{"id":4950,"date":"2016-08-08T14:00:32","date_gmt":"2016-08-08T20:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/worn-wheel-hub-bearing\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T07:30:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T11:30:17","slug":"worn-wheel-hub-bearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/worn-wheel-hub-bearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Symptoms of a Worn Wheel Hub Bearing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The purpose of a wheel bearing is simple\u0097to allow the wheel to spin with as little friction as possible. When a wheel bearing malfunctions, it lets you know something’s wrong by making noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’re hearing tons of noise while on the road, diagnosing a broken wheel bearing can be a tricky task. Whether caused by excessive heat, water damage, an unfortunate pothole, corrosion, or normal wear and tear, there are a variety of noises that could indicate a broken wheel bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Broken Wheel Bearing Noises<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Wheel<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Knocking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you hear a knocking sound while turning, it could indicate a problem caused by the added stress on your CV-joints or U-joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snap, Crackle, and Pop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It turns out that some defunct wheel bearings and a certain crisped rice cereal make the same noises. If you hear these sounds in your car and there’s no cereal to blame, it could be a sign of excessive bearing endplay because of inadequate clamping. You’ll typically hear this sound when making sharp turns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humming, Rumbling, or Growling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a monster under the car?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nope, that growling you hear beneath your feet is probably a busted wheel bearing. It usually presents itself when driving in a straight line or turning slightly at 15 to 50 mph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Pulls During Brake Application<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When bearings become severely loose, it can cause excessive runout, which causes the brakes to pull. Whichever side your car pulls to is the side of the failed wheel bearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grinding While Driving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A grinding noise while your vehicle is in motion typically means there’s damage in the wheel-end system. But if related to a bearing issue, it also suggests loss of integrity such as roller or raceway damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uneven Tire Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of common reasons why tires wear unevenly\u0097misalignment, a damaged suspension, and low air pressure to name a few. However, extreme bearing wear and looseness can cause it, too. However, you’ll probably hear the broken wheel bearing before it causes uneven tire wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uneven Brake Pad Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like uneven tire tread, uneven brake pad wear can indicate extreme bearing wear or looseness. However, the usual causes of uneven brake pads are not bearing related.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheel Vibration and Wobble<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually caused by worn tires or extreme chassis misalignment, wheel vibrations and wobble could mean your bearing has lost its clamp or has severe mechanical damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacing Your Broken Wheel Bearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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