If you hear a grinding noise while driving the simplest solution is to have a mechanic inspect your car. There are numerous causes for grinding noises, and you’ll need to identify the exact issue before you can fix it.

Metal scraping soundwhen driving slow

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Metal scrapingnoise when driving

It can be very annoying to hear a noise when starting, turning or stopping your car. If you hear your car grinding, it means that there is something wrong with one or more of its parts. This can make the car unsafe to drive. You never know when a grinding part of the car will break or otherwise become damaged.

However, on some vehicles, it can be less than $100 per wheel. And you can save hundreds in labor if you DIY. If you don’t have the tools, most auto parts stores will lend you the specialty tools and equipment needed.

Driving on a bad or failing wheel bearing is dangerous. If ignored, it can quickly turn into a safety issue and an expensive repair.

Grinding noisewhiledrivingbut not brakes applied

Under normal driving conditions, wheel bearings should last 85,000 to 100,000 miles. They can fail for several reasons, including:

On modern front- and four-wheel-drive cars, wheel bearings are a set of permanently sealed, precisely machined steel ball or straight roller bearings. The balls or rollers are encased in a “cage” that supports the bearings, allowing them to rotate freely.

Grinding noise when driving slowreddit

I’ve replaced hundreds, if not thousands, of wheel bearings. One thing I’ve learned: A bad wheel bearing always gives an indication it’s failing. These include:

Grinding noise when driving slowbut not brakes

If you hear a grinding noise coming from your car, your first step should be to determine what is causing it. You can take your car to an auto repair shop to have it inspected. Alternatively, if you are mechanically inclined, you can try to figure it out yourself.

Grinding noise when driving slowthen stops

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NOTE: Whether you DIY or your mechanic replaces the bearing, always install a new axle hub nut. Most hub nuts are prevailing torque fasteners. They’re used on critical components, like securing axle shafts to hub bearings, where a loose nut could lead to disastrous consequences.

Never reuse any wheel bearing (sealed or tapered) that’s loose, worn, noisy or shows any signs of wear. Trying to fix a loose or damaged wheel bearing can result in an accident and severe injury. Even if a pro suggests repairing a bearing, don’t let them.

Intermittentgrinding noise when driving

If you are concerned about driving with a grinding noise schedule an appointment at Comtires to have your car inspected by qualified technicians.

Grinding noise whenaccelerating at low speed

The average cost to replace a sealed wheel hub bearing is around $350 per wheel. However, depending on the make and model, the shop labor rate ($47 to $215 per hour, according to AAA) and any additional damage could push the cost beyond $1,000 per wheel.

In my 50 years in the auto repair industry, I can’t recall one good story about wheel bearings. Most involve some sort of brake system failure, tires exploding, or fire from a seized red-hot bearing igniting axle grease. Bad wheel bearings should not be ignored.

My opinion? If your vehicle has more than 50,000 miles or has been driven in harsh conditions, then it’s logical to replacing wheel bearings on both axles. However, if your vehicle has low mileage and the other bearing is in good condition, replacing only the damaged bearing should not be a problem.

Wheel bearings allow cars and trucks to run smoother and more efficiently by reducing friction and supporting vehicle weight.

Older rear-wheel-drive cars or trailers use a set of two tapered roller bearings that face each other. These should be routinely serviced every 20,000 miles, or once a year.

Comtires is a team comprised of tire, wheel, suspension, and general repair experts who can answer questions you might have while providing friendly and accommodating customer service dedicated to helping our customers find the right rims & tires.

The cage and rollers are held together inside a hardened metal ring called a “race.” The seal keeps grease in and damaging water and debris out. Wheel bearings are installed inside, and secured to, the suspension, either by press-fit, bolts or a snap-ring. Once mounted, the wheel bearing rides on the axle shaft, allowing the tire/wheel to spin effortlessly.