What Are the Effects of a Damaged Car Thrust Bearing?
2 Answers
Damage to the car thrust bearing can cause abnormal noises when steering, and it needs to be replaced promptly. Additional information is as follows: Function of the thrust bearing: When the car turns, the front shock absorber rotates accordingly, so a bearing is required between the front shock absorber and the car body to ensure smooth rotation. Causes of thrust bearing damage: 1. Poor lubrication or excessive dust leading to bearing damage. 2. Failure to regularly add lubricating grease can result in damage to the car's thrust bearing. Method for replacing the thrust bearing: When reinstalling the shock absorber after replacement, it is essential to use a professional torque wrench to tighten the screws according to the specified torque. Additionally, after installing the shock absorber, a four-wheel alignment should be performed to prevent the car from veering off course and to avoid uneven tire wear.
My car's plain bearing broke some time ago. At first, I didn't pay much attention, but when turning, it felt stiff, especially when making turns—it kept making creaking noises, like a small stone rolling inside. The handling performance dropped significantly; on the highway, the car body felt wobbly, and driving over potholes was nerve-wracking—I almost had an accident. It wasn’t until I stopped to check that I discovered the issue. The mechanic said a broken bearing could cause uneven suspension support and wear out other components like the shock absorbers, costing me several hundred to fix. If left unrepaired for a long time, it could affect safety, as reduced steering precision makes emergency maneuvers harder. The advice is to get it fixed as soon as you hear any unusual noises—don’t delay. Safety on the road comes first.
