About the wheel bearings:
The wheel bearings are essential to the operation of your car’s wheel assembly. The wheel bearings allow the wheel hub assembly to move with minimal friction, resulting in smoother wheel operation and rotation.
By providing a smooth, even surface for the wheels to turn, wheel bearings also significantly improve the comfort of your car while driving.
Most wheel bearings consist of a set of small steel ball bearings, which move around a metal frame. Wheel bearings have become more advanced and difficult to replace in some newer cars. This is because the wheel bearings are sealed to the hub. When the bearings start to make a noise, the entire hub will often need to be replaced.
Learn more about how wheel bearings work
Symptoms of wheel bearings in need of replacement:
Wheel bearings should be replaced when they show signs of wear or damage. Here are some common indicators that it may be time to replace your wheel bearings:
- Loud noise while driving – The most common sign of faulty wheel bearings is a loud whirring or droning noise which increases in volume as you accelerate. This can be caused by a lack of lubrication, worn bearing, rust or contaminants around the bearing.
- Vibrating while driving – As a worn wheel bearing becomes worse, you may notice that the loud noises are accompanied by a slight vibration coming from the wheels. These vibrations may lead to shaky or unresponsive steering.
- Car pulling to one side – When a wheel bearing is in need of replacement, it can cause your car to pull to the left/right when the brakes are applied. This can be dangerous as it affects the control you have over your car.
- Brake pad/disc wear – A faulty wheel bearing will cause brake components to wear unevenly and at an increased rate. This can lead to the brake pads needing to be replaced more often.
Brake pad replacement in Hamilton
- ABS issues – In some cases, the ABS sensor can become damaged by a bad wheel bearing. This can cause the ABS light to appear on your dashboard and lead to problems with your car’s anti-lock braking system.
- Uneven tyre wear – Faulty wheel bearings can cause uneven tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, particularly on the inside or outside edges, it could be due to a worn wheel bearing.
Please Note – If your wheel bearings have any of the above symptoms, then it is likely they will fail a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), and will need to be replaced or repaired.
Why is replacing wheel bearings important?
- Improve your vehicle’s safety: Wheel bearings play a crucial role in the proper functioning of your vehicle’s wheels. They support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to rotate smoothly. Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings can compromise the stability and handling of your vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents. By replacing worn bearings, you ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
- Prevent further damage: If a wheel bearing is left unattended when it’s worn or damaged, it can lead to more extensive damage to other components of the wheel assembly. For example, excessive play in a worn bearing can put additional stress on the wheel hub, axle, and other parts, potentially causing them to fail. By replacing the worn bearings promptly, you can prevent more expensive repairs down the line.
- Extends the lifespan of tyres: Faulty wheel bearings can cause uneven tyre wear. This uneven wear can lead to premature tyre replacement, which can be costly. By replacing worn wheel bearings, you ensure that the tyres wear evenly, maximising their lifespan and saving you money in the long run.
- Improved fuel efficiency: Worn wheel bearings can create additional friction, which can negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. By replacing the worn bearings, you reduce friction and improve the overall efficiency of the wheel assembly, resulting in better fuel economy.
Wheel Bearing Replacement Service in Hamilton
Is your car in need of new wheel bearings? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our experienced mechanics can quickly replace one or more wheel bearings in your car. This will allow for smoother, quieter and more responsive driving.
For new wheel bearings in Hamilton, contact grimmer Motors today!