Auto Systems and Repair
Wheel Bearing Replacement
Wheel bearings allow each wheel to rotate. There are several types of wheel bearings used in automobiles. Some require no maintenance; others can be disassembled, cleaned, and inspected for wear.
Symptoms
Failing wheel bearings become loose and develop excess clearance, or play. If a failing bearing is put "under load," you may hear a distinctive growling noise when the wheels are moving.
Repair
To service vehicles with serviceable wheel bearings, the wheel must be removed. Then the brake drum, brake rotor, or wheel hub assembly is removed. The wheel bearings are removed, cleaned, and inspected. If they are okay, they are packed with fresh grease and re-installed. If they show signs of wear, they should be replaced.
Notes
The wheel bearing may be an integrated part of the vehicle's suspension. If so, the suspension or wheel hub may need to be removed to replace the wheel bearing.
