Having sturdy wheels is important to your vehicle's overall drivability and safety on the road. One important part that you may not be familiar with on your wheels are the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are a part that allows your wheels to spin quickly with little friction. The wheel bearing rides on a metal axle shaft and fits tightly inside the wheel hub, which is the metal component in the center of the wheel. The hub holds the lug bolts that you use to bolt the tire onto the wheel. The wheel bearing is pressed into the hub from the back.
Now that you know what wheel bearings are - how do you know if they are bad? Like all car parts, wheel bearings wear down over time and can cause issues with your vehicle's tires and how they drive. Here are some symptoms that can indicate your wheel bearings are bad:
- A grinding noise coming from the wheels or tires that gets worse when accelerating
- Loose steering or trouble controlling vehicle
- Tires feel wobbly
- Car veers in one direction
- Uneven or excessively tire wear
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, bring your vehicle into the professionals here at Honest Wrenches for assistance. Our experts will determine if your wheel bearings are the culprit and get you back on the road safely.