Wheel bearing faulty – Symptoms, causes, 
repair and prevention

The wheel bearings are one of the inconspicuous heroes of your vehicle. They allow your wheels to rotate freely and contribute to the stability and safety of your car. However, failure can cause serious problems. In this blog post, we will look at the symptoms, causes, repair options and preventive measures for a defective wheel bearing.

Symptoms of a faulty wheel bearing

The symptoms of a defective wheel bearing can be diverse and should not be ignored. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:

1. Grinding or grinding noises: A clear sign of a faulty wheel bearing is a grinding or grinding noise, especially when cornering. This noise often occurs because the wheel bearing no longer lubricates properly and functions smoothly.
2. Vibrations in the steering wheel: If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, especially when driving on the highway, this may indicate a defective wheel bearing.
3. Unstable handling: A faulty wheel bearing can cause your car to become unstable, especially in corners. You may feel like you are losing control of the vehicle.
4. Excessive tire wear: Uneven tire wear may indicate problems with the wheel bearings. If the wheels are not correctly aligned, this can lead to premature wear.

Causes of faulty wheel bearings

The main cause of faulty wheel bearings is normal wear over time, but other factors can cause problems:

1. Poor road conditions: Driving on uneven or pothole-strewn roads can shorten the life of the wheel bearings.
2. Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance, including lubrication, is crucial to extend the life of the wheel bearings Neglected maintenance can lead to premature failure.
3. Excessive load: Carrying heavy loads or regularly pulling trailers can overload the wheel bearings and cause them to wear out more quickly.

How can you avoid problems with the wheel bearings in the future?

The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to avoid bearing problems:

1. Regular maintenance: Make sure your wheel bearings are serviced regularly as recommended in your vehicle manual. This can slow down wear and extend the life of the bearings.
2. Gentle driving: Try to drive carefully over potholes and uneven roads. Avoid driving over curbs or falling into potholes.
3. Limit weight: When transporting heavy loads, try to minimize the load and use a larger vehicle if necessary.

Repair and cost

If you notice any of the above symptoms or suspect that your wheel bearings are defective, it is important to act immediately. A faulty wheel bearing can lead to serious safety problems.

The cost of repairing a wheel bearing can vary depending on the vehicle model and the amount of work involved. On average, you can expect costs of 100€ to 500€ per wheel bearing if you have it carried out by a workshop.

Self-repair is possible but requires advanced mechanical knowledge and special tools. If you choose self-repair, you should make sure you have the necessary expertise to do the job properly.

Conclusion

Wheel bearings are a crucial part of your vehicle that is often overlooked. However, a defective wheel bearing can lead to dangerous situations. Pay attention to the symptoms, perform regular maintenance and avoid excessive loads to extend the life of your wheel bearings and be safe on the road. If you notice any problems, do not hesitate to carry out the necessary repairs to ensure your safety. If you’re also interested in ways to sell your broken car to minimize the cost of repairs, there are services like CashforCars.de that can help you. These services can be an option if you are looking for an uncomplicated solution.