The Signs of Wheel Hub Bearing Failure

If the wheel hub bearing of a motor vehicle fails, it will cause major troubles and may even threaten life safety. Therefore, it is very important to understand the signs of failure of the hub bearing. As a hub bearing supplier, I'd like to introduce the signs of the wheel hub bearing failure.

Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly

Abnormal Noise

There are many abnormal noises associated with worn wheel bearings.

Knocking/Clunking Noise While Turning

When a wheel hub bearing wears out, it puts extra stress on the CV-joint. That can cause the knocking/clunking noise when you turn the vehicle.

Clunking or Knocking Noise

If you hear this type of noise, it could mean there is excessive amounts of play in the U-joints or CV-joints. It can even be the cause of excessive backlash with differential gears. Usually, this is not linked to bearings and commonly heard when shifting and changing directions from reverse or drive, or from accelerating to a coast.

Crackling Noise

The crackling noise is a result of a worn or damaged outer CV-joint. It may also mean excessive bearing endplay due to poor clamping.

Rumbling, Humming or Growling Noise

Usually, these type of noises is connected with electrical, tire or drivetrain components. If it is related to the bearings, you often hear the vibration or noise while driving straight, and increases when turning the wheel just slightly to either direction. Generally, the opposite side of the noise is the side that is defective.

Grinding Noise

If you hear friction, it means that the integrity of the steering or suspension system has been compromised. For example, there may be damage to the rollers or raceways. When your wheel bearings are worn out, this noise will be noticeable when the vehicle is turning.

Loose Steering Wheel

When a bearing wears down, it becomes loose within the wheel hub and spindle. This will make your steering wheel feel loose.

Uneven tire wear

Worn wheel bearings can loosen the wheels. This can cause uneven tire wear. This happens when the wheel bearing becomes bad enough. You will hear noise before uneven tire wear occurs.

Uneven Brake Pad Wear

Like uneven tire tread, uneven brake pad wear can indicate extreme bearing wear or looseness.

The Car Swings or the Wheels Vibrate

Although some wheel vibrations may actually be caused by a bent frame or related to worn tires, suspension or wheel components, it may also be a serious chassis misalignment. Regarding bearings or hubs, it usually indicates lack of fixtures or bearings and severe mechanical damage.

Side Pulls During Brake Application

This sign is usually a sign of a defective equalizer or caliper, but it can also be a sign of rotor or brake wear. However, severe bearing looseness may cause excessive runout, which may cause brake pull or pulsation. The most common cause is that the caliper is not retracted properly, causing the rotor to warp.

The Importance of Using High-quality Wheel Components

When you choose a wheel assembly on a vehicle, it is important to use high-quality components.

RIME MAX is a bearing supplier that provides a full range of ball and roller bearing products through careful selection of manufacturing facilities from around the world. Since our establishment, we have established close relationships with many global bearing manufacturers. As a bearing wholesaler, this allows us to provide the quality, price and product availability that our customers require for their applications. If you want to learn more about our products, please contact us.