Your Trusted Source For Wheel Bearings Information And Pricing

What do Wheel Bearings Do?

In a vechicle's suspension, the wheel bearings have two very important jobs. First, they allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. And secondly, they support your car's weight. In order to perform these two tasks, the seals must keep the bearings lubrcated and contaminant-free.

Although most bearings are made to last for 200,000 kms, it is rare that they are in perfect condition after 100,000 kms. If a seal is comprimised, the bearings lubricant tends to leak out, while water tends to make its way in. This is usually when we begin to hear that familiar rumbling sound.

When Will I Hear Noise From My Wheel Bearings?

The most common time you will hear your bearings grind is when you move the steering wheel. Even the slightest movements will prompt the grinding noise. In some cases, you will notice a noise only at certain speeds.

It is easy to mistake one noise for another. For example, transmission noise, differential noise, U-joint, or Ball Joint noises can easily be confused with each other. As your mechanic's ear matures, you'll be able to better differentiate between the different noises a hurting vechicle can make.

Too Much Play?

If you find that your steering is wandering, this may be a symptom of too much bearing play. The easiest way to test this is by jacking up your car and doing a very simple & quick test.

• Safely jack up one of the wheels on your car.
• Firmly grab the tire in your hands in the 6 and 12 o'clock positions.
• Push and pull, in and out, toward and away from the car.
• If you notice that you are able to move the wheel rather easily with this motion, you had better get your car serviced immediately.

Wheels have been known to come off when your car fails this test. At high speeds, this can obviously be fatal. Please take wheel noises seriously!

Wheel Bearing Maintenance

If your bearings are not factory-sealed, they require maintenance every 50,000 kms. It is important to grease and inspect to ensure safe driving. Greasing will rid your bearings of the contaminants that can cause them damage.

If you're going to go to the trouble of greasing your bearings, you might as well do it right. Use a quality high temperature bearing grease, and make sure you clean the bearing before you repack it. Remember, no contaminants!

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