{"id":43752,"date":"2025-10-22T11:47:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T15:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/?p=43752"},"modified":"2025-10-23T12:14:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T16:14:23","slug":"3-signs-wheel-bearings-hub-need-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/3-signs-wheel-bearings-hub-need-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Signs Your Wheel Bearings And Hub Need Replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When it comes to vehicle safety and handling, wheel bearings and hub assemblies are of the utmost importance. They are designed to allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and keep your vehicle stable on the road. Like all parts, they have a finite lifespan and <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/what-causes-a-wheel-hub-assembly-to-go-bad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">will eventually wear out<\/a>. If ignored, worn-out bearings can lead to costly repairs and even dangerous driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>So how can you tell if your <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wheel bearings or hub assembly<\/a> are due for a replacement? These are three of the most common warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of Wheel Bearing Failure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Symptoms Of A Failing Hub Assembly\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/46Q0oriidSA?feature=oembed&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A failing wheel bearing doesn\u2019t always give obvious signs at first. But if you know what to listen and look for, you can catch the problem early. Here are three key symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Grinding or Growling Noises<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you hear a constant <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/wheel-bearing-noise-vs-tire-noise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">grinding or growling noise coming<\/a> from your wheel area, especially when turning, it\u2019s often a sign of a worn wheel bearing. The sound may increase with vehicle speed. This is caused by metal-on-metal contact when the bearing&#8217;s lubrication has failed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Steering Wheel Vibration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steering wheel shake, especially at low speeds or during turns, can signal a failing hub or wheel bearing. As the bearing wears down, it can create play in the wheel assembly, affecting the alignment and causing vibrations that travel up the steering column.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Uneven Tire Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If one <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/what-to-look-for-when-rotating-tires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tire is wearing out<\/a> faster than the others, it may be due to a bad wheel bearing or hub assembly throwing off the wheel\u2019s alignment. Uneven wear can also damage suspension components if left unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wheel Bearing Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"3 Tips for Reducing Wheel Hub Bearing &amp; Hub Assembly Repair Comebacks\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Wg0gYHeCqiU?feature=oembed&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions. Here\u2019s how you can keep your <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/wheel-bearing-preload-and-load-paths\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wheel bearings and hubs<\/a> in top shape:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conduct Regular Inspections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"353\" data-id=\"43753\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings1-450x248.jpg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings1-600x331.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"337\" data-id=\"43756\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings4.jpg 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings4-450x237.jpg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings4-600x316.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"445\" data-id=\"43754\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings2.png 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings2-450x313.png 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings2-600x417.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During tire rotations or brake service, inspect the hub and bearing assembly for play or roughness. Lift the wheel and spin it&nbsp;&#8211; if it doesn\u2019t rotate smoothly or has noticeable wobble, it may be time for a replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use High-Quality Parts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"331\" data-id=\"5233\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hub-bearing.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hub-bearing.png 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hub-bearing-450x233.png 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hub-bearing-600x310.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"899\" data-id=\"43757\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings5-400x450.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings5-768x863.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/worn-bearings5-600x674.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"401\" data-id=\"5105\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bearings-hub.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bearings-hub.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/bearings-hub-450x301.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all bearings are made the same. GMB\u2019s wheel bearing and hub assemblies are built with high-grade GCR15 steel, known for its high hardness and wear resistance. This material extends bearing life and improves performance under tough driving conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Technicians and shop owners who use GMB products can trust that these bearings will deliver <strong>consistent performance and durability<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Always Replace In Pairs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"414\" data-id=\"30686\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jeep-wheel-hub-replacement.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jeep-wheel-hub-replacement.jpg 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jeep-wheel-hub-replacement-450x291.jpg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jeep-wheel-hub-replacement-600x388.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" data-id=\"4595\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/high-grade-steel-hubs.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4595\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"498\" data-id=\"4951\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/wheel-hub.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/wheel-hub.jpg 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/wheel-hub-450x350.jpg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/wheel-hub-600x467.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For vehicles that have done over 75,000 miles, it\u2019s often recommended to <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/reducing-hub-repair-comebacks\/\">replace wheel bearings<\/a> in pairs. If one side is worn out, the other is likely not far behind. This helps maintain even performance and eliminates the hassle of the customer having to return to replace the second bearing.&nbsp;Want to dive deeper into wheel bearing care and installation tips? Check out these helpful articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/wheel-bearing-noise-vs-tire-noise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wheel Bearing Vs Tire Noise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/whats-making-brake-noise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bad Brakes or Wheel Bearing Failure?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/signs-of-worn-wheel-hub-bearing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 Signs of Worn Wheel Hub Bearings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Ignore The Signs Of A Failing Wheel Bearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can I Drive With A Bad Hub Assembly?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/i3Qt8Bgusec?feature=oembed&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>GMB\u2019s wheel bearing and hub assemblies are engineered for strength and precision. We are an industry leading manufacturer of OE and Aftermarket automotive products since 1943. Whether you\u2019re stocking your shop or servicing a fleet, our parts are built to handle high mileage and tough conditions.&nbsp;Ignoring early signs of a failing wheel bearing can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete wheel separation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brake failure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Damage to <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/universal-joint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">suspension components<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t take that risk. Replace worn components with OE-quality parts like <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GMB\u2019s hub assemblies<\/a>, which are tested for fit, form, and function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect an issue with your wheel bearing and hub assembly or need a quality replacement, check out our<a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> catalog <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact<\/a> our team for expert advice!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to vehicle safety and handling, wheel bearings and hub assemblies are of the utmost importance. They are designed to allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and keep your vehicle stable on the road. Like all parts, they have a finite lifespan and will eventually wear out. If ignored, worn-out bearings can lead&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":43756,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,60,33],"tags":[34,90044],"class_list":["post-43752","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maintenance-tips","category-undercar","category-wheels-tires","tag-maintenance","tag-wheel-bearings-and-hub-assembly"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43752"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43752\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43760,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43752\/revisions\/43760"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}