Worn wheel hub bearings need urgent attention but how can you tell if they are worn? In this post, we talk about the symptoms of worn wheel hub bearings. Some of these symptoms can cause other issues even before you realize what the main issue is. Problems can often be traced back to mechanical practices during the course of the installation or driving conditions. A well-known symptom is a noise. If you can hear a noise it may well be you have a bad wheel bearing or bad wheel hub bearing. Here are other ways you can detect if damage has occurred.
Ten Common Symptoms Of A Worn Hub Bearing
- Snapping, popping or clicking sounds. Sometimes as a result of poor clamping there may be an excess of beating end play but a more common issue may be a worn or damaged outer CV-Joint. In all of these scenarios, it is very likely you will hear these noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
- If you hear a grinding sound while the vehicle is in motion, it is very likely the wheel end system has already suffered some form of mechanical damage. Possibly, there may be roller damages or raceway indicating a lack of integrity with the bearings.
- When you can hear a knocking or clunking sound there may be a lot of play in the CV-Joints or U-Joints. WIth differential gears, it may even be the root of excessive backlash. This is not normally linked to the bearings and more often than not you will hear it when gear shifting and changing directions from drive to reverse or when you go from acceleration to coasting.
- If you can make out a humming growling or rumbling sound from your vehicle they are often associated with tires, electrical or drivetrain components. You may not only hear but also feel a vibration if it is somehow related to the bearings. You may notice it is worse when you turn the wheel a certain way – generally an indication the problem is on the other side than the side you are turning.
- Wheel vibrations and wobbles are often the symptoms of issues with the suspension, worn tires or other wheel components. There may also be a severe misalignment of the chassis of the car. As far as bearings go, it may be indicative of a lack of a clamp or a bearing that has suffered severe mechanical damage. It may also be caused by improperly tightened lug nuts. Additionally, it is worth making sure the car frame is not bent as this can be a further cause.
- When driving at constant speeds and you experience shimmering, shuddering or vibration it is not often a symptom of hub or bearing damage but can be caused by tires that are no longer round or balanced and it is also worth checking out the suspension for worn components.
- When you apply the brakes to your car and feel abnormal side pulling, it may be worn brakes or often a sign of a bad caliper or equalizer. This is often caused by a warped rotor not properly retracting from the caliper.
- If you have rotor wear or an uneven brake pad, it is most often a sign of a bad caliper or equalizer but it is not related to the bearing. As with abnormal side pulling, a frequent cause is a warped rotor from the caliper not retracting fully.
- If you notice abnormal or unusual tire wear, the most likely culprits are worn or damaged suspension components, misalignment, improper inflation or selection of tires. However, bearing where may be a cause of unusual tire wear if there is excessive looseness.
- The internal or external of the bearing assembly or hub may be a cause of ABS failure. In certain circumstances, the internal and external sensors can get damaged caused by a movement that is excessive because of excessive end-play. This would lead us to think the lack or loss of a bearing clamp may be an issue. This is often caused by break up or extreme damage of a mechanical nature. With auto designs where sensors are mounted on the external component, stones, corrosions and a myriad of other hazards may be the cause of the damage.
Schedule Wheel Hub Bearing Replacement And Repair In Scottsdale
In addition to being a full-service gas station, we employee ASE Certified mechanics that work on imports and domestic vehicles alike. When you need a worn wheel hub bearing repaired or replaced our team is here to help! Conveniently located in Scottsdale we can tend to nearly any vehicle repair or maintenance need. Stop by Bridwell Auto Center located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or by giving Bridwell Automotive Center a call today (480) 948-4781.
