Wheel bearings, which are attached to the wheels of your car, are a crucial aspect of your vehicle.
In short, they help your car tires to rotate. However, since they are a moving part, over time it is normal for wheel bearings to sustain wear and tear or become lose and weak.
It is at this stage that you will notice some of the symptoms of wheel bearing damage, namely – grinding noises, uneven tire wear, and vibrating steering wheel.
The best way to deal with wheel bearing issues is by simply replacing the worn out or damaged wheel bearings.
Wheel Bearing Damage – Signs to Watch Out For
The wheels of your car are attached to a hub which in turn seats a set of wheel bearings which are lubricated to ensure that the wheels can rotate easily without excess heat production.
Constant movement of the wheel bearings can lead to damage via friction due to excessive heat or from debris which enters the wheel bearings.
Both reasons can easily impact the condition and performance of the wheel bearings. And while the wheel bearings are sealed to optimal performance levels, they can become loose, or sustain normal wear and need to be replaced.
If the wheel bearings break, then it can lead to the wheels falling off the car at high speeds! You can however, avoid this by watching out for the following signs of wheel bearing damage.
Uneven Tire Wear
While there are several reasons for uneven tire wear, worn out wheel bearings are among the most common.
- It is not common for wheel bearings to display similar wear and tear levels.
- More wear on any one of the tires could indicate an issue with the wheel bearing on that wheel.
- Wheel bearings need to be replaced as a set which means the wheel bearings will have to be replaced at the same time for wheels on the same axle.
Steering Wheel Vibrations
Another common indication of worn out wheel bearings is when you notice a vibration in the steering wheel.
- The vibration will be greater when the car is running at low speeds.
- However, the vibration will tend to get worse as the car picks up speed.
- While the steering tends to vibrate when there is tire wear, the difference is that when the vibration in the steering is caused by tire wear, the vibration is usually felt at high speeds.
- A vibrating steering wheel is a high-risk condition since it impacts the response time of the car.
Loud Grinding Noise Generating from the Wheel
If you notice a loud grinding noise coming from the wheel area, chances are it is being caused by damaged wheel bearings.
- Wheel bearing damage is often caused by excess heat, which is generated inside the wheel bearing because of lost lubricity.
- The noise may sound like metal grinding on metal.
- In most cases, the loud grinding noise will be generated from one wheel.
- As the car picks up speed, you will notice the noise getting louder.
- It is best to contact a proven mechanic as soon as possible for faster resolution of the problem.
If you notice a problem, don’t wait till the wheel bearing breaks completely to address the issue since without the wheel bearing to keep it securely in place, the wheel can easily come off. The danger and risks of this happening on busy roads should be a strong consideration for you to act immediately.
Don’t Take that Type of Risk
If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned signs with your car, chances are you are looking at wheel bearing damage. Driving with worn out wheel bearings is dangerous, and the risk factor increases as the wear or damage level of the wheel bearings increases.
Consult with a professional mechanic as soon as possible if you notice any of the above symptoms. The best course of action would be to have the wheel bearings replaced.
Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!
Are you facing any of the above-mentioned issues with your car? Is your wheel bearing worn out or damaged?
If yes, then don’t wait. Give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online to have the issue fixed as soon as possible.