Wheel Bearing replacement & repair done differently

What does a Wheel Bearing do?

A wheel bearing enables the wheel (and with it the wheel hub) to rotate smoothly on a wheels' upright by reducing the friction between the moving and non-moving parts of the wheel hub. The bearings are usually made up out of roll or ball bearings in which the outer part of the wheel hub can turn. Each wheel is fitted with a set of bearings, most cars have two sets of bearings, one for the inner part of the wheel hub and one for the outer part.

How do you know there is something wrong with a Wheel Bearing?

• When the car vibrates whilst driving.
• When a wheel does not move (bearing has seized).
• When there is a thudding or clunking noise coming from underneath the car.
• When there is a squeaking noise coming from underneath the car.

When should you consider a Wheel Bearing replacement?

Over time the bearings can wear, usually, the bearings wear due to inadequate lubrication. In severe cases, it might be that a bearing fails completely. The result is generally a squeaking or grinding noise coming from one of the car's wheels.

Bearings are either sealed or unsealed. Unsealed bearings can be regreased and reused (if not damaged), sealed bearings on the other hand cannot be reused but can only be discarded and replaced if worn out.

Addressing issues with the wheel bearings timely and professionally is key to prevent further, more expensive, damage. It is therefore also recommendable not to drive the car when noticing a shudder through the steering wheel or if you feel the wheels shaking.

Should you experience problems with the bearings then it is advisable that you have them inspected as soon as possible and, if necessary, have the bearings replaced. Always remember to service the bearings as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

What happens during a Wheel Bearing replacement?

* The mechanic will jack the car safely.
* The mechanic will inspect the wheel with the faulty bearing.
* If necessary, the mechanic will replace the faulty bearing.
* The mechanic will refit the bearing and wheel.
* The mechanic will torque the wheel to the pressure stipulated by the manufacturer.
* The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
* The mechanic will test drive the car.
* If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

What happens if I don’t replace damaged Wheel Bearings?

Over time, a damaged wheel bearing can affect your car’s steering, as the weight of the bearings, or any defects in the race can cause your wheels to not sit level with the road. This can lead to uneven and premature tyre wear, and your car behaving unpredictably when turning corners.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, a wheel bearing replacement should be carried out as soon as possible.

Can I do a Wheel Bearing replacement myself?

Having a front or rear wheel bearing replaced isn’t a huge job but also not a quick job because there are quite a few parts to remove to get access to your wheel bearing.

The job is also more involved because of the way most front wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars are set up.

Replacing the wheel bearing is important when it comes to safe and predictable car handling. Therefore it is recommended that both sets of wheel bearings on the same axle are replaced at the same time.

How common is a Wheel Bearing replacement?

Wheel bearings are often damaged when a car hits a kerb with some force. But also, because the bearings have to be able to travel as smoothly as possible around the race to help keep your car wheels turning predictably.

Until the late-1990s, it was common for car manufacturers to recommend wheel bearing replacement every 30,000 miles. But while today’s wheel bearings can typically last twice as long, many cars are also doing far higher mileages, so they are subjected to much more wear and tear.

What are common Wheel Bearing brands on the market?

Wheel bearings are precision-manufactured pieces of equipment and are commonly supplied in kits which also include the replacement race.
Brands which have a long track record of being fitted as new and used for wheel bearing replacement include Koyo, Timken and SKF.

Are there any differences between Wheel Bearings on old and new cars?

More modern cars – those which are less than 20 years old – have generally been fitted with a race and wheel bearing which is a single unit, to help make it easier for mechanics to replace them. This also brings the benefit that the moving bearings are better protected from dust and liquid, keeping them running more smoothly for longer.

Whereas older wheel bearings could be expected to last about 30,000 miles, the newer versions don’t fail as often because they have fewer moving parts. But they are still essentially the same set of parts as has been fitted to cars for many years.

How to extend the lifetime of your Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are usually made of hardened steel. While they can withstand lots of wear and abuse, their biggest enemies are heat and water.

Heat – which is usually caused by a lack of lubrication, and a consequent build-up of stress and energy inside the wheel – will eventually damage the bearings and possibly destroy them.

So too will water penetrating inside the race, the steel rim which holds the bearings.

A hard impact against a kerb can easily damage a wheel bearing. So avoiding hitting any kerb is a good way to treat your wheel bearings kindly and prolong their life.

How much does a Wheel Bearing Replacement cost?

The cost of a wheel bearing replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your wheel bearing replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!