Your wheels should spin smoothly with minimal friction. They’re designed to withstand the weight of your vehicle, the forces of turning, and the stresses of uneven roads, all while keeping your ride quiet and stable.
However, like all parts, wheel bearings wear out over time. If left unchecked, a bad wheel bearing can lead to dangerous driving conditions, including loss of control or even wheel separation in extreme cases.

In this post, we’ll explore what a wheel bearing does, the common signs of a failing bearing, and how you can diagnose and replace one before it causes a serious problem. Whether you hear unusual noises while driving or notice strange handling characteristics, this guide will help you address the issue before it’s too late.
Signs of a Failing Wheel Bearing
How to Diagnose a Bad Wheel Bearing
How to Replace a Bad Wheel Bearing
What Does a Wheel Bearing Do?
A wheel bearing allows your wheels to rotate smoothly while supporting the vehicle’s weight. It consists of steel balls or rollers encased in a metal ring, known as a race.
Here’s how it works:
- The bearing reduces friction between the axle and the wheel, enabling smooth and efficient rotation.
- It maintains proper wheel alignment and stability, which are essential for safe handling and even tyre wear.
- Wheel bearings are sealed to keep out dirt, debris, and water, which can otherwise lead to premature wear.
- They are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high speeds, rough terrain, and heavy loads. However, over time, the seals may deteriorate, allowing contaminants to enter and causing the bearing to degrade.
In addition to these functions, many modern wheel bearings incorporate ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) sensing components. These bearings include a built-in sensor or tone ring that monitors the wheel’s rotational speed and provides critical data to the ABS and traction control systems. If the bearing or its sensor fails, it can trigger ABS warning lights and impair braking performance.
Without a properly functioning wheel bearing, you may experience increased friction, uneven tyre wear, noise, and vibration. Over time, this can lead to a complete failure, compromising safety and potentially causing further damage to surrounding components.
Signs of a Failing Wheel Bearing
A failing wheel bearing can cause several noticeable symptoms. Here are the most common signs:
- Unusual Noises:
- A humming, growling, or rumbling noise that increases with speed is a classic sign of a failing wheel bearing.
- Excessive Vibration:
- A bad wheel bearing can cause the wheel to vibrate, leading to noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, especially at higher speeds.
- Uneven Tire Wear:
- A worn wheel bearing can affect wheel alignment, causing uneven or premature tyre wear.
- Steering Issues:
- A loose or “wandering” feeling in the steering, especially during turns or while driving straight, can signal a failing bearing.
- ABS Warning Light:
- In vehicles with ABS, a failing wheel bearing can trigger the ABS light due to improper sensor readings.
- Excessive Play in the Wheel:
- Excessive lateral or vertical movement may indicate a damaged bearing when inspecting the wheel.
- Overheating:
- A failing wheel bearing may generate excessive heat, leading to a burning smell near the wheel.
If you notice any of these symptoms, addressing the issue promptly is essential. Ignoring a bad wheel bearing can lead to complete failure, resulting in wheel detachment and unsafe driving conditions.
How to Diagnose a Bad Wheel Bearing
Diagnosing a failing wheel bearing involves listening for unusual noises, inspecting the wheel assembly, and testing for signs of wear. While most modern wheel bearings are sealed and non-adjustable, some vehicles still use adjustable bearings. If your vehicle has adjustable bearings, regreasing and adjusting them might resolve the issue without the need for replacement. Be sure to identify the bearing type in your vehicle before starting the diagnosis. Here’s a guide to help pinpoint the problem:
- Listen for Noises:
- Drive at various speeds and listen for a humming, growling, or rumbling noise, if the noise increases and decreases with your speed, then a bearing is high on our list.
- Pay attention to whether the noise gets louder when turning, loading, and unloading a worn bearing, typically causes the sound to change. For example, if the noise gets louder when turning left, then bearing on the right side is the worn bearing, as the weight shifts to that side.
- Check for Wheel Play:
- With the vehicle securely lifted and the wheels off the ground, grab the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions.
- Wiggle the wheel to check for excessive play. Any noticeable movement could indicate a worn wheel bearing or loose components.
- Spin the Wheel:
- Rotate the wheel by hand and listen for grinding or roughness. A healthy bearing should allow the wheel to spin smoothly and quietly. You may also feel the roughness transfer through to the suspension components.
- Inspect for Uneven Tire Wear:
- Examine the tyre tread for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate a damaged wheel bearing affecting alignment.
- Check for Heat:
- After driving, carefully feel near the wheel hub (without touching any hot brake components). A bad wheel bearing may cause the hub to feel excessively warm compared to the others.
- Inspect the ABS System:
- A damaged wheel bearing can interfere with the Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS), which is part of the ABS system, potentially triggering the ABS warning light. Using a diagnostic scanner can help identify any related fault codes. Since a WSS is installed on each wheel, the scanner will typically pinpoint which specific sensor (Wheel Bearing) is affected.
- Rule Out Other Causes:
- Confirm the issue isn’t due to other components like brakes, suspension, or tyres. For example, worn brake pads or warped rotors can also create noise and vibration.
If your inspection confirms a bad wheel bearing, it’s important to address the problem immediately to avoid further damage or potential safety risks. If you’re unsure about diagnosing or repairing the issue, consult a professional mechanic.
How to Replace a Bad Wheel Bearing
Replacing a wheel bearing is a challenging task, largely depending on the type of vehicle and whether you have the proper tools. For press-fit sealed bearings, a bearing press is essential. Without one, removing the old bearing and installing the new one becomes difficult and risks damaging the new bearing.
That said, many vehicles use a hub set-up where it’s bolted to the knuckle, and the wonderful thing about this setup is that no bearing press is required as the unit comes complete; thank you, GM. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
1. Prepare the Tools and Workspace
- Tools Needed: A jack and jack stands, lug wrench, socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench, hammer, bearing press, and safety equipment (gloves and eye protection).
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface, and engage the parking brake.
2. Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly before raising the vehicle with a jack.
- Secure the vehicle on jack stands and remove the wheel completely.
3. Remove the Brake Components
- Detach the brake caliper and rotor to access the wheel hub. Use a wire or strap to hang the caliper to avoid stress on the brake hose.
4. Disconnect the Hub Assembly (If Applicable)
- If your vehicle uses a hub assembly, unbolt it from the steering knuckle. This will require removing the axle nut (for front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles).
5. Press Out the Old Bearing (If Necessary)
- Remove the WSS from the hub to prevent damage.
- For vehicles with press-fitted bearings, use a bearing press to remove the old bearing from the hub assembly.
- Be careful not to damage the hub or surrounding components during this process.
6. Install the New Bearing
- Press the new bearing into the hub assembly using a bearing press or reinstall the hub assembly if it’s a complete replacement unit.
- Ensure the bearing is seated properly and aligned correctly.
7. Reassemble the Components
- Refit WSS.
- Reattach the hub assembly (if applicable), brake rotor, and caliper. Torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
8. Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts
- Lower the vehicle to the ground and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the recommended specification.
9. Test the Vehicle
- Note and then clear all fault codes.
- Drive the vehicle to ensure the repair was successful. Listen for any unusual noises and check for proper handling.
Replacing a wheel bearing requires attention to detail and the right tools, especially if the bearing is press-fitted. If you’re unsure about completing the replacement, consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Wheel Bearing FAQs
1. How Long Do Wheel Bearings Typically Last?
Wheel bearings are designed to last well over 100,000 miles, but their lifespan can vary based on driving conditions, vehicle weight, and maintenance practices. Rough roads and heavy loads can shorten their life.
2. Can I Drive with a Bad Wheel Bearing?
It’s not recommended to drive with a failing wheel bearing. A bad bearing can cause the wheel to seize or even detach in severe cases, leading to a dangerous situation. Address the issue immediately to avoid further damage or safety risks.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing?
The cost to replace a wheel bearing varies depending on the vehicle and whether it’s a hub assembly or a press-fit bearing. Parts typically range from $50 to $300, while labour costs can range from $150 to $400, depending on the job’s complexity.
4. Can I Replace a Wheel Bearing Myself?
Replacing a wheel bearing is possible for experienced DIYers with the right tools, such as a bearing press. However, it can be a challenging job, especially for press-fit bearings, and professional assistance may be required if you lack the necessary tools or experience.
5. What Happens if I Ignore a Failing Wheel Bearing?
Ignoring a bad wheel bearing can lead to severe consequences, including uneven tyre wear, loss of control, and, in extreme cases, wheel detachment. It can also cause damage to other components, such as the hub or suspension.
6. Do I Need to Replace Both Wheel Bearings at the Same Time?
It’s unnecessary to replace both wheel bearings simultaneously unless they are both worn or failing. However, if one bearing fails due to age or wear, inspecting the other side for potential issues is a good idea.
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.