Why are my wheel bearings making strange noises?
Having said that, although noises from bad hub assemblies and/or wheel bearings come from the area of your wheels, not all strange sounds from the area of your wheels is assembly- or bearing-related. They could indicate a problem with your brakes or CV joints.
Do you need to replace wheel assembly and bearings?
You should replace your hub assembly and wheel bearings. Here’s how to replace wheel bearings. Even if only one side is bad, it makes sense to replace them in pairs.
When to replace a wheel bearing on a Honda Accord?
Once you have figured out which wheel bearing is damaged, it’s time to replace it. Almost all wheel bearings in today’s cars are removed the same way, but I will be using pictures from a 1999 Honda Accord to illustrate the process and walk you through it step by step.
When to check your hub assembly and wheel bearings?
Still, be sure to check your hub assembly and wheel bearings if you hear: Clicking, rumbling or groaning noise, especially when turning (this is different from the ratcheting noise heard when a front-wheel-drive vehicle’s CV joints are about to fail)
How do I know if I need new wheel bearings?
Wheel Wobble Technicians can check for wheel wobble by putting the vehicle on a lift and manually checking for wheel movement. Normally, it would be impossible to shake the wheel and tire. However, if it moves, the hub assembly needs immediate attention.
What happens to the bearings when you remove them?
This process of “loading” the bearings creates microscopic dents on the bearing races (both inner and outer) and on the balls themselves. While the bearing may feel OK after removal, these microscopic dents will come back to haunt you later. The technical term for these “dents” is called brinneling.
What causes a wheel bearing to make noise?
Seals protect bearings from the elements, water, and debris, and they also seal in the high-temperature grease the bearing needs. When a seal is broken or damaged, the wheel bearing will fail and start making noise.
Is it expensive to replace a wheel bearing?
Replacing one is a bit expensive because of the labor involved. 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.