Here is what you need to know about wheel bearings

 

Wheel bearings are very important in your vehicle and if you have a new car then you really don't need to worry about them however if you are driving an older or preowned car then you would be worried about other wearing parts of the car. You would only notice the wheel bearings when they start causing problems during driving.

What is a wheel bearing?

To put it simply, a wheel bearing is a circle of ball bearings secured in a ring. This bearing is there to help reduce the friction in your vehicle when the wheels are turning.  They are found in cars, trucks and planes.

In cars, the wheel bearings rotate at the end on the axles and fit nicely into the wheel hub.

As suggested by car garages in Reading, if well-kept then the wheel bearings are meant to last around 100,000 miles however do not just wait ‘til you reach 100, 00 miles and get your car serviced and wheel bearing checked regularly. If not then you could be in a sticky situation when they fail whilst you are on the road.

This all depended on the quality of the parts, you’re driving and conditions of the road and surrounding area.

How do I find out if my wheel bearings need changing?

Try driving your vehicle steadily at around 40 mph while gently swaying from side to side to determine if the damaged wheel bearing is on the left or right. When turning left, if an unsettling noise is heard, there is probably a bearing problem on the left and when you do the same again on the right and there is a noise then the problem is in the right bearing. You can check MOT history to see any of your vehicle's previous problems and get them fixed alongside any current problems. 

Why do wheel bearings fail?

Wheel bearings are designed and made to last a long time which means they work fine under pressure however if they are poorly lubricated, they can get too hot and become damaged beyond repair. If this does occur then make sure to search for car services near me to see a suitable mechanic and book an appointment to fix this issue.

If the wheel bearing seal is damaged then that could also be cause for its failure as water and debris could have entered the compartment.

What should I do when I hear a noise from my wheel bearings?

For some time after you first hear the noise, your car’s wheel bearings are still in operation. Having said that, you should still deal with the problem right away because there is a slight possibility that the car’s bearing may lock up, which is something you do not want to happen while driving as advised by garages in Reading. You won't be able to move your vehicle if a wheel bearing locks up.

Wheel bearings are very important to reduce the friction of the wheels turning in your car. Although they are very durable, there will come a time where you will need to get them changed.  When this does happen be sure to search for car services near me to book an appointment with a reliable and trusted mechanic.

Never spend a lot of time driving on a spare tyre.

It's not a good idea to drive for an extended period of time with a small spare tire or mismatched tire sizes. Not only will it harm the transmission over time, but it will also eventually harm other components of your car, such as the wheel alignment. In cars, the wheel bearings rotate at the end on the axles and fit nicely into the wheel hub.