How to Determine if a Wheel Bearing is Bad?

2 Answers
MacElliana
07/24/25 7:06am
The methods to determine if a wheel bearing is bad are: 1. After driving, the car will emit a buzzing sound, and loud noise indicates bearing damage; 2. Place your left hand on the shock absorber spring, rotate the tire with your right hand, and feel the vibration with your left hand. If the spring vibrates significantly, it indicates bearing damage and the need for replacement. A damaged bearing will increase friction, and a vehicle that has just been driven will generate high heat. At this time, touching it with your hand will feel hot. Method to determine which side (left or right) the bearing is damaged: If the abnormal noise is caused by the bearing, steer left and right while driving. If the noise disappears when steering left and appears when steering right, it indicates a problem with the left front bearing. The same logic applies to the right side.
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MasonRose
08/11/25 2:46am
Last time I was on the highway, I encountered a bearing issue. Suddenly there was a humming noise in the car—the faster I drove, the louder it got, with a slight metallic grinding sound. The noise changed when turning the steering wheel. After getting out, I touched the wheel hub and it was scalding hot, while the other side was just warm. Squatting down, I noticed the tire looked slightly tilted. If you're unsure, find a flat surface to lift the car and spin the wheel by hand to listen for any gritty noise. Remember, if the bearing is damaged, don't push it—a locked-up wheel is terrifying.
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