What Are the Consequences of Abnormal Noise in Car Wheel Bearings?

[HarleyLee]

Abnormal noise in car wheel bearings indicates wear, looseness, or lack of lubrication in the bearings, which can lead to bearing seizure and affect the comfort of the vehicle. It can also increase driving resistance and, in severe cases, damage the wheel mechanism, causing the hub to detach and compromising driving safety. When a car's bearings are damaged, the vehicle emits a continuous humming sound. If you accelerate the car to a certain speed and then coast in neutral, and the humming sound remains unchanged, it can be concluded that the abnormal noise is caused by damaged wheel bearings. Another symptom occurs when the car is stationary or moving at low speeds. If you turn the steering wheel, the car may produce a squeaking sound, and in severe cases, you may even feel vibrations in the steering wheel. It is easy to distinguish between tire noise and abnormal noise caused by bearing damage. The noise from damaged bearings is a continuous humming sound, resembling metal friction, whereas tire noise does not produce this sound. Additionally, when driving on rough roads, tire noise becomes more pronounced, while the abnormal noise from bearing damage does not change with road roughness.