How to Determine if a Thrust Bearing is Faulty?

[VanLeah]

If issues such as increased tire noise and vehicle deviation occur during driving, it can generally be determined that the thrust bearing is damaged. Below are the relevant details: 1. The correct name for the thrust bearing should be 'pressure bearing,' which consists of two parts: the pressure top rubber and the pressure bearing. It is installed at the top of the front suspension and is a component connected to the vehicle body. The impact of a damaged pressure bearing cannot be overlooked. In minor cases, it affects comfort, increases tire noise, and causes vehicle deviation. In severe cases, it can lead to suspension damage, resulting in steering system failure and traffic accidents. 2. When turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds, a 'squeaking' sound may be heard, and in severe cases, steering wheel vibration can be felt. 3. When driving on bumpy roads or over speed bumps, a 'thudding' sound may be heard. 4. Tire noise becomes noticeably louder during driving, and in severe cases, a 'humming' sound may occur. 5. Vehicle deviation can also be caused by a damaged pressure bearing.

[Dominic]

As someone who commutes by car daily, I identified a faulty plain bearing through several subtle signs: when turning or slowly going over speed bumps, there's a creaking noise from the chassis, especially noticeable when the steering wheel is turned fully, as if something is rubbing. The steering wheel also doesn't turn smoothly, occasionally feeling heavy or vibrating slightly, particularly noticeable when starting or stopping. Ignoring these signs not only makes driving uncomfortable but over time reduces steering precision, making high-speed turns prone to loss of control, which is quite dangerous. So, as soon as I noticed the unusual sounds, I promptly took it to a professional repair shop to have the suspension system checked—better to address small issues before they become big ones. By the way, this problem is more common in urban driving conditions due to frequent turns accelerating wear.

[DeJoel]

I enjoy tinkering with car repairs myself, and diagnosing a faulty plane bearing is quite straightforward. A clicking or grinding noise when turning is my first clue. Then, I'll park the car and inspect it—using a jack to lift the front wheel, I shake the top of the spring shock absorber by hand to check for excessive play or looseness. If there are cracks or signs of wear on the rubber or metal parts of the shock absorber, that confirms it's broken. Next, I test-drive the car at low speed while turning the steering wheel to see if the noise persists, and also check if the tires show uneven wear, as bearing damage can cause wheel instability. It's advisable to replace the bearing early to avoid affecting the lifespan of other suspension components. The tools needed are simple—just a wrench will do—but safety comes first, so don’t force anything apart. Regularly cleaning the wheel well of dirt during car washes can also help prevent accelerated wear.

[DelNolan]

Safety is my top priority. A failed plain bearing can lead to imprecise steering, making it difficult to control during sharp turns or high speeds, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. The method to determine it is simple: listen for abnormal noises from the chassis while driving, such as creaking or thumping sounds, especially during low-speed turns; feeling the steering wheel noticeably heavy, unstable, or vibrating is a warning sign. Stop the vehicle immediately without delay and have a professional technician conduct a comprehensive inspection of the suspension system. Regular vehicle maintenance, with a focus on evaluating the bearing condition every two years, can prevent failures. Ignoring these minor symptoms may lead to more serious suspension issues, endangering driving safety.