Wheel Bearing Test: Secrets Your Mechanic Probably Won't Tell You

Wheel bearings are an essential part of your car's suspension system. They allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, reducing friction and wear and tear on other components. A wheel bearing test is a simple and effective way to check the condition of your wheel bearings and identify any potential problems.

Why is a wheel bearing test important?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wheel bearing failures are one of the leading causes of car accidents. A failed wheel bearing can cause the wheel to lock up, leading to a loss of control and a potential crash.

Benefits of a wheel bearing test

Prevent accidents: A wheel bearing test can help you identify and fix wheel bearing problems before they lead to an accident.

Save money: Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively inexpensive repair. However, if a wheel bearing fails, it can damage other components of your car's suspension system, leading to more costly repairs.

Peace of mind: Knowing that your wheel bearings are in good condition can give you peace of mind when you're driving.

How to do a wheel bearing test

A wheel bearing test is a simple procedure that can be performed in your driveway or garage. Here's how to do it:

Jack up the car: Use a jack to raise the car so that the wheel you're testing is off the ground.

Grab the wheel: Grasp the wheel at the top and bottom and try to rock it back and forth. There should be no play or movement in the wheel.

Spin the wheel: Spin the wheel by hand. The wheel should spin freely and smoothly, without any grinding or noise.

Listen for noise: As you're spinning the wheel, listen for any unusual noises, such as grinding, squealing, or clicking. These noises could be a sign of a wheel bearing problem.

Table 1: Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing

Sign	Description
Play in the wheel	The wheel moves back and forth when you rock it.
Grinding noise	A grinding noise when you spin the wheel.
Squealing noise	A squealing noise when you brake.
Clicking noise	A clicking noise when you turn.

Table 2: Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure

Cause	Description
Wear and tear	Wheel bearings wear out over time, especially if you drive on rough roads.
Lack of lubrication	Wheel bearings need to be lubricated to function properly. If they are not lubricated, they can overheat and fail.
Contamination	Dirt and other contaminants can get into the wheel bearing and cause it to fail.
Impact damage	A hard impact, such as hitting a pothole, can damage a wheel bearing.
Manufacturing defect	Some wheel bearings are defective from the factory.

2 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Wheel Bearing Test

Mistake 1: Not jacking up the car high enough. If the car is not jacked up high enough, the wheel will not be able to spin freely and you may not be able to detect a problem.

Mistake 2: Not listening for noise. As you spin the wheel, listen for any unusual noises. These noises could be a sign of a wheel bearing problem.

What to do if your wheel bearing test fails

If your wheel bearing test fails, it's important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. A failed wheel bearing can cause serious problems, including accidents.

The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. In most cases, the wheel bearing will need to be replaced.

Wheel Bearing Test: Secrets Your Mechanic Probably Won't Tell You