel bearing failure is imminent, there are usually several indications. Here’s how you go about identifying a wheel bearing problem.

The least obvious sign of a wheel bearing problem is an abnormal tire wear pattern. Generally, it takes an astute observer to pay close attention to their tire’s tread wear pattern. Still, if you suspect a wheel bearing issue, it doesn’t hurt to study your tire tread.

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And when it’s time to replace a wheel bearing (or set of wheel bearings), be sure to check out GMB’s OEM quality wheel bearings and hubs. GMB is a global manufacturer of auto parts, including OEM parts for auto manufacturers all over the world.

However, there are other possible issues for a wheel wobbly or shimmy. It could be that a wheel is unbalanced, and on some vehicles a wheel wobble is a symptom of a problem somewhere in the drivetrain (like a carrier bearing problem on a RWD or 4WD vehicle). If you’ve got a wheel that’s wobbling or shaking, it’s a good idea to get the vehicle checked out by a professional right way.

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Wheel bearings are one of the most critical – and ignored – auto parts. Considering that a vehicle cannot roll without them (at least not very far), it’s a bit strange wheel bearings only get attention when they begin to fail. Perhaps the problem is that modern, single bearing systems are simple, reliable, and generally do not require maintenance.

For immediate assistance, individuals can reach United Way's 211 information referral service via phone, text, or online. To protect the privacy of our referrals, all communications are kept strictly confidential. By dialing "211" or calling toll-free at 866-892-9211, individuals are connected with a live specialist who can guide them through the process of reaching any assistance they need. Individuals may also contact 211 by texting "Help" to 211-211 or visiting www.SC211.org to access a wide range of services and assistance programs. With support in over 180 languages, the 211 service is always here to help, anytime, at no cost.

Look for a single tire – or a pair of tires on the same axle – that are wearing abnormally. Assuming all your tires are inflated to the same pressure, they should all wear about the same. If a single tire is wearing fast or unevenly, it could be a sign of a problem. A pair of tires on the same axle that are wearing oddly can also be a sign of a wheel bearing issue.