If you are hearing a strange, unusual noise coming from your car while you’re driving, it’s possible you may be experiencing wheel bearing malfunction. Wheel bearings are safety-critical components that are designed to sustain axial and radial loads caused by breaking, accelerating, and cornering. A crucial part of your vehicle’s good functioning, problems with wheel bearings need to be addressed quickly to prevent further damage.
Wheel bearings are sets of steel balls or tapers held together by a metal ring. They enable the wheels to rotate smoothly with minimal friction. At the center of a vehicle’s wheels are hollow pieces of metal called hubs. Wheel bearings fit tightly within the hubs and ride on metal axle shafts, which helps to reduce friction when wheels spin.
Wheel bearings are different from engine bearings in that there is no constant source of lubrication. This means that wheel bearings need to be tight in order to keep away debris, water, and dust. Additionally, they support the entire vehicle’s weight while it is operation, which is the reason they are subject to a lot of wear and tear.
There are a number of reasons wheel bearings might fail. The following are some common causes for wheel bearing failure.
Frequently driving through mud, water, or road salt can cause wheel bearing malfunction. Contaminants can get past the seals and enter the bearings, which pollutes the grease and damages the bearings.
As with any car part, the quality of the wheel bearing makes a big difference in terms of how long it will last. Bearings are precision products, and therefore need complex manufacturing processes. Low-quality steel often has poor heat-treating that can spall and wear prematurely and contain hard or soft metal that leads to failure. It is important to consult with a trusted auto mechanic to ensure your car is outfitting with strong, durable wheel bearings.
The more frequently you drive on uneven terrains, the more likely it is that your wheel bearings will become damaged and worn. Over time, the steel balls will develop damaged areas that will limit their ability to reduce friction for wheels. At that point, taking your car to an auto repair shop is necessary.
The simplest errors, such as using the wrong tools, can cause damage to the exterior or interior of the wheel end bearing. This causes the wheel bearing to fail prematurely. Reusing older accessories, such as nuts, bolts, splint pins, and seals, can also cause wheel end bearings to operate unsafely, which increases the risk of an accident.
It is critical for any good car maintenance routine to make sure your vehicle’s tires are balanced. Otherwise, some wheel bearings will endure more pressure and stress than others, leading to damage. Take your car in to a car garage and have a car mechanic take a look if you suspect your tires are imbalanced.
An automobile accident can cause damage to any part of a vehicle, including wheel bearings. An impact that even slightly dents them can cause malfunction. Potholes, speed bumps, and even hitting curbs can cause damage to wheel bearings that can be diagnosed by an auto mechanic.
Wheel bearings are a critical part of vehicle performance. They are important to the healthy function of any vehicle in that they help the wheel rotate smoothly. Additionally, wheel bearings are necessary for decreased friction caused by various other parts of the drivetrain system. When they become damaged or need to be replaced, serious problems can occur that can ultimately be very costly. Further, when wheel bearings are not replaced by a trained auto mechanic using the proper tools, damage can become even more severe.
Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 85,000 to 100,000 miles. If you notice unusual noises, such as humming, growling, or rumbling noises that increase with acceleration, it is important to have your car examined by an auto repair technician as soon as possible. You might start to hear a howling sound during acceleration and deceleration, which can signal problems with gears and differential pinion bearing preload. Accompanied by a rumbling sound, this could mean the bearings are failing to support the gears sufficiently.
Looseness, vague steering or steering wheel vibration, and ABS system malfunctioning can also be signs of problems with your wheel bearings. Driving with worn wheel bearings can cause serious damage to your drive-axle and steering assembly and ultimately be a major safety hazard. Driving on a bad wheel bearing puts stress on the hub and CV joint, brake system components, and ultimately on the transmission itself. Replacing wheel bearings is somewhat complicated, so it requires professional assistance.
If you are in need of wheel bearing replacement in Baltimore, Maryland or the surrounding areas, call Hollenshade’s today at 410-983-6265 or fill out our quick form and someone will reach out to you within 24 hours. We offer a wide range of comprehensive auto mechanic services as well as ongoing vehicle maintenance and repair.
A wheel hub assembly, also known as a wheel bearing assembly or hub unit, is a pre-assembled unit that combines the wheel hub, bearings, and other components into a single assembly. Here are some of the features and characteristics of a wheel hub assembly:
1. Integration:
A wheel hub assembly integrates multiple components into a single unit, including the wheel hub, bearings, seals, and sometimes ABS sensors or magnetic encoders.
2. Pre-Pressed Bearings:
Wheel hub assemblies come with pre-pressed bearings, which eliminates the need for separate bearing installation. This saves time and ensures proper bearing alignment and seating.
3. Sealed Design:
Most wheel hub assemblies feature a sealed design to protect the bearings from contaminants such as dirt, water, and debris. The seals help to maintain proper lubrication and enhance the lifespan of the bearings.
4. ABS Sensor Integration:
Many wheel hub assemblies have provisions for mounting ABS sensors. These sensors provide wheel speed information to the vehicle's anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS), and other safety systems.
5. Bolt Pattern and Mounting Flange:
Wheel hub assemblies have bolt patterns or mounting flanges that allow the attachment of the wheel to the assembly. These flanges provide the necessary interface for securing the wheel using lug nuts or bolts.
6. Durability and Performance:
Wheel hub assemblies are manufactured using high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and performance. They are designed to withstand the loads, forces, and operating conditions experienced in automotive applications.
7. Easy Installation:
Wheel hub assemblies are designed for easy installation because they are pre-assembled and ready to be mounted onto the vehicle's axle. This simplifies the installation process and reduces the chance of incorrect assembly.
8. OEM Fitment:
Wheel hub assemblies are available in various configurations to fit specific vehicle models and applications. They are designed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications, ensuring proper fitment and performance.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and proper installation procedures when selecting and replacing a wheel hub assembly. This ensures compatibility, optimal performance, and the safety of the vehicle.