As low-maintenance parts, wheel bearings can run a long time before a breakdown.The average lifespan can be 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles).So, it is important to know the signal when they are going out.
The symptoms when Wheel Bearings are Bad:
ABS Sensor:
Many wheel hubs come as an assembly with a wheel bearing and ABS sensors now, the ABS light on the dash will illuminate if the sensor is damaged. And this may call for a new wheel hub assembly.
Noise:
When turning, the outside wheel works harder, meaning the bad wheel bearing will amplify in sound when turning on the side with the good bearing and the bad wheel bearing will decrease in sound when turning on the side with the bad bearing. Any noticeable sound from the wheels while driving that amplifies or decreases when turning can indicate that the wheel bearing is bad. Like a loud constant whining, grinding noise, or clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.
Steering wheel vibration:
When accelerating, a bad wheel bearing with a broken seal can wear down the parts inside the bearing, leading to a grinding noise or vibrations that amplify. Wheel bearings have seals to protect the inner working parts. They are designed to reduce friction and let the wheel spin smoothly. A bad wheel bearing will prevent this.
When accelerating, a bad wheel bearing with a broken seal can wear down the parts inside the bearing, leading to a grinding noise or vibrations that amplify. Wheel bearings have seals to protect the inner working parts. They are designed to reduce friction and let the wheel spin smoothly. A bad wheel bearing will prevent this.
Finally, if you find such symptoms and go to repairing. They will do a further test by jacking up the vehicle and turning the wheel. If the wheel makes noise while turning or does not turn smoothly, the wheel bearing likely needs to be replaced. The wheel can also be turned side to side at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions or the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. The wheel will feel loose at either of these positions if the bearing is bad, and, since many vehicles come with the bearing and wheel as an assembly, both will likely have to be replaced.
