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While regular maintenance is often our main concern when driving, there are some serious issues we can prevent by recognizing a few noticeable symptoms.
A wheel bearing is a crucial mechanical component located behind your car's rims. It ensures that the wheels roll smoothly and efficiently on the road. Without a wheel bearing, the friction from this rolling motion would generate an excessive amount of heat.
The functioning of a wheel bearing is quite simple. Imagine two rings, one larger than the other, with the smaller ring inside the larger one. Small steel balls are placed between these rings. When the inner ring remains stationary, the outer ring can move, rolling smoothly thanks to the steel balls in between.
Recognizing the symptoms of a failing wheel hub bearing can help prevent serious issues. Here are the key signs to watch for:
1. Noise: The most obvious symptom is a grinding sound while driving. This noise corresponds to the car's speed and changes in volume when cornering, depending on whether the defective bearing is on the inner or outer wheel. If you hear this, it's likely you have a bad wheel bearing.
2. Car Looseness: A worn-out bearing affects the tightness of the interconnected mechanisms, causing the car to feel loose or less stable.
3. Heat: Excessive friction from a faulty wheel bearing generates intense heat. This can be noticeable when you bring the car to a stop.
4. Steering Wheel Pulling: The friction from a worn-out bearing can cause one wheel to roll less freely, leading to the car pulling to one side without any steering input.
Recognizing signs of a worn-out car wheel bearing, such as grinding noise, vehicle instability, heat from the wheel, or steering pulling, is crucial. There's a simple test you can perform at home to detect a faulty wheel bearing. Use a jack to lift one wheel off the ground and try to move it. Listen for any grinding noises or feel for excessive resistance when spinning the wheel. It's important to conduct this test on the non-propulsion axle, as the differential can affect the results.
However, for a thorough and accurate assessment, it's advisable to have a professional mechanic inspect the wheel bearings. They have the expertise and proper tools to diagnose any issues correctly.
Replacing a malfunctioning hub bearing is necessary when it no longer functions properly. A common question is whether both wheel bearings need replacement if one fails. It's not obligatory to replace both simultaneously. If a wheel bearing fails prematurely, replacing only that bearing is sufficient, as the issue likely isn't related to the other bearing. However, for vehicles with considerable mileage, it's prudent to have both wheel bearings inspected. They may have similar wear and tear due to their mileage, potentially requiring replacement.
No, it can be very dangerous. The bearings can cause a severe problem if they malfunction. As we said before, extreme heat can be caused by friction, and this can cause a sudden seize of the bearing, causing the wheel to get blocked at whatever speed we are driving at that moment. There is a risk of an accident if we don’t take care of this issue.
You may find that the car wanders on the road, your tires may wear unevenly, the friction heat from the failed bearing could damage other parts of the car, and the wheel could actually separate from your car.
It's best to drive as few miles as possible with a faulty wheel bearing, as it can lead to potentially dangerous situations. If driving is unavoidable, it's advisable to travel at a slow speed to minimize friction and reduce the risk of further damage.
Wheel bearings, despite their simplicity, contain numerous moving parts. When these parts operate at high speeds, friction generates heat, which can be problematic. To address this issue, bearings are thoroughly lubricated internally, and seals are utilized to prevent contamination from entering. If a seal becomes worn or damaged, water, dust, or salt can infiltrate the bearing, hastening its deterioration. Therefore, it's essential to replace worn seals to maintain the integrity of the wheel bearing.
Shindary Automotive Parts Co., Ltd.
