Symptoms:
* Noise: This is the most common symptom. You'll hear a humming, rumbling, growling, or grinding noise, especially at higher speeds or when turning. The noise often increases with speed and may change pitch or intensity depending on the direction of travel or turning. It will usually come from the area of the affected wheel. Pay close attention to if the sound changes or goes away when braking.
* Vibration: You might feel a vibration in the steering wheel, the floorboard, or the seat, particularly at higher speeds. This vibration often accompanies the noise.
* Wobble or Play: If you grab the top and bottom of the tire and try to shake it, you should feel very little movement. Excessive play or wobble indicates a problem with the wheel bearing or other suspension components. However, it's tricky to diagnose bearings this way without jacking up the car and removing other forces acting on the wheel.
* Steering Pull: In some cases, a bad wheel bearing might cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
* Rough or Uneven Handling: The car might feel less responsive to steering inputs or exhibit a general instability.
Important Considerations:
* Other potential causes: Sounds similar to a bad wheel bearing can be caused by other issues like unbalanced tires, worn tires, a damaged CV joint, a failing tire, or a bad wheel hub.
* Professional Diagnosis: If you're unsure, it's best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem. Misdiagnosing and delaying a wheel bearing repair can be dangerous, leading to complete bearing failure and potential damage to other parts. A professional mechanic will use specialized tools to check for play in the bearings and accurately identify the source of the noise.
What NOT to rely on:
* Visual inspection alone: You likely won't see any obvious damage to a wheel bearing without removing it.
In short: If you hear unusual noises emanating from your wheels, especially at higher speeds, feel vibrations, or notice any handling issues, it's crucial to get your car inspected by a professional. Don't delay, as a failed wheel bearing can lead to a loss of control and a serious accident.
