If you suddenly hear a strange, unusual noise while driving your vehicle, it may be possible that you’re dealing with a wheel bearing issue. Wheel bearings are crucial components of a cat as they are designed to sustain axial and radial loads as a result of acceleration, breaking, and turning.
As wheel bearings play a crucial role in your vehicle’s good functioning, problems related to it need to be resolved immediately to prevent damage and unwanted accidents.
What are Wheel Bearings?
Wheel bearings refer to the set of steel balls that are held together by a metal ring. They ensure that wheels rotate smoothly with minimal friction. Located at the center of a vehicle’s wheels are hollow pieces of metal hubs where wheel bearings are fitted tightly within the hubs and ride on metal axle shafts. This configuration helps in reducing friction whenever the wheels spin.
Wheel bearings are different from your vehicle’s engine bearings given there is no continuous source of lubricants. With this in mind, wheel bearings need to be fitted tightly to keep debris, water, and dust at bay. Additionally, wheel bearings support the weight of your vehicle during operation; hence it suffers from wear and tear.
Causes of wheel bearing malfunction
There are several reasons why your car’s wheel bearings experience failure or malfunction. Here are some of them:
- Driving conditions
Frequently driving through rough terrain, as well as mud, water, and road sale can result in wheel bearing malfunction. This is because contaminants can penetrate the seals and enter the bearings, polluting the grease and damaging the bearings themselves.
- Quality
As with any vehicle component, the quality of the wheel bearings fitted in your vehicle makes a huge difference in terms of longevity. Wheel bearings are precision products, which means they undergo complex manufacturing processes. Low-quality steel is less heat resistant and is more likely to suffer premature wear. Additionally, low-quality steel consists of hard or soft metal that leads to failure. It is therefore crucial to consult with a seasoned Sydney auto mechanic to ensure your car is outfitted with superior-quality and durable wheel bearings.
- Uneven Roads
The more frequently you drive on uneven terrains, the more likely it is that your wheel suffers from damage or gets worn sooner than expected. Over time, the steel balls will develop damaged areas that restrict your ability to reduce friction. If this is the cause of malfunction, it is imperative to bring your car to a car mechanic in Sydney for immediate repairs.
- Poor Installation
Simple errors such as using the wrong set of tools can result in damage to the exterior and interior of a wheel end bearing. This will cause the wheel bearings on your car to fail prematurely, too. Reusing used or old accessories, including bolts, nuts, seals, and pins can also lead to the wheel end bearings to operate unsafely, thus increasing the risk of accidents.
- Imbalance Tires
Taking care of your wheel bearings should be included in your car’s routine maintenance. If left neglected, your wheel bearings will endure more pressure and stress resulting in damage. Take your vehicle to a trusted Sydney auto shop and have a mechanic take a look if you suspect imbalance tires.
- Accidents
Even a minor automobile accident can lead to damage to its wheel bearings. Even slight dents can result in malfunctioning wheel bearings. Speed bumps, potholes, and hitting curbs can result in damage which can only be diagnosed properly by a skilled mechanic.
The Impact of Wheel Bearings on Overall Car Performance
Your wheel bearings play a crucial part in your vehicle’s performance. It is therefore important that they are in good working condition to ensure that the wheels rotate smoothly. Wheel bearings are also necessary to reduce friction caused by other components of your vehicle’s drivetrain system. When your wheel bearings show signs of damage or requiring immediate replacement, serious issues can occur that can prove to be expensive over time. When wheel bearings are not replaced by a skilled auto mechanic utilising the proper tools, this activity can result in more serious damage, too.
On average, the lifespan of wheel bearings range between 85,000 and 100,000 miles. If you notice unusual noises, including growling, rumbling, and humming that worsens during acceleration, it is imperative that you have your vehicle examined by a Sydney auto shop. You must do the same if you hear howling during deceleration and acceleration. Unusual sounds may also indicate differential pinion bearing preload or your wheel bearings are approaching failure due to its inability to support the gear.
If you are looking for a seasoned and reputable auto mechanic in Sydney that can expertly handle your wheel bearing replacement, HP Automotive will save your day. With years of experience in car servicing and repairs, you can feel confident that we bring nothing but impeccable wheel replacement service and other automotive solutions at competitive rates. To schedule an appointment, please contact our direct line on 02 9979 8372 today.