Wheel Bearing Failing: All You Need to Know and How to Fix It

Wheel bearings are an essential part of your car's suspension system. They allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and reduce friction while driving. When wheel bearings fail, it can lead to serious problems, such as loss of control, increased tire wear, and even accidents.

Signs of Wheel Bearing Failure

Unusual noises: A grinding or growling noise that increases with speed is a common sign of wheel bearing failure.

Vibration: You may feel vibrations in the steering wheel, floorboard, or seat of your car at certain speeds.

Difficulty steering: If your car starts to pull to one side while driving, it could be a sign of wheel bearing failure.

Uneven tire wear: Wheel bearing failure can cause uneven tire wear on the affected side of your car.

Symptom	Possible Cause
Grinding or growling noise	Wheel bearing failure
Vibration	Wheel bearing failure, unbalanced tires
Difficulty steering	Wheel bearing failure, suspension problems
Uneven tire wear	Wheel bearing failure, misalignment

Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure

Wheel bearings can fail for a variety of reasons, including:

Wear and tear: Wheel bearings are exposed to a lot of stress and friction, which can eventually lead to wear and failure.

Contamination: Dirt, water, and other contaminants can get into the wheel bearing and cause it to fail.

Lack of lubrication: Wheel bearings need to be properly lubricated to function properly. If they are not lubricated properly, they can fail prematurely.

Cause	Possible Solution
Wear and tear	Replace the wheel bearing
Contamination	Clean and lubricate the wheel bearing
Lack of lubrication	Lubricate the wheel bearing

Cost of Repairing Wheel Bearings

The cost of repairing wheel bearings can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the extent of the damage. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for the repair.

Success Stories

A 2016 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that wheel bearing failure was a contributing factor in over 2,000 crashes in the United States in 2015.

A 2017 study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that wheel bearing failure was the fifth most common type of car repair in the United States.

A 2018 study by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) found that the average cost of repairing wheel bearings was $350.

FAQs About Wheel Bearing Failure

How can I tell if my wheel bearings are failing?

The most common signs of wheel bearing failure are unusual noises, vibration, difficulty steering, and uneven tire wear.

What causes wheel bearings to fail?

Wheel bearings can fail due to wear and tear, contamination, and lack of lubrication.

How much does it cost to repair wheel bearings?

The cost of repairing wheel bearings can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the extent of the damage. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 for the repair.

Wheel Bearing Failing: All You Need to Know and How to Fix It