How important are hub bearings?
Wheel bearings are essential in the operation of your vehicle. More precisely, a wheel bearing is crucial for the proper function of the hub, tire and wheel assemblies to work together. The wheel bearing allows friction-free movement and rotation of the hub assembly, and thereby provides smooth tire and wheel rotation.
What happens when wheel bearings start to wear out?
They are engineered to last a very long time, but eventually, they will lose their lubricity, wear out, and need to be replaced. They can even become loose from wear inside the wheel hub assembly. If they break entirely, it can cause a wheel/tire combination to fall off the car while at speed, leading to a very unsafe driving situation.
What happens when a wheel hub assembly goes bad?
Typically when a wheel hub assembly goes bad it’s actually the wheel bearing inside the single assembly that is damaged. This part will make a roaring sound, similar to a metal-to-metal grinding sound when the bearing is wearing out.
Where can I buy wheel bearings for my Mercedes Benz?
Part of it because of the parts themselves. If you buy the wheel bearing from a dealership or local auto parts you will pay a lot more than what you will if you buy a wheel bearing online. Some wheel bearings online can be purchased for under $40.
Can a wheel bearing be removed from a front wheel drive car?
There are a lot of parts to remove and get out of the way before you can get to the wheel bearing, especially on a four-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive vehicle. It’s a difficult job to do yourself without a press, because it’s a tight fit getting the bearing in and out of the hub.
Where are the wheel bearings on a car?
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together in a metal ring, called a race. At the center of your wheels, there is a hollow piece of metal, called a hub.
Why are the bearings on my steering wheel worn out?
Axial or radial play in the wheel or wheel hub. Should the wheel hub move up and down or in and out, the bearing may be worn. Vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body and/or wandering.
Typically when a wheel hub assembly goes bad it’s actually the wheel bearing inside the single assembly that is damaged. This part will make a roaring sound, similar to a metal-to-metal grinding sound when the bearing is wearing out.
Why are my wheel bearings worn out on my CTS?
Should the wheel hub move up and down or in and out, the bearing may be worn. Vibration in the steering wheel or vehicle body and/or wandering. Vibration and lack of directional stability could be consequences of loose or worn out wheel bearings. Tire and wheel assembly does not turn smoothly.