A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls or tapers that are held together by a metal ring, called a “race”. These wheel bearings are prone to abuse, and your vehicle cannot properly function without these wheel bearings. So, be sure to keep an eye out for these symptoms of bad wheel bearings.
Strange Noises
When wheel bearings go bad, they’re prone to give off strange noises. If you hear humming, squealing, squeaking, growling, clicking, or any other type of strange noises coming from your vehicle, bad wheel bearings may be to blame. You might hear these noises when you turn, accelerate, shift gears, and more. Since strange noises can mean a variety of other problems with your car, it’s always good to have an experienced MD mechanic confirm that bad wheel bearings are to blame.
Vibrations
If your car is vibrating when you turn or change speeds, it can mean that your wheel bearings have gone bad, and it is time to replace them. Drivers often associate vibrations with bad brakes or a bad suspension system; however, if you notice other symptoms on the list, your wheel bearings may be to blame. An auto mechanic can confirm whether that is the case for your car.
Grinding
Your car should never grind while you drive. If it does, it can mean that there is extensive mechanical damage in your wheel’s system. Grinding when you shift gears or turn your vehicle is a good indicator that your wheel bearings have gone bad. If that is the case, immediately bring your car into an auto repair shop and have your wheel system inspected.
Pulling While Applying Brakes
Sometimes a vehicle will pull to one side once pressure is applied to the brakes. This is not normal. It can be an indication that your wheel bearings are failing. Since vehicles pulling to the side is dangerous and can lead to a variety of other problems, don’t delay having your car inspected by a mechanic and having your wheel bearings replaced.
A Trusted Auto Mechanic in MD Can Help
Are you experiencing any of these problems? The experts at Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions can help! We’ll get to the root cause of your car problems and only recommend solutions that are necessary for your vehicle. Click here to schedule an appointment.
