The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise . You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.
How do you check rear wheel bearings?
- Jack the rear wheel up. ...
- Hold the wheel with one hand at the 12 o’clock position and with the other hand at the 6 o’clock position.
- Rotate the tire counterclockwise. ...
- With your hands in the same position, rock the tire back and forth with moderate force.
What are the symptoms of a bad rear wheel bearing?
- A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns.
- A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.
- Clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.
How do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?
- Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. ...
- Squealing, Growling. ...
- Clicking Sound. ...
- Wheel Wobble. ...
- ABS Failure. ...
- Uneven Tire Wear. ...
- Vehicle Pulls to One Side. ...
- Steering Wheel Vibration.
What kind of sound does a bad wheel bearing make?
The most common symptom of a bad wheel hub assembly or wheel bearing is a rumbling, squealing, growling or chirping noise coming from the wheel or tire area of your car.
How do you know if your rear end is going out?
Typically, when the gears wear out — or the bearings fail — the differential will start to howl . You’ll hear something that sounds like a deep whistling sound that goes up and down in pitch as you go faster and slower. Sometimes it’ll go away when you step on the gas.
How much does it cost to fix a rear wheel bearing?
The cost of a complete rear wheel bearing replacement will be somewhere in area of $240 to $460 . Parts will on average be between $100 and $180. The labor costs will be around $140 to $280.
What happens if rear wheel bearing fails?
If a wheel bearing goes bad, more friction will be placed on the wheel, and the wheel will start to wobble . There are a few signs to watch out for when your wheel bearing starts to go bad or is missing. ... A bad wheel bearing can lead to uneven tire wear, which means you will have to purchase tires sooner.
How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?
However, a wheel bearing can last an average of anywhere from 136,000 to 160,000 km which is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles .
How expensive is it to replace a wheel bearing?
On average, a wheel bearing alone will cost you between $60 – $150 , and an entire bearing and hub assembly replacement is around $200 – $400 for each wheel depending on your vehicle type.
Should you replace all wheel bearings at the same time?
Both wheel bearings have racked up the same number of miles, so it’s logical to conclude that both sides have probably experienced the same amount of wear. Based on this line of thinking, it would make sense to recommend replacing both wheel bearing hubs at the same time even though only one has obviously failed.
How long can you drive with a bad wheel bearing?
Can a vehicle keep going even after hearing noises from the wheel bearing? You can go about 1000-1500 miles before it will give up on you and fail, which means it is a danger to yourself and others until then. You should get to a mechanic as soon as possible.
How hard is it to replace wheel bearings?
Is it easy to replace a wheel bearing at home? Replacing a wheel bearing that comes as an assembly with the hub and bolts to the spindle or steering knuckle is not very difficult if you have proper skills, tools and the manual. Of course, the large axle nut is very tight and can be difficult to remove.
What does a bad axle sound like?
A Loud Clanking, Clunking, or Clicking
When constant velocity axles fail, you may also hear an unusual clicking sound may when turning the vehicle as joints become loose. These clicks are on the side of the faulty axle shaft and typically become noisier during sharp or fast turns.
What can causes a loud humming noise while driving?
If the noise is only present while driving it is likely related to the drivetrain . The drivetrain includes the transmission, drive axles, carrier bearings, and wheel bearings. These components all move or spin while you’re driving. Wear in these components will cause a humming noise as they’re moving.
