Vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body and/or wandering. Vibration and lack of directional stability could be consequences of loose or worn out wheel bearings.

The complexity of wheel bearing replacement varies greatly depending on the vehicle make, model, year, the wheel position (front versus rear), and the drive type (AWD versus FWD):

On average, the cost for a Ford Fusion Wheel Bearings Replacement is $205 with $65 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Using low-quality replacement parts can also lead to premature timing chain failure. Cheaper alternatives might save money in the short term but are often of inferior quality and more likely to fail. For replacements, it’s crucial to choose high-quality, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent parts to ensure durability and reliability.

Tire and wheel assembly does not turn smoothly. With the wheel jacked up, and the car not in gear, the wheel should rotate smoothly. Rough or inconsistent movement, which is often accompanied by noise, can signify damaged bearings. Be sure the brakes are not dragging as you perform this check.

At Trumans Automotive & ADAS Calibrations, we’re dedicated to not only repairing vehicles but also to educating our customers about their vehicles’ components and how to maintain them. A question we often encounter revolves around the timing chain, a crucial part of the engine, and what leads to its failure. Let’s explore the reasons behind timing chain breaks and how you can prevent them.

Growling or grinding noise from a wheel. Failed or failing wheel bearings make a very characteristic growling noise which will grow louder as the bearing wear progresses. If you believe the wheel bearing noise is coming from one side of the car, you can self-diagnosis your wheel bearing as you drive the car by loading and unloading vehicle weight You can do this by “swerving” from side-to-side. For example, if the noise markedly increases when you swerve to left, which shifts the vehicle’s weight to the right, then it often indicates the wheel bearing on the right is failing.

No. Wheel bearing failure is usually gradual, although in some cases it starts immediately after the dramatic impact of the wheel and tire assembly with a deep pothole. Wheel bearings can sometimes make noise for quite some time before you experience a catastrophic failure that would result in complete separation of the wheel and tire assembly from the axle. Generally, the risk of sudden failure increases with the noise level. But strictly speaking, once the bearing has started to fail it is impossible to predict exactly when it will fail completely. So it should not continue to be driven. Were a failing bearing to seize or break while you are moving, you could experience loss of control of the vehicle. Once you receive a conclusive diagnostic that a wheel bearing has failed, replace the bearing promptly.

One of the leading causes of timing chain failure is manufacturing defects. Though not common, these defects can significantly weaken the chain, making it prone to breaking. Issues can arise from improper heat treatment, subpar material quality, or errors in the manufacturing process itself.

Neglecting regular maintenance is another major factor contributing to timing chain wear and eventual breakage. The timing chain needs consistent lubrication to operate smoothly, and over time, oil can become contaminated, leading to increased wear. Insufficient oil changes or running the engine on low oil levels can dry out the timing chain, accelerating its deterioration.

Wear and tear from high mileage can also lead to a timing chain break. Vehicles with high mileage are at a greater risk, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. The continuous stress on the chain can cause it to stretch and weaken, ultimately leading to failure.

Axial or radial play in the wheel or wheel hub. Should the wheel hub move up and down or in and out, the bearing may be worn.

At Trumans Automotive & ADAS Calibrations, we stress the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the use of quality parts to avoid timing chain breaks and other issues. If you notice any signs of a failing timing chain, such as engine misfires, rattling noises, or difficulty starting your vehicle, it’s vital to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible. Taking preventive steps and addressing issues early can save you from the inconvenience and cost of significant engine repairs.

A wheel bearing assembly consists of rolling elements, such as hardened steel ball bearings or roller bearings, that roll on and around hardened steel bearing races. The wheel bearings support the front and rear axle, and all the weight of your car. Wheel bearings are made with a high-precision technique using extremely hard steel in order to withstand all the normal impacts that occur to the wheel and tire assembly as you drive along the road.

Modifying your engine for better performance can inadvertently increase the risk of breaking the timing chain. These modifications often put extra stress on the chain, which can hasten wear and increase the likelihood of a break. It’s important to consider the overall impact of modifications on all engine components.