Wheel Bearing Failure: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
Wheel Bearing Failure: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
"Wheel bearing failure" is a common issue that affects many vehicles. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive wear, improper installation, and lack of lubrication. If left unchecked, wheel bearing failure can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and even cause an accident.
Types of Wheel Bearing Failure:
- Inner Bearing Failure: The inner bearing is located inside the wheel hub and supports the weight of the vehicle. Failure of the inner bearing can cause the wheel to wobble or vibrate, and can eventually lead to the wheel coming off the vehicle.
- Outer Bearing Failure: The outer bearing is located outside the wheel hub and supports the weight of the wheel. Failure of the outer bearing can cause the wheel to wobble or vibrate, and can eventually lead to the wheel coming off the vehicle.
- Combination Bearing Failure: Combination bearing failure occurs when both the inner and outer bearings fail at the same time. This can cause the wheel to wobble or vibrate severely, and can eventually lead to the wheel coming off the vehicle.
Common Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure
- Improper Installation: Improper installation of the wheel bearing can lead to premature failure. This can occur if the bearing is not properly torqued or if the bearing is not properly seated in the hub.
- Excessive Wear: Excessive wear can also lead to wheel bearing failure. This can occur if the bearing is not properly lubricated or if the bearing is subjected to excessive loads.
- Lack of Lubrication: Lack of lubrication can also lead to wheel bearing failure. This can occur if the bearing is not properly lubricated or if the lubricant is contaminated.
Symptoms of Wheel Bearing Failure
- Noise: A humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the wheel area is a common symptom of wheel bearing failure. The noise may be more pronounced when the vehicle is turning or when the vehicle is under load.
- Vibration: Vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard is another common symptom of wheel bearing failure. The vibration may be more pronounced when the vehicle is turning or when the vehicle is under load.
- Wobble: A wobble in the wheel is a serious symptom of wheel bearing failure. The wobble may be more pronounced when the vehicle is turning or when the vehicle is under load.
Prevention of Wheel Bearing Failure
- Proper Installation: Proper installation of the wheel bearing is essential to prevent premature failure. The bearing should be properly torqued and should be properly seated in the hub.
- Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is also essential to prevent wheel bearing failure. The bearing should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage. The bearing should also be lubricated regularly.
- Avoid Excessive Loads: Avoiding excessive loads can also help to prevent wheel bearing failure. The bearing should not be subjected to excessive loads, such as those caused by overloading the vehicle or by driving on rough roads.
Success Stories
- A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that proper maintenance of wheel bearings can reduce the risk of wheel bearing failure by up to 50%.
- A study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that regular inspection of wheel bearings can help to identify and prevent wheel bearing failure before it becomes a major problem.
- A study by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) found that proper lubrication of wheel bearings can extend the life of the bearings by up to 25%.
Tables
Table 1: Common Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Improper Installation | The bearing is not properly torqued or seated in the hub. |
| Excessive Wear | The bearing is not properly lubricated or is subjected to excessive loads. |
| Lack of Lubrication | The bearing is not properly lubricated or the lubricant is contaminated. |
Table 2: Symptoms of Wheel Bearing Failure
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Noise | A humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the wheel area. |
| Vibration | Vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. |
| Wobble | A wobble in the wheel. |
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