Your wheel bearings have a simple job, but it is a heavy one. Aside from supporting the weight of the vehicle, they also help your wheels to rotate smoothly. With that much pressure and movement, it is not surprising that wheel bearings can wear out over time. The sooner you notice the signs of wear, the easier it is to have the issue checked before it becomes more serious.
What does Wheel Bearing Noise Sound Like?
Determining if you have a failed wheel bearing in your car can be difficult. This is especially because the sound can be very close to excessive road noise. In some cases, it may seem like you are dealing with worn tyres when the real issue is a bad wheel bearing. Suspension parts can also create noise around the wheels. This is why wheel bearing noise diagnosis can be harder without a proper inspection. Below are the most common sounds you should watch out for.
Humming, rumbling or roaring noise
A humming sound is one of the most common wheel bearing noise symptoms. This sound can become more noticeable when you are driving on smoother roads. At first, it's easy to mistake the sound for just a simple tyre road noise. But when the bearing continues to wear further, that hum can turn into a rumbling noise. There may also be a roaring sound at higher speeds. If the sound persists during regular driving, it is best to have a professional inspect it.
Grinding or growling noise
A grinding or growling noise can be a sign that the bearing is already badly worn. Compared to a steady hum, this sound is usually harsher. As a result, the wheel area may sound harsher while the car is moving. However, grinding is not always caused by a wheel bearing. Wheel bearing noise vs. brake noise can be hard to distinguish because both can come from roughly the same area of the vehicle. If the sound only appears when you brake, the braking system may be involved. But if it continues, the wheel bearing may need to be checked.
Noise that gets louder with speed
A failing wheel bearing commonly makes a sound that becomes louder as your speed increases. To some drivers, it sounds like a low aeroplane-style drone. To others, it may sound closer to a rough grinding noise. When this thing happens, the wheel bearing is more likely to be the issue. In fact, many bad bearings actually start as a sound before you can actually feel anything different.
Common Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing
Since we already talked about the earlier sounds, such as a humming or rumbling noise from the wheel areas, it also helps to look at how the car behaves. Bad bearing does not always stop at noise. Others are easier to notice in the car's parts or in the way it sits on the road.
- Steering Wheel or Floorboard Vibration: A light vibration may start to come through the steering wheel or floorboards when a wheel bearing is failing. As speed increases, it may become more obvious plus develop into a stronger wobble.
- Loose Steering: Loose steering can be a serious warning sign of a bad wheel bearing. When the bearing degrades, the wheel hub and assembly may develop too much play. As such, it may allow the wheel to wobble.
- ABS or Traction Control Lights: In some vehicles, the wheel-speed sensor is built into the wheel-hub assembly. When that happens, ABS or traction control lights may appear on the dashboard.
- Brake Issues: While driving, the car may pull to one side if the bearing is causing the wheel to move. In some cases, a different brake pedal feel can also occur when bearing movement affects the brake rotor.
- Excessive Heat: A failing wheel bearing can create noticeable heat around the affected wheel hub. As the bearing wears down, the grease inside can break down too. This increases friction, so it creates more heat around the wheel hub.
How To Diagnose Wheel Bearing Noise While Driving
Sound is one way your vehicle can tell you something is wrong. Thus, to diagnose it safely while driving, pay attention without changing how you normally drive.
It can help to drive on a quiet road with the radio turned down. From there, listen for the noise to appear. You should also pay attention to when it eases and how it reacts as your speed changes. This is a simple step in understanding how to check wheel bearings before having the wheel area properly inspected.
How To Determine Which Wheel Bearing Is Bad
To work out which bearing is bad, try to listen for a humming or growling noise that changes with road speed. Front wheel bearing noise can sometimes travel through the steering wheel. From inside the car, the rear wheel bearing noise can be harder to locate.
How To Check Wheel Bearing Noise Without Lifting The Car
Tyre noise often changes depending on the road surface but wheel bearing noise usually has a more constant tone that follows the speed of the vehicle. If the noise appears mostly while braking, the brakes may be involved. If that sound that continues as the car rolls may point closer to the bearing.
When Should You Visit Tyrepower?
If your wheel is starting to sound like it has its own soundtrack, it is time to visit Tyrepower. Let your local Tyrepower team perform a diagnosis. We'll help identify the issue before guiding you on the best next step for repair or wheel bearing replacement.
FAQ
Does wheel bearing noise get louder with speed?
Yes, a worn wheel bearing often becomes noisier as the car gains speed. When the noise rises with the movement of the car instead of the engine revs, the bearing may need attention.
Is wheel bearing noise dangerous?
Yes, a noisy wheel bearing can be dangerous, so it should not be ignored. Once a bearing starts to fail, the damage can progress. Worse, it may put extra strain on the wheel assembly when at higher speeds.
Is it safe to drive with a wheel bearing noise?
Driving with a mild wheel bearing noise may be possible for a short time. However, this is not something you can just ignore. This is because once the bearing starts making noise, it may already be wearing internally.
Should I replace one wheel bearing or both?
In most cases, only the faulty wheel bearing needs to be replaced. Unlike tyres or brakes, wheel bearings wear separately. As such, one side can still be in good condition even if the other needs replacing.
