Wheel Bearing Specialist

What is a wheel bearing?

The car’s wheel bearings are a series of steel balls secured together on a metal ring called a race. Each wheel of your car has a wheel bearing, which supports the weight of your car. Its function is to let your wheels move ad turn with as little friction as possible.

They are used on a variety of other automobiles from cars, airplanes and bikes. In cars, the wheel bearing rides on a metal axle shaft and fits securely inside the wheel hub.

Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing

Wheel bearings are made to last a long time, but when poorly lubricated they can become very hot and thus damaged prematurely. Often making a replacement necessary.

They can also wear if a wheel bearing seal is damaged, meaning water and debris enter the component and cause it to fail.

Signs that your wheel bearing needs repair or replacing:

·        Car feels loose when steering, a loss of control is felt

·        Feels like car is pulling to one side

·        Tyres are unevenly worn

·        An unusual grinding or grating noise which worsens as you accelerate – be cautious as it can sound similar to damaged tyres

·        A humming noise can point to a number of components, but it may be your wheel bearings

·        A noise has often been compared to flipping a deck of cards against a bicycle spoke.

·        A rumbling noise is a sign that the wheel bearing seal is damaged

·        Clicking noise when turning

·        Vibrations at low speeds

·        Wheel wobbles in your hands as you turn it

·        Uneven brake pad wear

·        Uneven tyre wear and overall wear occurring faster than normal

Risks of driving with bad wheel bearings

Although they will still operate after you begin to notice signs of wear, this will not last long. You must act rapidly as there is a chance that your wheel bearing may lock up. This would be a complete disaster if it occurred whilst you are driving. Worst case scenario is that your wheel may actually fall off whilst driving.

Driving with a worn bearing can also put a huge strain on the hub, CV joint and the transmission causing more extensive damage overall. Have the wheel bearings replaced efficiently to keep overall repair costs to a minimum. At the first sign of trouble, make sure to have the component inspected by a professional mechanic.

Replacing or repairing your wheel bearings

If only one wheel bearing fails, there is no necessity for you to replace them on both sides. The working (and remaining) wheel bearings should continue to operate for years to come. A mechanic would be able to diagnose the problem and detect which or if all the wheel bearings need replacing. A wheel bearing change is a challenging job to carry out at home, even if you possess mechanical knowledge.

To locate the best deal at a trusted garage near you, fill in the form at the top of this page by entering your postcode and giving a few more details to access accurate quotes from garages and mobile mechanics for wheel bearing repair and replacement.

Who Can Fix My Car gives drivers access to these honest quotes which they can compare along with past customer reviews to choose a garage and get booked in.

Book now and only pay once the work is completed at the garage.