When is it time to change your wheel bearings?
If you notice a humming or whirring noise while you are driving or your ABS light turns on, it may be time to change your bearings. You can save money by changing your own wheel bearings rather than going to a mechanic, but if you do so, use caution — the bearings may be small, but they’re very important.
Where are the bearings located in the wheel?
Usually located in the wheel’s hub, rotor, or brake drum, bearings help the wheel rotate smoothly when the vehicle moves. If you notice a humming or whirring noise while you are driving or your ABS light turns on, it may be time to change your bearings.
What causes wheel end bearings to wear out?
Also, re-using the old accessories such as bolts, nuts, circlips, split pins, seals,… instead of replacing them with new ones can cause the wheel end bearing to operate under abnormal or unsafe conditions, increasing wheel end bearing wear and risk of a car accident.
What’s the best way to change brake bearings?
You’ll probably need to use a wrench (and/or a hammer) to remove the end of the hub and any anti-lock brake wheel that may be part of your hub. Then, you may need to use a specialized “puller” tool to remove the central bolt. The bearing assembly should come apart easily.
How long does it take to change wheel bearings?
On most vehicles, your technician must remove the tire, rotor and hub to access the bearing mounting point. After placing the hub in the press, it takes several minutes to change the wheel bearings. Your new bearings must also be pressed into the hub to seat their rear surface at the correct point.
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.
Can a double row 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. What is the average life of a wheel bearing? As we mentioned, in many cars wheel bearings can last the lifetime of a vehicle.
Where does a wheel bearing go in a car?
In many cars a wheel bearing comes together with a hub as an assembly. Tapered roller bearings like this one come in pairs, one larger bearing, one smaller bearing. It bolts to the steering knuckle or spindle.