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What are signs of bad wheel bearings?

Wheel bearings are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension system, responsible for allowing the wheels to spin smoothly and freely. When wheel bearings start to fail, it can lead to a range of noticeable issues that require prompt attention. Here are some common signs that indicate your vehicle may have bad wheel bearings.

Unusual Noises

One of the most obvious signs of bad wheel bearings is the presence of unusual noises coming from the affected wheel. These noises can manifest in various ways, such as:

Grinding or rumbling sounds, especially when turning or driving at higher speeds

Whirring or humming noises that increase in volume as the vehicle's speed increases

Clicking or popping sounds, which may be more noticeable when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces

These noises are typically caused by the deterioration of the bearing's internal components, which can lead to increased friction and vibration.

Wheel Wobble or Vibration

Another common symptom of bad wheel bearings is a noticeable wobble or vibration in the affected wheel. This can be felt through the steering wheel or the vehicle's chassis, and it may become more pronounced at higher speeds. Wheel wobble can also cause the vehicle to pull or drift to one side, making it difficult to maintain a straight course.

Uneven Tire Wear

Faulty wheel bearings can also lead to uneven tire wear, as the wheel is not properly aligned and balanced. This can result in premature wear on one side of the tire, creating a cupped or feathered appearance. Uneven tire wear can also contribute to other handling issues, such as steering pull or vibration.

Difficulty Steering

In severe cases, bad wheel bearings can make it difficult to steer the vehicle, as the affected wheel may not be able to turn freely. This can be especially noticeable when making sharp turns or navigating tight spaces, and it may also cause the vehicle to wander or drift while driving.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Addressing wheel bearing issues promptly can help ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

How to tell if the wheel bearing is bad?

You can tell a wheel bearing is bad by listening for noises like grinding, humming, or clicking that get louder with speed, and by feeling for vibrations in the steering wheel or a loose steering feel. Other signs include a vehicle pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, or the ABS warning light coming on.

This video explains the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing, including noise, vibration, and loose steering: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022
Auditory clues

Grinding or rumbling: A loud, grinding or rumbling noise is a common sign of a failing wheel bearing.
Humming or whirring: You might hear a humming or whirring sound that changes pitch as you accelerate.
Clicking or popping: A clicking or popping sound, especially when turning, can also indicate a bad bearing.
Noise that changes with speed: The noise will typically increase with speed and may get louder when turning in one direction versus the other.

This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad wheel bearing by listening for noises while driving: 57sBCA Bearings by NTNYouTube · Sep 27, 2023
Tactile and driving clues

Vibrations: A bad bearing can cause a vibration that you feel in the steering wheel, floor, or seats, which often gets worse as you go faster.
Steering wheel shimmy: The steering wheel may shake or vibrate while you are driving.
Loose or sloppy steering: The steering may feel unresponsive, loose, or sloppy, especially at higher speeds.
Vehicle pulling: The car may pull to one side, either while driving or when braking.

Visual and dashboard clues

Uneven tire wear: A bad wheel bearing can cause uneven wear on your tires.
ABS light: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light or traction control light may illuminate on your dashboard. This is because the wheel speed sensor, which is often integrated into the bearing assembly, is damaged.

How to diagnose further

Test during a drive: Listen for the specific noise and see if it changes when you turn. For example, if the noise gets louder when you turn right, the left wheel bearing is more likely to be the problem, as the weight shifts to that side.
Check for play: When the car is safely jacked up, grab the wheel and try to move it in and out, and top and bottom, to check for any looseness or play.

Do bearings give warning before they fail?

Common Early Signs of a Failing Bearing
One of the first signs is a low growling or humming noise that increases with speed. It might sound like a tire issue at first, but if the sound gets louder as you turn or shifts from side to side when cornering, it's more likely the bearing.

Can you drive on a bad wheel bearing?

No, it is not safe to drive on a bad wheel bearing because the wheel could detach from the vehicle, causing a serious accident. While you may be able to drive short distances slowly, the longer you drive, the higher the risk of catastrophic failure and further damage to other vehicle components like the hub, CV joint, or transmission.
Risks of driving on a bad wheel bearing

Wheel detachment: A bad bearing can lead to the wheel falling off the car while driving, resulting in a complete loss of control.
Accidents: The sudden failure of a wheel bearing can cause a major accident, endangering both the occupants and other drivers.
Vehicle damage: A failing bearing can cause additional damage to other parts of your vehicle, including the hub, brakes, and transmission, leading to more expensive repairs.
Steering issues: You may experience a pulling sensation, excessive steering wheel vibration, or a loss of steering responsiveness.

This video explains how to identify the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing: 59sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 22, 2022
What to do if you have a bad wheel bearing

Avoid driving: The best course of action is to avoid driving the vehicle altogether and have it towed to a mechanic.
Drive minimally if necessary: If you must drive to a nearby repair shop, do so with extreme caution. Drive slowly, avoid highways, and limit your distance to no more than a few miles.
Get it replaced: A bad wheel bearing cannot be repaired and must be replaced by a qualified mechanic.

What can be mistaken for a bad wheel bearing?

A bad wheel bearing can be mistaken for issues with unbalanced tires, uneven tire wear, brake problems, and CV joint noise. These problems often have similar symptoms, such as grinding or humming noises and vibrations, which is why a thorough inspection is needed to correctly diagnose the issue.

This video explains how to differentiate between a bad wheel bearing and other potential issues: 59sBCA Bearings by NTNYouTube · Sep 27, 2023
Tires and alignment

Unbalanced or unevenly worn tires: These can cause vibrations and noises that may seem like a bad bearing. A professional can distinguish between them.
Uneven tire wear: This can be a symptom of a bad wheel bearing, but it can also be caused by alignment issues or other suspension problems, which may be mistaken for a bad bearing.

Brakes

Brake noise: Noises like grinding or shaking, especially when braking, can be mistaken for a bad wheel bearing. However, brake noise typically occurs only when the brakes are applied, whereas a bad wheel bearing can be a constant noise.
ABS sensor issues: A bent or damaged ABS tone wheel can sometimes rub against the sensor, creating a grinding or rubbing noise.

Other suspension components

CV joint (Constant Velocity joint): A bad CV joint can produce similar clicking, grinding, or vibration noises, particularly when turning.
Other suspension damage: Issues with ball joints, tie rods, or even a damaged strut can cause similar symptoms.

This video demonstrates how to check for play in the wheel that could indicate a bad wheel bearing or ball joint: 59sWay of the WrenchYouTube · Aug 24, 2023
How to differentiate

Test the noise: Gently swerving back and forth while driving can help isolate the sound. A bad wheel bearing noise will often get louder when turning in one direction and quieter when turning in the other.
Listen to the sound: A bad wheel bearing often makes a grinding or humming noise that increases with speed, while a CV joint will typically make a clicking sound when turning.
Inspect the wheel: Check for any wobbling or stiffness when lifting the car and manually spinning the wheel. A professional can perform a more thorough inspection to differentiate between a bad bearing and other issues.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.