Roaring noises, by definition, are usually pretty frightening whether they’re coming from a lion or from your vehicle. Though there are many reasons why your vehicle could be making strange sounds, a roaring from your wheel could mean that something is wrong with your wheel bearing. For the most part, wheel bearings last for a long time and rarely run into issues over the course of your vehicle’s life. That being said, it can still happen, and here’s what you need to know when it does.
What is a Wheel Bearing?
Within the mechanisms that keep your tires in place, you will find a small ring of steel balls encased in a steel ring that is called a race. This component, known as a wheel bearing, works to reduce friction and keep the tires spinning smoothly. These little powerhouses are built to handle the entire weight of your vehicle as well as the lateral pressure of your tires while you’re driving down the road. Your wheel bearings can, however, break down over time. They can also run into trouble if dirt or moisture from the road seeps into their inner workings.
How Do You Know a Wheel Bearing Has Gone Bad?
A bad wheel bearing tends to put on quite a show, so don’t worry; it won’t be hard to miss. You may hear roaring sounds coming from your wheel and though those sounds may seem like excessive road noise, it’s best to get it checked out. Additionally, your vehicle is going to shake. It’s going to feel like you’ve replaced all of your seats with massage chairs. You may also notice that your tires are wearing down very unevenly. All this being said, some of these symptoms may be pointing to another problem in your vehicle like your suspension. Either way, you should definitely get it checked out before it’s too late.
What Can You Do to Solve This?
At first, the sound coming from your wheel bearing is going to be faint. However, over time this sound is only going to get worse and worse until it becomes a huge roar. The shaking and impending danger will also escalate over time. Though it may not seem like a problem that needs your immediate attention, it will become more and more dangerous the longer you put it off. So, don’t leave your future to chance!
Bring Your Vehicle Into Ken’s Automotive and Transmissions
Whether you’ve got a busted wheel bearing or you just need an oil change, bring your vehicle into Ken’s Automotive and Transmissions. We’ll make sure that you drive away with confidence knowing that you’re safe on the road. To learn more, contact us today with your questions and to set up an appointment. We look forward to putting your mind at ease.
