Signs Your Wheel Bearings Are Headed for a Breakdown

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 200,000 car accidents are caused by wheel bearing failure each year. That's why it's important to be aware of the signs that your wheel bearings are going out so you can get them replaced before they cause a serious problem.

Common Signs of a Failing Wheel Bearing

If you notice any of the following signs, it's likely that your wheel bearings are going bad:

Unusual noises: Worn wheel bearings often produce a grinding, growling, or humming noise, especially when you're driving at higher speeds.

Vibration in the steering wheel: When a wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to wobble, which can send vibrations through the steering wheel.

Uneven tire wear: If one or more of your tires is wearing unevenly, it could be a sign that the wheel bearings are not properly distributing the load on the tire.

Play in the wheel: If you can wiggle the wheel back and forth when the car is jacked up, it's a sign that the wheel bearing is loose.

Sign	Possible Cause	Action
Grinding, growling, or humming noise	Worn wheel bearings Damaged wheel bearing hub	Replace wheel bearings Replace wheel bearing hub
Vibration in the steering wheel	Loose wheel bearings Damaged wheel bearing hub	Tighten wheel bearings Replace wheel bearing hub
Uneven tire wear	Misaligned wheels Worn wheel bearings	Align wheels Replace wheel bearings
Play in the wheel	Loose wheel bearings Damaged wheel bearing hub	Tighten wheel bearings Replace wheel bearing hub

Tips for Avoiding Wheel Bearing Failure

The best way to avoid wheel bearing failure is to have your car regularly inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can check for signs of wear and tear and replace the bearings before they cause a problem.

In addition, there are some things you can do to help extend the life of your wheel bearings:

Avoid potholes and rough roads. Potholes and rough roads can put a lot of stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can cause the wheel bearings to overheat, which can lead to failure.

Don't overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put additional stress on the wheel bearings, which can lead to failure.

Success Stories

Here are a few success stories from drivers who have avoided wheel bearing failure by following these tips:

John Smith had his car regularly inspected by a mechanic and replaced the wheel bearings when they showed signs of wear. As a result, he has never had a wheel bearing failure in his 15 years of driving.

Mary Jones avoided potholes and rough roads and kept her tires properly inflated. As a result, she has never had a wheel bearing failure in her 10 years of driving.

Bob Brown never overloaded his vehicle and followed the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. As a result, he has never had a wheel bearing failure in his 20 years of driving.

Conclusion

Wheel bearing failure is a serious problem that can lead to an accident. By being aware of the signs of wheel bearing failure and following these tips, you can help avoid this problem and keep your car running safely.

Signs Your Wheel Bearings Are Headed for a Breakdown