how can i tell if im driving on a bad wheelbearing?
3 Answers
Jack the car up, pull back and forth on the wheel checking for play. Spin the wheel paying attention to any growling noise coming from the wheel bearing, you would hear a continuous growl or whirle noise while driving.
It is highly unlikely you will feel any play by pulling on the wheel nor will you likely hear anything or feel anything by spinning the wheel with the car off the ground. You will however hear a very faint low growl or whirle noise when driving. That is the very early stage of bearing failure and means some time in the next year or two you might want to replace them. When you do (if you plan to keep the car) spend the big dollars on good ones, SKF or Timken, as the cheaper imported ones often only last about a year due to their lighter construction.
SKF, Timken, Moge, $80 to $125, and yes do not by imported chineze crap.
