The wheel bearings in your vehicle are a set of steel balls held firmly in a metal ring. Right in the center of your wheel lies a hollow piece of metal called the hub. These wheel bearings are securely fitted inside the hub. Their purpose is to help reduce friction when the wheel spin.
Wheel bearings are different from engine bearings. Wheel bearings do not have any form of lubrication meaning they should be tight enough to keep water and dust from coming in. Wheel bearings are subject to intense abuse on roads as they have to support the weight of the entire vehicle. Your wheels will start to wobble if the wheel bearings go bad as more friction will be placed on the wheels.
A bad wheel bearing is a serious safety concern while driving. Below are the signs and symptoms to look out for in case you have a bad wheel bearing:
The first sign of trouble is if you start hearing loud noises originating from the tire or wheel of your vehicle. The most common sound is like metal grinding on metal. It will get louder as the vehicle gains speed. You might also feel your steering getting loose or wobbling excessively. This is a very dangerous situation as your vehicle will not be as responsive as it should be especially on turn and corners. This is another sign of your vehicle's wheel bearing going bad.
One should strictly not drive with a bad wheel bearing as the wheel can fall off while your automobile is in motion. Wheel bearings are essential in keeping the wheel attached to your car. Especially if you are driving down the highway, this can be a very dangerous situation to be in. You have a serious risk of losing complete control of your car and the fallen wheel can cause serious hindrance to fellow drivers. Similarly driving with a missing wheel bearing can be extremely dangerous.
In case you experience any of the above signs, contact a mechanic as soon as possible. Try searching for cheap car servicing in the UK to find the best professional mechanics and garages near you. Never drive with a bad or missing wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is an integral part of your vehicle. Bad or missing wheel bearings leads to your vehicle's tires wearing out faster. This can lead to uneven tire wear and it doesn't end there; your wheel may stop while driving. Furthermore, a damaged wheel bearing compromises the hub, putting stress on the CV joint and the transmission itself. It is better to have the wheel bearing replaced at the first sign of trouble before your tires go bad, saving both time and money.
In conclusion, bad wheel bearings can severely compromise your vehicle. The smoothness of your drive, the life of your tires, and more importantly your safety can be a serious concern. Always get your wheel bearings inspected at the first sign of trouble.
graph text here.
Must Read: Difference Between Car Service And Mot
