Signs of a worn wheel hu
b bearing vary in severity. Some may be difficult to detect, which can lead to damage before corrective action can be taken. The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving conditions and/or the mechanical practices that were followed at installation. Noise is a classic sign of a bad wheel bearing or wheel hub bearing. There are many indicators of a worn wheel hub bearing or other wheel-end damage. Listed below are some of the most common indicators to be aware of to avoid damage.
Snapping, Clicking or Popping
This can indicate a worn or damaged outer CV-joint. However, it also can be related to excessive bearing endplay, usually associated with inadequate clamping. This noise is typically heard when cornering or making sharp turns.
Grinding When the Vehicle is in Motion
Typically, this means there is mechanical damage in a wheel-end system. Related to a bearing, it means a loss of integrity such as roller or raceway damage. The noise is normally heard when turning or when there is a shift in load.
Knocking or Clunking
This can signal excessive play in the CV-joints or U-joints. It also can be caused by excessive backlash in the differential gears. This is not generally associated with bearings and is normally heard either when shifting from changing directions, such as from forward to reverse or transitioning from accelerating to coasting.
Humming, Rumbling or Growling
These noises are normally associated with tire, electrical or drivetrain components. If bearing-related, the noise or vibration is present when driving in a straight line, but intensifies when turning the steering wheel slightly to the left or right. Typically, the side opposite the rumbling is the defective side.
Wheel Vibration and/or Wobble
This is generally associated with a damaged or worn tire, wheel or suspension component or severe chassis misalignment. When related to the hub or bearing, this normally indicates the loss of clamp or a bearing with extreme mechanical damage. It also can occur when lug nuts are not properly torqued.
Shudder, Shimmy or Vibration at a Constant Speed
This is normally associated with worn or damaged suspension components or tires that are out-of-balance or out-of-round. It is not normally indicative of hub or bearing damage.
Abnormal Side Pull When Brakes are Applied
This is normally indicative of a defective caliper or equalizer, but it also can be a sign of worn brakes or rotors. However, severe looseness related to a bearing can also cause excessive runout, which may cause the brakes to pulsate or pull. The most common cause is a warped rotor due to the caliper not retracting.
Uneven Rotor or Brake Pad Wear
This is normally indicative of a bad caliper and/or a bad equalizer, which is not bearing-related. Severe looseness related to a worn or damaged bearing can cause excessive run out, which can cause uneven wear on the brake pads and/or rotor. The most common cause is a warped rotor due to the caliper not retracting.
Abnormal or Uneven Tire Wear
There are many causes of abnormal tire wear. The most common causes are worn or damaged suspension components, misalignment, improper inflation or tire selection. While extreme bearing wear or looseness can cause abnormal tire wear, it is typically related to other failure modes.
ABS Failure (which could be internal or external to the bearing or hub bearing assembly)
In extreme cases, internal and external sensors can be damaged from excessive movement caused by too much end-play. This indicates a lack or loss of bearing clamp. This normally results from severe mechanical break up or damage. Additionally, in designs where the sensor is mounted externally, sensor damage can result from corrosion, stones and other hazards.
If you are experiencing any of these indicators, you should look into replacing your wheel hub bearings. A simple part repair/replacement could help you avoid costly damage in the long run.