Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise: Is It a Sign of Imminent Failure?

Yes, wheel bearing noise can be intermittent. This means that the noise may come and go, or it may only occur under certain conditions, such as when you’re turning or driving at a particular speed.

Causes of Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise

There are several reasons why wheel bearing noise may be intermittent:

• Damaged bearing: The bearing itself may be damaged, causing it to make noise when it rotates. This damage can be caused by wear and tear, impact, or contamination.
• Loose bearing: The bearing may be loose in its housing, causing it to move around and make noise. This can be caused by improper installation or wear and tear.
• Insufficient lubrication: The bearing may not be properly lubricated, causing it to make noise when it rotates. This can be caused by a leak in the lubricant seal or by using the wrong type of lubricant.
• Damaged hub: The hub that the bearing is mounted on may be damaged, causing the bearing to move around and make noise. This can be caused by impact or wear and tear.

Symptoms of Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise

The symptoms of intermittent wheel bearing noise can vary depending on the severity of the damage. Some common symptoms include:

• A grinding or growling noise that comes and goes
• A noise that is louder when turning or driving at a particular speed
• A vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard
• A loss of stability or handling

Diagnosing Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise

Diagnosing intermittent wheel bearing noise can be challenging, as the noise may not always be present. However, there are a few things you can do to help diagnose the problem:

• Listen for the noise: Pay attention to the noise and try to identify when it occurs. Does it happen when you’re turning, driving at a particular speed, or braking?
• Check the wheel bearing: Inspect the wheel bearing for any damage or signs of wear. Look for cracks, pitting, or other damage.
• Check the hub: Inspect the hub that the bearing is mounted on for any damage or signs of wear. Look for cracks, pitting, or other damage.
• Check the lubricant: Check the lubricant in the bearing for any signs of contamination or leakage. If the lubricant is low or dirty, it may need to be replaced.

Repairing Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise

If you have diagnosed intermittent wheel bearing noise, you will need to repair the problem. The repair will depend on the cause of the noise.

• Damaged bearing: If the bearing is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Loose bearing: If the bearing is loose, it will need to be tightened or replaced.
• Insufficient lubrication: If the bearing is not properly lubricated, it will need to be lubricated or the lubricant seal will need to be replaced.
• Damaged hub: If the hub is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Preventing Intermittent Wheel Bearing Noise

There are a few things you can do to help prevent intermittent wheel bearing noise:

• Regular maintenance: Have your wheel bearings inspected and lubricated regularly as part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• Avoid impact: Avoid driving over potholes or other objects that could damage the wheel bearings.
• Use the right lubricant: Use the correct type of lubricant for your wheel bearings.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I drive with intermittent wheel bearing noise?

A: It is not advisable to drive with intermittent wheel bearing noise, as it could lead to further damage and potentially cause an accident.

Q: How much does it cost to repair intermittent wheel bearing noise?

A: The cost of repairing intermittent wheel bearing noise will vary depending on the cause of the noise and the severity of the damage. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the repair.

Q: How long does it take to repair intermittent wheel bearing noise?

A: The time it takes to repair intermittent wheel bearing noise will vary depending on the cause of the noise and the severity of the damage. However, you can expect the repair to take between 1 and 3 hours.