A defective wheel bearing causes tremendous threats to your life. Conversely, this article will help a vehicle owner regarding how a wheel bearing influences the car tire and other parts. Similarly, it will attempt to analyze the reasons for the wear and tear of the wheel bearings and present relevant recommendations to preserve them in their intended condition. Further, the article will focus on the effect of ignoring a damaged wheel bearing and explain how and when to solve this issue. By the end of this article, I guarantee that you will be completely aware of the consequences of a bad wheel bearing and how to act to protect the vehicle and the passengers from losing control while driving. Alright, so without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How to Identify a Bad Wheel Bearing?

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing

A wheel bearing must be fully functional before any motion is perceived on a vehicular system. Hence, it is imperative to understand how one can identify a bad bearing and what sound it emits. Here are the possible indicators that any driver should be on the lookout for:

Unusual Noise: The noise associated with a vehicle is considered one of the most pressing issues for most people, particularly when it becomes excessive. One of the worst noise sources is the wheel’s rotation, specifically a bad wheel bearing. Bearing noise from a wheel rotates through buzz, grind, and roar. It is essential to assess whether the noise increases with rotation or muffles out when steering.

Vibration and Wobble: Any form of vibration can be alarming for any driver on the road. This can be feeling a wobble in the steering wheel, the entire vehicle’s rotation, or anything in between. Not only that, but a malfunctioned wheel bearing would also greatly exacerbate the issue, where it may easily be felt by the entire driver at higher speeds.

Uneven Tire Wear: One of the many negative impacts a malfunctioned wheel bearing has is its impact on tire wear and tear. More specifically, the tires either tilt sideways or test exhibit signs of wear on only one portion of the tire up to the point where it is rough or uneven.

The readers are firmly diagnosed that such symptoms may also depict various worrying situations, and they should consider getting counsel from a proficient mechanic engineer for such relevant conditions.

What Sounds Indicate Damaged Wheel Bearings?

A bad bearing causes numerous sounds, which may occur individually or in combination as a warning signal to other underlying issues in the wheel bearing assembly. Common sounds associated with a bad wheel bearing can be outlined as follows, although their condition and severity will determine the uniqueness of the sound.

Humming Whooshing Noise: The constant whooshing or buzzing noise, primarily when driving or accelerating at high speeds, strongly indicates that one or more of the automobile’s wheel bearings are bad. The sound is likely to become louder with speed and direction change.

Grinding Noise: Grinding or growling noise indicates that the wheel bearing could have significant wear or damage. It is generally referred to as a loud, crushing metallic sound that is also associated with vibrations.

Clicking Noise: The clicking sound when the vehicle turns can be another noise source indicating a bad wheel bearing. The clicking sound is more pronounced at low speeds and when the load on the wheel is altered.

These sounds can also be related to other issues, so ultimately, seeing a qualified mechanic will provide better guidance in assessing the actual condition of the wheel bearing.

The data set in my primary response is only accurate for use once, as the parameters may differ from one car to the other. For revisions, have them suited to the car’s specifications or contact an expert in the relevant field. What would be helpful are the manufacturer’s papers that the producer issues.

How Does a Bad Wheel Bearing Affect Your Tire?

When a wheel bearing has been displaced or damaged, it will have different impacts on the tire and the general driving experience. All the effects are summed up in the points below:

Vibration and Wobble: If a wheel bearing is faulty, there is a chance of experiencing vibrations and even a macro wobble in the car—an uneasy dance the wheels try to do. This scaling of ‘dance’ gets worse with speed. Thus, it is unpleasant and causes drive stability to get worse.

Steering Wheel Control: There’s a skinny line between how smooth and evil the steering wheel control is; however, the primary factor is the wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing causes a loose screw-type feeling or a vague, uncontrolled steering wheel.

Uneven Wear and Tear: A sueZee that a wheel bearing causes is Uneven wear or the development of strange tire wear. Over time, this begins to differ in the tire’s performance and handling and can also have an adverse impact, especially in the case of compromised safety.

Please remember that wheel bearings information might differ depending on the car’s make, model, and year. To get precise technical details about wheel bearings in your particular automobile, it is advisable to check with manufacturer documentation or specialized support.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing?

Understanding the Vibration and Wobble

One of the most prominent symptoms of a decayed wheel bearing can be a sense of vibration and wobbling sensation. While driving, one may feel a certain amount of vibration on the steering wheel or the whole vehicle. This vibration may get even stronger as the speed increases. It should be mentioned, though, that the attitudes and specifics regarding technical parameters of the wheel bearings are subject to the car manufacturer, model, and year of production. Still, based on the literature’s information diversity, it is easy to identify some of the common symptoms;

Wheel Play or Loose Wheel: When a wheel bearing is damaged, you may be able to wiggle the wheel and feel a looseness. You may also experience noticeable play on the affected wheel.

Strange Noises: Grinding, growl, or even a hum may be heard, and they will be more vibrant at the corners of the vehicle. These noises may get louder to the ears as the car is being steered.

Uneven Tire Wear: A bearing failure can cause an unequal distribution of tire pressurization, pushing the bare rubber against the road surface. While inspecting your tires, look for particular areas that are badly worn out or that wear out in a strange pattern.

Не забосте, што lossy death would not always be considered to be the sole characteristic of a worn-out wheel bearing. In the best interest of precise technical requirements relating to wheel bearings with special reference to the corresponding technical parameters of your vehicle, it would be wiser to refer to manufacturer documentation or consult an expert.

Impact on Steering Wheel Control

A bearing with poor condition affects the control of the steering wheel. It is anticipated that with such a bearing, there will be numerous signs whereby the overall steering performance is significantly hobbled, making it unsafe to control the car. These signs may include:

Loose Steering: The loose or vague feeling of the car at low speeds as well as at turning means that the wheel assembly is not firmly secured, and this is due to splitting or flipping over of a kar borne where it is not meant to be. This can be common at higher turn angles or faster speeds.

Vibration and Shuddering: If the wheel bearings malfunction, it could mimic an object’s car vibration or twiddling simply because there is sparse friction. Irrespective of the masses being the same, if the figure moves through space more slightly, the overly spinning of the one-car bearing causes an abnormal rotation shift.

Pulling or Drifting: A passenger side’s spinning wheel can be caused by wearing and neglecting proper oil maintenance. As a result of this loss, steering will respond ineffectively, increasing the instability of the nose as it locks into a moving direction.

Si hay algún síntoma de desgaste en un cojinete de rueda, es interesante notar que, a veces, no es exclusivo de un cojinete de rueda malo ya que puede haber otros problemas más graves. Las especificaciones exactas de los rodamientos de las ruedas de un vehículo determinado, incluyendo las correspondientes informaciones técnicas, es recomendable o consultar la documentación del fabricante o pedir consejo profesional.

Detecting Uneven Tire Wear and Its Causes

I consider myself a car enthusiast, and my goal here is to offer helpful tips on spotting and understanding uneven ‘tire wear.’ In this regard, let me first explain some basic concepts that everyone seeking to learn about ‘tire wear’ should realize, as well as the most prevalent situations regarding ‘tire wear.’ I am not equipped to provide you with any technical parameters; more about this later, though.

Lack of Proper Wheel Alignment: If you drive a car daily, you might have observed that some wheels are not aligned perfectly. This misalignment can cause an imbalance, so the tires wear out unevenly. To combat this issue, it would be appropriate to check the angles caused by the wheels compared to the specified angles suggested by the manufacturer.

Worn-out Suspension Components: The control arm bushings and ball joints, which are a part of the suspension system, serve an essential purpose in the smooth functioning of the wheels. If these components begin to wear out, it can cause the wheels to not make proper contact with the ground surface and cause uneven ‘tire wear’. If you notice any signs of these defective components, take them to your mechanic for a professional inspection regarding the ‘car wash parameters.’

Tire Pressure and Rotation: In addition, over or under-tire rotation and incorrect tire pressure may contribute to uneven tire wear. Adhering to the manufacturer’s tire pressure and rotation specifications helps avoid uneven tire wear. The Recommended technical parameters regarding tire pressure may be located in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the placard attached to the left front door or the door jamb.

However, it must also be stressed that these aspects are general factors. For actual technical data and printouts of your specific vehicle, refer to the manufacturer’s documents or get professional advice. Paying attention to such aspects and performing necessary procedures periodically protects against abnormal wear on the tires and provides the driver with comfortable and safe driving.

How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?

Factors That Affect Wheel Bearing Longevity

As someone who has worked with wheel bearings in the automobile industry, I feel I am in a position to elaborate on the determinants of the life span of the bearing. While I agree that there will be numerous reasons for wheel bearing life to differ, some critical factors must be remembered. Here are the top factors that influence the longevity of wheel bearings:

Quality and Maintenance: As is the case with other components, the proportion of the wheel bearing quality as a success determinant is also high. When installed and maintained appropriately, good-quality bearings are known to last long. To achieve prolonged life, bearings must be inspected, cleaned, and greased regularly.

Driving Conditions: The conditions in which a vehicle or wheel bearing is driven also tend to influence the life of the wheel bearings. Such factors as bad roads, potholes, off-road driving, and even temperature tend to stress the bearings in the wheels and, thus, should they wear out.

Proper Installation: The wheel bearings’ lifespan mostly depends on how they are installed. With incorrect fitting, there tends to be unwanted friction that causes wear and tear before the wheel bearing reaches its designed life expectancy. Thus, one should refer to the manufacturer’s notes and torque values during installation.

Load and Usage: Wheel bearings’ life span can be influenced by their load-bearing capacity and the vehicle’s mass. Vehicles designed for regular heavy transport or those that tow trailers can induce more significant stress on the bearings, which in turn may shorten their life.

Sealing and Contamination: Prior sealing helps prevent wheel bearings from getting wet and dirty or contaminating other impurities. The first day of their life usually involves ingressing water, sand, or other debris, which can cause catheter-related dysfunction.

It should be noted that the respective technical particulars and requirements depend on the vehicle’s brand and model type. It is worth looking for information in the manufacturer’s documentation or consulting with an expert to get precise details tailored to your vehicle. Considering these elements will also require a little proactivity on your part. However, it will assist in increasing the life of the wheel bearings and guarantee that driving is an enjoyable and safe experience.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Wheel Bearing Life

Pay attention to the maintenance of your wheel bearings, as this will enhance both the performance and durability of the wheel bearings. Check out the practical tips below which might increase the utilization of your wheel bearings:

Inspection: Due to the importance of owning a vehicle, it is a shift that hinges on the wheel bearings that should be regularly checked, including any sounds, vibrations, or wheel slack. When problems are faced, rectify them to avoid increasing the range or complexity of the required treatment.

Appropriate Lubrication & Grease: Applying grease in the right manner is very important since it will reduce the increase of both temperature and friction. Ensure that your grease meets the manufacturer’s instructions, and select the model that best suits your vehicle.

Keep the Seals Sealed: Make sure that the seals are in place. They protect your vehicle from debris while reducing friction between the components, allowing it to perform optimally. They should also not be injured, as this will result in exposure to dust and moisture, which can further damage if there is no restriction.

Do not overuse/burst your vehicle’s load limits: Straining a car by adding extra weight limits the efficiency of the wheel bearings and compromises their performance by reducing their life span. Make sure to load the right amount and not put too much on the vehicle to ensure the grease has a longer lifespan.

Tighten the Wheels Correctly: When changing or repairing the tires, ensure the wheels are correctly mounted and the lug nuts are torqued according to specifications. This avoids the so-called “wrong-rear” wheel bearing being stressed when the lug nuts are not fastened sufficiently.

The above recommendations are rather general requirements: the specifics of particular automobiles may determine what is required for maintaining specific service components. Owner’s Manual or specialist advice from trained personnel will provide more accurate, car-specific information and guidance.

When to Consider a New Wheel Bearing?

In light of my enthusiasm for the automotive field, I understand how critical it is to maintain a good wheel bearing since this drives safe, smooth rides. In case you are wondering when you can consider replacing a wheel bearing, below I have highlighted some critical signs that you should be on the lookout for:

Strange Sounds: If you hear a persistent humming, grinding, or rumbling sound emanating from the wheels, particularly when driving at high speeds, that wheel probably has a damaged bearing. These sounds are often amplified when the vehicle is turning.

Tire wear: A defective Wheel bearing may deform the tire and cause uneven wear, leading to more wear and tear on some tire areas. A premature bearing wear problem will follow such an uneven pattern that you should occasionally check for it.

Looseness or oscillation: If a bearing is loose, damaged, or broken, the affected wheel will experience excessive motion or wobbling, leading to vibration of the steering wheel or other vehicle parts while driving, especially at higher speeds.

A malfunctioning wheel bearing may be bad for the entire system of your vehicle, but, at the same time, it makes diagnostics easier since a dashboard loss signal, propensity, loss of wheels, or loss of braking could stem from that faulty part. Though it might seem that ABS is a more complex malfunction, a dashboard light sign is easy to etch. Other symptoms one could observe are “propensity to turn” or “loss of stability acceleration,” jerking, and hesitation. Even the most rudimentary parts can turn into an issue. Still, a connected wheel bearing is genuinely a concern. It gets one thinking if a replacement is necessary, especially if getting a halting light signal is never a good omen to see. Some vehicles tend to portray their unique symptoms when working under the impact of a dead bearing or shock; they may have a jerky motion or, at times, appear to lose control. To maintain the vehicle’s wheels or tires, it is advised to remove an area’s damp status and get a replacement instead. Furthermore, you should consult a professional advisor or look into the manufacturer’s documentation when considering replacement or replacement.

Can a Bad Wheel Bearing Cause Other Automotive Issues?

Potential Damage to the Axle and CV Joint

When wheel bearings are broken or warped, they can exert excessive motion and misalignment of the wheel assembly, leading to damage or wear to the axle and CV joint. As a result, harming the wheel hub assembly and disturbs the axial load on the CV joint or the axle. This, when neglected, can lead to the failure of the CV joint system, deformation of the hub, or more cost-inducing repairs. On a more advanced note, negligence of such factors would be a particular issue.

To my knowledge, Car Throttle seems to lack sufficient information on how exactly a ‘Bad’ wheel bearing should not be repaired, as I believe the joint damage would be atypical for a vehicle. Further, it would depend on a vehicle’s make on how the ‘A/B‘ would be applied.

It is necessary to locate the related story separately and look up manufacturer documentation for further technical details and tolerances on the axle and CV joint system. ICD also seeks the professional assistance of any qualified mechanic or automotive technician to properly diagnose and estimate the severity of damage caused by bad wheel bearings. These experts can advise on the appropriate repairs or replacements to achieve the desired performance and lifespan of the vehicle’s axle and CV joint system.

How a Bad Wheel Bearing Affects the Brake System

Having the required qualifications and experience as an automotive technician, I can explain how a faulty wheel bearing can hurt the brake system. A wheel bearing that is continuously worn or damaged can lead to serious complications that impair the whole vehicle’s braking system and its safety. The following are the points to take into consideration:

Greater Deceleration Distance: A rough bearing will increase the distance a vehicle takes to stop. This is because it causes poor contact and, consequently, poor alignment of the brake pads and rotors owing to uneven wheel movement. This slower contact may increase the distance that the vehicle takes to stop and consequently take more time to stop.

Inefficient and Uneven Brakes: Wheel bearing faults result in considerable movement in the wheel assembly. As a result, the brake pads lose their effectiveness, which can potentially harm the brake system when used because of uneven wear on the brake pads.

Excessive Heat: Inadequate lubrication and increased friction render a wheel bearing faulty, which unfortunately tends to happen most of the time. The brake system parts, like the calipers and rotors, can be distorted and may malfunction because these parts will be affected by the heat generated by a useless wheel bearing.

It should be emphasized that the exact technical details and measures related to wheel bearing failure are nonhomogeneous and tend to depend on the car manufacturer and its specific model. A more targeted approach based on the seniority of the documents is advisable to achieve a thorough inspection and suggest repairs concerning the axle and the CV joint.

It suffices to add that a defective wheel bearing that makes the life of the brake system difficult should not be repaired without asking a car expert, such as a qualified automotive mechanic. They can assess the degree of damage exactly and give sound recommendations on which parts, components, or systems should be salvageable, replaced, or repaired to restore the efficiency and functional lifespan of the axle and the CV joint system of the automobile.

Consequences of Ignoring a Bad Wheel Bearing

Neglecting a faulty wheel bearing can result in diverse problems that will hurt your car’s performance and safety. Below are the consequences that you are most likely to experience:

Increased Risk of Accidents: Many accidents will occur when wheel bearings are impaired because they impair the balance, control, and management of turning and moving at high speed. This will cause poor handling and many accidents.

Excessive Tire Wear: A lousy wheel bearing regulates tire damage. A bad wheel bearing will cause unmatched tire damage, as the wheel will rotate uncontrollably and not smoothly. This will shorten your tire’s lifespan and require more replacements because of frequent wear and tear.

Costly Repairs: Don’t ignore a faulty wheel bearing. Doing so risks damaging anything in its vicinity, such as the axle and CV joint system. As a result, more extensive and expensive repairs will be required.

Increased Fuel Consumption: Friction is a key problem because if your wheel bearing breaks, the engine will work extra hard. This problem means you will use way more fuel than necessary, and as a result, it will cost more when you go to the gas station.

Unsurprisingly, harmony is never quite achieved in any vehicle as noise and vibrations always affect it. Bearings are an essential component in a vehicle’s machinery and come under significant stress, which may lead to wear and tear, mainly if not used regularly. These symptoms of wear and tear should not be disregarded as they can lead to bearing damage, which interrupts the smooth drive of the vehicle.

It should always be clarified and understood that the measurable parameters regarding the damage of a wheel bearing are wholly reliant on and vary with each vehicle in context. When diagnosing problems with bearings for CV joints on axles, consulting a technical document of the car in question is highly beneficial. It includes specific dimensions and permits the model to make the required repairs accurately.

When brakes are tackled and problems arise while dealing with a faulty wheel bearing, it is essential to get help from a specialized technician or automotive engineer. They are skilled enough to evaluate the damage effectively and suggest the required amount or kind of replacements to bring the vehicle’s axle and hinge joint back to life and allow its normal functionality.

What to Do When a Wheel Bearing Goes Bad?

Steps to Take If You Hear a Humming Noise

Observe the Condition of Your Vehicle: The first step involves a visual check of the vehicle for any indications of a wobbly wheel, grease leaking around the hub, tire wear, or even the wheel bearing itself.

Listen For Sounds That You Might Consider a Sign: While driving, if you hear a noise that sounds like humming – especially if the vehicle is moving at high speed – the diagnosis could include a possibility of a defective wheel bearing. When turning, listen closely to whether the sound changes, for instance, becomes more pronounced.

Get Help From A Professional: To identify and resolve the problem, it is best to get the opinion of a specialized mechanic or any other automotive engineer. They can properly determine how extensive the damages are and what form would be the best choice for repairs or replacements.

Carry Out A Test Drive: The mechanic may be able to isolate the damaged wheel bearing by conducting a test drive to confirm the diagnosis during the investigative phase of the wheel bearings. They are after the humming noise and will follow it around the vehicle to determine which wheel is terrible.

Consider Technical Parameters: The measures or parameters are not universal and differ among vehicle models with some overlap, which may include excessive axial or radial play and noise during wheel rotation. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for accurate parameters, axle, and CV joint tolerances specific to the vehicle.

A damaged wheel bearing is a cause of concern that should be dealt with promptly so that the vehicle’s safety and performance are not compromised. Such violence can be avoided by seeking professional help and following the corrective measures prescribed during the repair so that the axle and CV joint of the vehicle system remains in good condition.

Finding Professional Auto Repair Assistance

In case you find yourself with an awful wheel bearing, there are specific tips and tricks you should keep in mind when seeking professional help because there are a lot of con artists in this field. Here are a few tips that would assist you in such a situation.

Ask for Referrals: The best recommendations will come from your close acquaintances, such as friends, relatives, or even colleagues. This is the most simple and reliable step: Ask them if they know any trustworthy mechanics or auto shops.

Watch Out for Negative Reviews: The internet is so popular that information about many local car and auto repair shops is available. Look for any previous clients who have left reviews about their service. This is crucial, as you don’t want to waste your time and money on a business with such a poor reputation.

Use Manufacturer Websites: Head over to the official page of your motor vehicle’s manufacturer. On this page, you will find a tool called “find a service center/dealer locator.” This will assist you in finding a dealership or service center with technicians who are experts in your car.

Confirm Certification and Experience: Always ensure that the certified technicians in that repair shop have years of experience diagnosing such issues. Furthermore, many manufacturers also provide certifications for their specialists and employees.

Inquire About Estimates: This is probably the most important tip of all. Always contact multiple auto repair shops to get estimates for the bearing’s repair. Ask as many shops as possible to find a cost that suits you and the industry standard.

Always seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and rectification of wheel bearing problems. Such specialists possess the knowledge and work resources to solve the problem without damaging the car’s axle and CV joint assemblies.

However, remember that data parameters related to wheel bearing damage depend on the car made: many parameters and internal dimensions, such as tolerances, may contradict each other. It is better to use the manufacturer’s documents or repair manuals for such particular technical information and tolerance correction advice about your vehicle’s axle and CV joint system.

DIY Solutions for Worn-Out Bearings

It is best to keep in mind that replacing wheel bearings is not easy and does require some specialized tools and knowledge. Still, if you are considering a DIY scenario, there are some general guidelines and procedures to follow. Also, note that these suggestions are not comprehensive, and it is always best practice to seek professional assistance and consult the manufacturer’s documents for specific tolerances and technical information relevant to the vehicle.

Examine the Damage At the beginning, conduct a detailed inspection of the wheel bearings to look for unusual sound, vibration, or wobble. These are strong indicators of excessive wear and tear or even damage. If any of these symptoms exist, perhaps it is best to get new bearings installed.

Acquire the Required Parts and Equipment Before the DIY repair, make sure you possess all the necessary equipment, including, but not limited to, a new set of wheel bearings, socket sets, a torque wrench, and bearing pullers. You should also check your manufacturer’s documents to determine the axle and CV joint system measurements needed for your specific vehicle.

Research Authoritative Resources: Visit relevant automotive discussions, treatment plans, or step-by-step procedures to understand your car’s brand better. In these publications, you will find approaches for dismantling, removing, or reinstalling the bear bearing.

Exercise Precautions: Certain fundamental concerns exist when changing wheel bearings, as it involves working on parts integrated into your vehicle’s suspension and brake assembly. Take safety precautions such as using jack stands while working, wearing safety clothes, and correctly disposing of the old bearings.

Seek Professional Help: While it may save time and money, it is not always the answer. It is essential to understand the boundaries of self-service. Any difficulties that pop up along the way or lack of confidence in completing the repair should not be side-lined; the services of certified professional technicians who can change the wheel bearing are a better option. They have the skills, training, and tools to complete the car repair.

Remember, the above information is part of car maintenance basics and should not be considered a solution to professional issues. Consult more than one reliable source and consider this information before attempting to do a repair yourself. There may be other axle and CV joint system measurements pertinent to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know whether my wheel bearing is going bad?

A: Numerous indicators suggest a possibly faulty wheel bearing. One sound may be coming from the wheel, frequently resembling a grinding or growling sound. Other signs can include side play of the bearing or wheel wobble.

Q: Is it true that nothing can be done once a bearing s a stuffed?

A: The complete failure of a bearing damages the wheel hub and other associated components of a vehicle’s suspension. This may result in the wheel being completely detached, greatly increasing the driving risk.

Q: Does a faulty wheel bearing affect the tire’s wear and tear?

A: Yes, a faulty wheel bearing contributes to a wheel’s failing and placing odd pressure on the tire, irregular wear, shifting, and not lasting long. The reason behind all this occurring is that the bearing is defective.

Q: What do I do with bearing issues when verifying my email?

A: If you require information or a service that requires email verification, the procedure is as stated in the email. Generally, a verification link or code has to be entered so that your email is verified, which gives you access to additional areas about the bearing problem.

Q: How do I handle the situation if my wheel produces a sound?

A: A sound emanating from the wheel is a cause for concern, and you should get it checked without delay. The sound could result from a faulty wheel bearing, and if the sound is neglected, the damage may worsen, causing the bearing to break down completely.

Q: I think that my wheel bearing is no longer functional – Would I still be able to sit in the car?

A: It is never a good idea to sit in your car under the impression that the bearing suffers from wear and tear. A failing bearing should not be used, and assuming that it will function is unwise and can lead to dire consequences, especially when steering the car.

Q: Explain why a wheel bearing can cease to operate.

A: A wheel bearing can cease to operate for several reasons, including lack of lubricant, contamination from dirt or water, excessive heat, or, over time, wear and tear. However, these can be avoided with preventive maintenance.

Q: When should I be concerned about the growling or grinding noise?

A: In general, you may likely have a malfunctioning wheel bearing if a grinding or growling noise can be felt when engaged at any angle or when the bearing turns. With more turns applied around corners, this sound can be louder than usual when the bearing is stressed.

Q: What will happen if I don’t notice the warning signs of a malfunctioning wheel bearing?

A: If a person chooses to ignore what has been described as the warning signs of a bad wheel bearing, it could lead to the wheel bearing turning worse to the point of being completely dysfunctional. This can then damage the wheel hub, suspension components, and tires. This can make repairs quite expensive and create a hazard while driving.