What Does A Rear Wheel Bearing Sound Like When It Goes Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 I know if my rear axle bearing is bad?

  1. A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns.
  2. A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.
  3. Clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.

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 do I know if my rear wheel bearings need replacing?

  1. Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one. …
  2. Squealing, Growling. …
  3. Clicking Sound. …
  4. Wheel Wobble. …
  5. ABS Failure. …
  6. Uneven Tire Wear. …
  7. Vehicle Pulls to One Side. …
  8. Steering Wheel Vibration.

What happens when a rear wheel bearing goes bad?

If a wheel bearing goes bad,

more friction will be placed on the wheel, and the wheel will start to wobble

. … A bad wheel bearing can lead to uneven tire wear, which means you will have to purchase tires sooner.

How long can you drive with a noisy 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.

Can you drive a car with a noisy wheel bearing?


If a wheel bearing starts to get worn, it will start to make a noise

. It is not a good idea to drive with a worn wheel bearing because it is an essential part of holding the wheel onto your vehicle. … A rumbling or humming sound is another sign of a worn wheel bearing.

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.

How do you check rear wheel bearing noise?

  1. Jack the rear wheel up. …
  2. Hold the wheel with one hand at the 12 o’clock position and with the other hand at the 6 o’clock position.
  3. Rotate the tire counterclockwise. …
  4. With your hands in the same position, rock the tire back and forth with moderate force.

Will a bad rear end cause a vibration?

When a rear differential fails,

it can cause vibration

, noise and fluid leaks that impact a vehicle’s acceleration and driveability. A driver should consult a certified mechanic to deal with a bad rear differential and prevent further damage to the vehicle’s driving systems.

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.

Can I replace a wheel bearing myself?

Changing your own wheel bearings is considered an intermediate job that can be done at home, but will need some

speciality mechanic tools

. … Be sure to obtain your vehicle’s service manual and identify the type of wheel bearing your vehicle is equipped with before you begin the repair.

What happens if you don’t fix wheel bearings?

Ultimate damage: If you don’t replace a damaged wheel bearing before it fails completely,

the wheel will completely seize up

. If this happens while you’re driving, the results can be catastrophic.

How hard is it to replace a wheel bearing?

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 bearing sound like?

Squealing & Growling

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.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.