What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a bad wheel bearing include: 1. A noise when turning the steering wheel while stationary or at low speeds, and in severe cases, steering wheel vibration can be felt; 2. A noise when driving on bumpy roads or over speed bumps; 3. Noticeably increased tire noise while driving, and in severe cases, a noise; 4. Vehicle pulling to one side. The advantages of plain bearings are that when the adjacent part surfaces are suitable for raceways, washers can be omitted, allowing for a compact design. DF needle roller bearings and plain cylindrical roller bearings use needle rollers and cylindrical rollers with profiled cylindrical surfaces, which can reduce edge stress and improve service life.
I've been driving for over a decade, and recently I've noticed a creaking sound when turning, especially noticeable at low speeds while steering—it sounds like an old door opening. Driving on smooth roads is fine, but on bumpy roads, the car body shakes more noticeably, and the steering wheel feels a bit unstable with some vibration. Initially, I thought it was a tire issue, but after a check-up at the repair shop, the mechanic said it was due to worn-out strut mounts. These are located at the top of the shock absorbers and are responsible for cushioning vibrations and ensuring smooth steering. If left unrepaired, steering can become sluggish, response during emergency lane changes slows down, and it may also accelerate uneven tire wear. From my personal experience, delaying the repair led to one side of the tire tread wearing out completely in just a few days, costing me unnecessary money for new tires. My advice is to get it checked as soon as you hear any unusual sounds or feel a decline in handling. Don't underestimate its impact on driving safety. Now that it's fixed, the car runs quietly and smoothly, making driving much more worry-free.
