Badwheelbearing symptoms

2. Loose Steering—If your steering wheel (or control of the car, in general) feels unusually "loose," it is cause for concern. A bad wheel bearing may be the culprit or it could be a number of other power steering, suspension, brake, drivetrain, wheel or tire issues worth getting looked at by a professional mechanic.

If you are in the Northern Delaware area and are concerned about any automotive issues—or if you just want a routine inspection and general maintenance—call Fox Run Auto today at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.

Wheelbearing replacement cost

Keep in mind that wheel bearings are not the same as engine bearings, as there is no constant source of lubrication for wheel bearings. This means they must be tight enough to keep water and road dust out. They also support the entire vehicle weight while driving, so they endure abuse from rough roads and potholes, as well as lateral forces when turning.

Catastrophicwheelbearing failure

If one or more of your wheel bearings is damaged, installed correctly or not properly maintained, it can lead to serious safety concerns and will impact everything from handling to fuel economy. A failing wheel bearing means one of your wheels isn't rotating as freely as it should and this is not a good thing. To use another analogy, just think of that shopping cart you seem to get every time you go to the grocery store. There is always one wheel that is locked up and really annoying! Now imagine how bad that is for a 2-ton car or truck to be driving on a bad wheel.

3. Vibrations—Often felt while turning or accelerating/decelerating, significant vibrations in your steering wheel can be a sign of a damaged wheel bearing.

Frontwheelbearing noise symptoms

A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together in a metal ring called a race. The race is located inside the hub, and each wheel has one. At the center of the wheel is a hollow piece of metal called a hub. The wheel bearings fit tightly inside this hub and ride on a metal axle shaft, helping reduce friction when the wheel spins.

The wheel bearing is a critical part of the wheel assembly that connects the vehicle's axles to its wheels. A bearing is made up of a series of lubricated steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings) held together within a metal ring. The bearing allows the wheel to rotate smoothly with as little friction as possible. Wheel bearings are vital to the performance and safety of a car. They allow you to drive and sustain both radial and axial loads caused by acceleration, deceleration, cornering and gravitational forces.

How to tell whichwheelbearing is bad while driving

Your wheels and tires are what connect you and your vehicle to the road when driving. Your wheel bearings (or wheel hub bearings) are what connect those wheels to the to the axle. Remember the old song about "the knee bone is connected to the shin bone...?" It's kind of like that. If the wheels are the feet of your car (with the tires being your shoes), then the wheel bearings are part of the ankles. In other words, they are very important to your vehicle being able to move around.

Average life ofwheel bearings

If you notice signs of a bad wheel bearing, visit your nearest Meineke location. Once you bring your vehicle to us, we’ll perform a thorough diagnosis to honestly determine if a replacement is necessary.

Tire balancing is an important component of your routine automotive maintenance schedule. Like changing the oil, balancing the tires is something that vehicle owners are encouraged to do several times throughout the course of the year. This is also something you’ll want to make sure to have done by automotive service professionals. There are […]

1. Noises—Strange noises are often associated with failing wheel bearings. You might hear a humming, rumbling or growling noise when you make sharp turns and/or accelerate. Or, it could be a constant loud grinding or whining noise while driving at certain speeds (or at all times). Sometimes, it may be clunking noises when driving over bumps and rough road surfaces.

If you want to know how to check for a bad wheel bearing, place your car on a jack stand, grip your hands on the 6 and 12 o’clock positions of the tire, and then spin the wheel to see if it wiggles. It’s also a great way to learn how to tell which wheel bearing is bad.

Should you invest the time and money required to have your vehicle’s suspension lowered? It’s a question that many drivers never even think about. Before you make the decision to proceed with lowering your vehicle’s suspension, consider the options and understand the pros and cons that a lowered suspension entails. Why Get a […]

You already know your car cannot function safely without sturdy and properly fit wheels. A wheel is complex, and several components must be integrated for it to function safely—including the bearings.

How long will awheelbearing last after it starts making noise

A wheel bearing is one of those minor parts we don't think about until it becomes a problem. However, it is actual a major component that drastically affects handling, safety and performance. At the first sign of wheel bearing issues or any other concerns with your wheels, brakes, axles or tires, you should get your car inspected as soon as possible. You also want to make sure your wheel bearings are inspected and maintained as part of your regular maintenance routine. This is how you keep your vehicle running right!

If you’re driving on the highway and a wheel breaks off, it’s because a wheel bearing failed. What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing, and what can you do about it? Here, we explore wheel bearings, including what they are, how they work, and how to tell if they’re about to fall off.

The best advice is to head to your nearest auto shop that offers wheel repair and replacement services. If you’re on the road, slow down steadily and avoid turning rapidly. If you drive long distances on a bad wheel bearing, you’ll eventually lose control of the vehicle, and the wheel will stop suddenly.

While most estimates suggest wheel bearings should last between 75,000 and 150,000 miles, the actual lifespan depends on:

Most people are aware of the need for general car maintenance. It’s essential to take care of the basics, like regular oil changes and checking battery terminals for corrosion. But, getting an alignment is just as important. Many think it’s simply a minor irritation when your alignment starts to get off. The truth […]

What happens if wheel bearings failwhile driving

4. ABS Malfunctions—There is an anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor integrated in the wheel-end bearing of most modern vehicles. You may see your ABS warning light come on, which could be the sign of a brake system issue or a problem with one of your wheel bearings.

The amount of miles your vehicle can endure will depend on how extensive the damage is and the conditions on the road. If you’re concerned about replacement costs, note that the average estimate for a replacement is about $350 for each bearing.

A wheel bearing can fail for any number of reasons. It may not have been installed properly, it could just be an inferior part, or it can be neglected during routine maintenance. It's smart to get your wheel bearings checked with each service visit and lubricated/greased as needed to keep things working correctly. A damaged wheel bearing can happen from a rough impact on the road (pot hole or speed bump). It can also happen if driving through a lot of mud, snow or rain, where moisture and other contaminants might seep into the bearing ring and weaken the lubrication.