Don’t allow the loud noises from your vehicle’s wheels or wheel bearings to continue. Order a new wheel and tire package or wheel bearings from CarParts.com today.

How to tell whichwheel bearingisbadwhile driving

While going to a mechanic is the easiest way to determine which component is making unusual noises, there are some things you can do to help pinpoint which parts may need attention.

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Trying to find out what’s causing the strange noises from your vehicle can be like solving a complex puzzle. For example, it can be hard to distinguish wheel bearing noise from tire noise since they can sound alike.

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Wheel bearingreplacement cost

A knocking or thumping noise may be caused by a tire wear pattern that happened while the vehicle was driven a long way with the vehicle needing an alignment.

Let your local Meineke Car Care Center perform a diagnosis and we’ll let you know how we can repair or replace your wheel bearings to get your car back to a healthy state.

Whatdoesa bad wheel bearing sound likeat high speed

Cupping may also be a sign that your vehicle has suspension problems. Take your vehicle to an auto repair shop right away once you notice any signs of uneven tire wear.

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Remember that the steps mentioned above are initial diagnostic measures you can do to help identify potential causes of the noise. If you don’t have the tools and advanced technical know-how, it’s always best to contact a trusted mechanic. A professional will be able to conduct thorough inspections, use the proper tools, and provide a conclusive diagnosis.

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Whether the troubling sound is coming from your vehicle’s wheel bearings or its wheels, it’s best to address the issue right away. Not only will it give you more peace while driving, getting rid of the noise gives you more peace of mind as well. Noises can point to other issues from those parts after all. If you need a new set of wheels or wheel bearings, you can check CarParts.com.

How to fixbad wheel bearing

What do a bad wheel bearing sound likewhen driving

Have a passenger ride in the rear during a test drive to check where the noise is coming from. You’ll have to confirm if it’s coming from the wheel area or other parts of your vehicle, like the engine. You can also check to see if it is mirrored by engine speed or seems to be road-speed related.

Take note that wheel bearing noise is not always consistent, but may change with speed, during turns, or while applying the brake. Likewise, tire noise can come and go in much the same way.

At first, bad wheel bearings will start to squeak loudly while you drive. You will know it is time to replace the wheel bearing if the noise is constant, not just when you press the brakes.

Pro Tip: The hoses may also be stuck and will need to be peeled loose from the fitting after you make a linear cut.

Yes. In some instances, a bad wheel bearing can cause uneven tire wear, resulting in combined noise from both components.

After placing the hub in the press, it takes several minutes to change the wheel bearings. Your new bearings must also be pressed into the hub to seat their rear surface at the correct point.

At this point, you must have a qualified technician change out the worn components using a wheel bearing press to restore your vehicle to good working condition and eliminate distressing noises and poor ride quality.

Spin the tires to check if the bearing is making a noise. But realize that some bearing noises will only be present if the weight of the vehicle is sitting on the bearing, so just spinning the tire might not tell you anything. While you have the tire where you can spin it, carefully inspect it and look at the tread while it’s spinning to see if you notice anything unusual.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Technicians receive ample training to learn how to change wheel bearings correctly. Technicians use heavy-duty tools in the shop, including a large press, to pop the bearings out of the hub. On most vehicles, your technician must remove the tire, rotor and hub to access the bearing mounting point.

Frontwheel bearingnoise symptoms

In order to understand the big picture and repair your vehicle properly, technicians must check wear on a variety of components from tires and brakes to tie rods and control arms to find the source of the noise and vibrations.

A squealing or grinding noise that worsens during acceleration is a tell-tale sign that your wheel bearing is bad. If the noise is steady, you’re probably dealing with a tire-related issue. Underinflated or misaligned tires may produce a vaguely similar noise, except that tires won’t squeal unless you’re doing a jackrabbit start or rounding a corner too fast.

What do a bad wheel bearing sound likeat low speeds

If you’re unsure of what’s causing the noises, you might want to look at other symptoms associated with a tire or wheel bearing issue.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Wheel bearing and tire noises can be hard to differentiate but there are ways to help you pinpoint the source of the sound. But be warned: some of these noises even befuddle experts.

Your vehicle utilizes a wheel bearing at the hub to allow the tire and rim to smoothly rotate at both low and high speeds. As a rotating part, the wheel bearing's material slowly wears down during usage.

If your tires seem to be in good condition, you can go ahead and check the condition of your wheel bearings. Check for wheel bearing play by rocking the wheel or tire assembly. But note that sometimes you won’t notice any movement even if the wheel bearing is noisy.

What do a bad wheel bearing sound likewhen they

In many cases, the diagnostic process will quickly pinpoint the front wheel bearings as the cause. Upon confirming the diagnosis, a technician will write up a work order that includes the total cost to replace your wheel bearings.

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Any time your vehicle is making unusually loud noises it’s safe to assume that something’s not right. Sometimes the culprit is your car’s wheel bearings. Wheel bearing press service, bearings replacement or other services may be required. Read below to learn about symptoms of problematic wheel bearings and replacement services.

Upon completing the service, the technician will take your vehicle for a test drive to check the noise levels and ride quality. If all goes well, you will then have your vehicle returned to you.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure whether you’re hearing a tire noise or a bearing noise, rotate the tires and see what changes. Some front-wheel drive vehicles will make tire noises if the rear wheels are moved to the front after a lot of miles without being properly rotated.

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

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To determine which part is causing the noise, turn your steering wheel left and right while driving. If the noise gets louder while turning, faulty wheel bearings are the likely culprit.

If you spin the tires in the air and see the tread lines making lateral movements, or if the car seems to be waddling back and forth during slow parking lot maneuvers, suspect belt separation in a tire.

Once you’re quite sure that the noise is coming from the wheel area, you can raise your vehicle using a jack. Make sure that the vehicle is supported by jack stands for your safety.

Check your tires for cupping or sharp edges, which may cause growling or grinding noises while driving. If you spin the tires in the air and see the tread lines making lateral movements, or if the car seems to be waddling back and forth during slow parking lot maneuvers, suspect belt separation in a tire.