Wheel bearings: wear signs and when to act
Wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and stay precisely aligned. As they wear, noise and vibration develop gradually. Catching it early can prevent more expensive damage.
Common symptoms
- Constant humming or growling that changes with speed
- Noise changes when turning left or right
- Vibration felt through the steering wheel or floor
- Uneven tire wear
Tip: if the noise gets louder when turning one way, the faulty bearing is often on the opposite side.
What accelerates wear
- High mileage and rough roads
- Incorrect wheel bolt torque
- Water and dirt ingress through damaged seals
- Incorrect bearing/hub installation
Don’t ignore
- Noise that keeps getting louder
- ABS warnings (on some cars the sensor is integrated)
- Overheating hub after driving
Why delaying is a bad idea
- Can damage the hub
- Affects braking and ABS performance
- In extreme cases, wheel play can develop
Log bearing replacements (date + mileage)
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