Symptoms of a Failing Wheel Hub Bearing

Signs of a worn wheel hub bearing differ in magnitude. Some may be difficult to detect, leading to damage before preventive action is taken.

The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving conditions and the mechanical practices that were followed during installation.

The wheel hub bearings are designed to last a very long time, but eventually, they lose their lubricity, wear out, and need to be replaced.

Here are the signs that indicate a worn wheel hub bearing.

One of the most common sources of uneven tire wear is worn out wheel bearings. It is quite a rarity for wheel bearings to wear evenly.

For example, if the left tire is showing more wear, it indicates a problem with the left wheel bearing, and wheel bearing needs to be replaced together.

If you notice that one side of your car's tire is wearing out quicker than the other, then contact a certified mechanic to test and diagnose the cause of the tire wear.

It is very difficult to detect a failing wheel bearing as it doesn't happen very often and when they do wear out, it happens very quickly.

However, one warning sound of a worn out wheel bearing is a loud grinding or roaring sound that comes from the tire area of the car.

This is caused due to the excess heat that has built up inside the wheel bearing and losing a lot of its lubricity.

Moreover, it is the metal- to-metal sound that you are hearing and it is also common that you will hear this from one, specific wheel and not from both sides at the same time.

Another common symptom with other mechanical problems with the drive and steering assembly, a vibration in the steering wheel can be caused by wearing out wheel bearings.

Unlike a tire balance problem that typically shows up at higher speeds, a vibration in the steering wheel will be noticed at slower speeds also.

If you have the car jacked up or the vehicle is on a hydraulic lift, you can check this one out yourself.

1 You can grab the wheel on opposite sides and attempt to move it back and forth. If the wheel bearings are good, then the wheel won't wobble.

However, if the wheel assembly moves back and forth, this is caused due to worn out wheel bearings that need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Moreover, if you notice that the vehicle has a hard time rolling while the clutch is depressed or the vehicle is in neutral gear, it is caused due to worn out bearings.

If you notice any of these above-mentioned symptoms, then immediately contact an automotive technician to fix the issue.

If you are complacent in fixing the issue, then it will affect the performance of the car and has the potential to damage other parts also.