What do hub bearings do

Uneven Roads The more frequently you drive on uneven terrains , the more likely it is that your wheel bearings will become damaged and worn. Poor Installation The simplest errors, such as using the wrong tools, can cause damage to the exterior or interior of the wheel end bearing. Accidents An automobile accident can cause damage to any part of a vehicle, including wheel bearings.

Operators will notice strange rumbling noises coming from the wheels. This is usually a sign of worn out wheel bearings. This noise will be most noticeable when the vehicle is operating at speeds over 30 mph and when turning corners at low speeds. Replacing faulty or worn out wheel bearings will usually fix the problem. Subaru — Subarus also often encounter issues with wheel bearings. On some models, the bearings bolt in, either replacing the entire unit hub or transferring over to the hub.

Subaru has extended the warranty on rear wheel bearings to k on certain vehicles, so it is important that you know to what kind of issues your make and model might be susceptible. If you are not sure if your Subaru is prone to wheel bearing malfunction, ask your local mechanic. Previous Post. Next Post. All Rights Reserved Customized by Shadowsong designs. Modern wheel bearings are durable enough to accomplish all of this. Most vehicles sold today are equipped with wheel bearings that are sealed inside a hub assembly and require no maintenance.

Sealed bearings are found on most newer cars, and on the front wheels of trucks and SUVs with independent front suspension.

Sealed wheel bearings are engineered for a service life of more than , miles, and many are capable of going twice that distance. Even so, average bearing life can range from 80, to , miles depending on how a vehicle is driven and what the bearings are exposed to.

A typical hub contains an inner and an outer wheel bearing. Bearings are either roller or ball style. Tapered roller bearings are the best alternative since they more efficiently support both horizontal and lateral loads and can stand extreme shock such as hitting potholes. Tapered bearings have bearing surfaces situated at an angle.

Tapered roller bearings are usually mounted in pairs with the angle facing opposite directions so they can handle thrust in both directions. Steel roller bearings are tiny drums that support the load. The taper or angle supports horizontal and lateral loading.

Wheel bearings are made using high quality and high spec steel. At the first sign of trouble, take the vehicle in to have the wheel bearings inspected by a pro. Find a Meineke Shop Nearby. A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself. A: A bad wheel bearing can cause several potentially dangerous situations, starting with your vehicle not being as responsive as it should be.

Your tires will also wear out faster, and you can experience uneven tire wear. Last, but not least, your wheel can fall off completely while driving, as the bearing is an essential part of keeping the wheel attached to your car.

A: A wheel bearing replacement is a standard job, so the cost should be very straightforward, depending on your vehicle year, make, and model. However, if other related issues are discovered, such as having to remove the steering knuckle in order to replace the wheel bearing, or having to replace some suspension components, then the costs will vary.

Since wheel bearings are not known for wearing out that frequently, the noise is typically suspected to be something else and the problem overlooked. Does your car feel loose? It often refers to the steering of the vehicle, which can include wheel bearings. Wheel looseness, or also called wheel play, is another common symptom of a bad wheel bearing. As the bearing begins to wear down, they become loose inside the wheel hub and spindle, which makes your vehicle feel loose while steering.

Are you doing the steering, or is the car driving where it wants to? What about your tires? We all know the importance of rotating your tires to promote even wear, but did you know a broken wheel bearing can lead to uneven tire wear too? The looseness of the wheel and the vibration that reverberates through the wheel cause your tires to wear unevenly, meaning you are more likely to have to invest in new tires sooner.