Wheel bearings are small rings made of metal-containing lubricated steel balls. They are located in the wheel hub to enhance the rotation of the wheels. These bearings minimize friction each time you drive while providing support to your car. With time, the wheel bearings become weary due to heat, dust, and rough road surfaces. When they start failing, they do not provide lubrication, create friction, and lead to hazardous driving conditions.
Neglecting bad wheel bearings can result in several issues such as worn-out tires, improper handling and response, and even complete failure of the wheels. That is why it is crucial to identify them on time and address them before they become more severe. Below are the various signs showing that the front wheel bearings are failing and how to get them changed.
Signs of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing
- Steering Wheel Vibration: When the wheel bearing is worn out, it can lead to vibrations when driving at high speeds. This occurs because the wheel is not spinning smoothly.
- Strange Sounds: Another early sign that you have a bad wheel bearing is a constant humming, grinding, or roaring sound emanating from the wheels. It may increase when you press the accelerator pedal or turn the steering wheel.
- Uneven tire wear: If the front tires of the vehicle are worn out, this could be due to a faulty wheel bearing. A damaged bearing causes the wheel to wobble, which causes the tires to wear out irregularly.
- Loose or Unstable Steering: It is normal to experience poor handling of a car or an unstable steering wheel when the wheel bearing is faulty. Also, if your car usually pulls to one side of the road when you are driving or when you apply the brakes, then the wheel bearing could be worn.
- ABS Warning Light Turns On: There are various reasons why the ABS warning light may come on in a modern car, and one of them is a bad wheel bearing. This is because the bearing is linked to the ABS sensor, and if it fails, then it will not work as it should.
How to Replace a Front Wheel Bearing
- Lift and Secure the Vehicle: To get started, ensure that the car is parked on a flat surface and the hand brake is properly engaged. Before lifting the car, you have to loosen the lug nuts of the affected wheel, but make sure you secure the car with jack stands for your safety.
- Remove the Wheel Hub: Unscrew the nut that connects the wheel hub to the axle shaft. Next, unbolt the wheel hub assembly from the steering knuckle. In some cars, the bearing is pressed into the hub or knuckle, and extra force may be needed to take it out.
- Replace Wheel Bearing: If the wheel bearing in your car is the press-fit type, then it might be a little bit difficult to remove or even install a new bearing, so you would need a bearing press tool to get the job done. Make sure that the bearing is positioned correctly before you proceed to reassemble the wheel hub assembly.
- Reassemble and Test: When you have completed the repair, you should proceed with the replacement of all the parts in the reverse order and tighten all the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torques. After this, try to spin the wheel and see if it rotates freely before you lower the car. It is advisable to take the vehicle for a short drive to check whether there are any unusual sounds or any form of vibration.
Visit Huron Automotive For A Wheel Bearing Inspection Of Your Vehicle
Huron Automotive deals with wheel bearing 
services and suspension services to ensure that your car achieves enhanced traction on the road. Our professional mechanics will conduct a thorough assessment of your car, determine the cause of the issue, and use genuine bearings to repair it. We are located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and car owners in the surrounding communities enjoy our automotive services. Put a call across to us now for your wheel bearing service!