When is it time to replace your wheel bearings?
But like any other mechanical part of your vehicle (especially ones that rotate, rub and roll), wheel bearings will give way to wear and tear. To know when it’s time for your wheel bearings to get looked at by an automotive professional, here are five tell-tale signs that your wheel bearings need replacement.
Why are wheel bearings important to a car?
And often, one of the most crucial parts of the drive-axle and steering assembly that’s overlooked, are the wheel bearings. Nevertheless, wheel bearings are not only important in promoting efficient wheel rotation, but they also help keep the wheels on your vehicle while supporting the weight of your vehicle.
How can you tell if your wheel bearings are bad?
The sounds you hear can differentiate at certain speeds, getting louder or disappearing as your vehicle accelerates or decelerates. Another immediate and easily recognizable sign of faulty wheel bearings is uneven tire wear.
Can a wheel nut be replaced at home?
Replacing wheel bearings is a job that can be done at home by competent DIYers with the right tools but in most cases it’s a job best left to the pro’s. You’ll often find that hub nuts will be seized solid and even the longest breaker bar won’t release them.
When do you need to change your wheel bearings?
If you hear a moaning or humming sound while you are driving, it is likely that one of your vehicle’s wheel bearings is starting to fail. Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some speciality mechanic tools.
Where to put wheel chocks when changing wheel bearings?
For example, you would place wheel chocks behind the rear tires if you are fixing a front wheel bearing and behind the front tires if you are working on a rear wheel. Loosen the lug nuts and lift the wheel using a jack. For proper access to the internal components of the wheel whose bearings you’re replacing, you’ll need to elevate the wheel.
When do I need to replace my front wheel?
However, if these surfaces are badly pockmarked or gouged, the inner bearing rings may not sit firmly on them, allowing the entire bearing to wobble. If that is the case, and if, after replacing the bearings and adjusting them, there is still substantial play in the wheel, the entire strut housing may need to be replaced.
Is it bad if only one wheel bearing is bad?
Yes, if only one wheel bearing is bad, only that bearing needs to be replaced. There is no need to replace a good wheel bearing as a precaution. Can a wheel bearing be greased? Only tapered roller wheel bearings can be greased. A double row ball bearing found in most cars is sealed for life and can only be replaced if bad.