Can a wheel bearing be installed wrong?
It’s highly unlikely that the installation of a wheel bearing causes mechanical damage that the mechanic has listed above. It is possible that an improperly installed wheel bearing, or a faulty wheel bearing could cause this type of damage.
What happens if you put a wheel bearing in backwards?
You put the bearing in backwards. It can be installed either way, however there is only one correct way. There is a magnetic pickup inside of the bearing only on one side. It will set wheel speed sensor faults because the sensor cannot pick up the trigger wheel due to it being in backwards.
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 do wheel bearings come from and what do they do?
Most wheel bearings manufactured today are sealed. They come from the factory pressed together as an assembly: front race, bearing set, center race, bearing set, and outer race, with seals on both the front and rear. Seals protect bearings from the elements, water, and debris, and they also seal in the high-temperature grease the bearing needs.
How often do wheel bearings need to be replaced?
As we mentioned, in many cars wheel bearings can last the lifetime of a vehicle. In our experience, a vehicle might need one wheel bearing replaced within 150,000 miles. To make the wheel bearings last longer, watch out for potholes and drive slower over speed bumps.
What should I do if my wheel bearing is making a noise?
Do not drive crazy or cause the car to spin out, just sway it gently. Notice whether the noise gets louder or softer. If the noise is a little less if you turn right, the damaged bearing may be on the right side, or vice versa. Note that tires that are “chopped” or “scalloped” (worn in patches) also make a rhythmic noise that increases in speed.