Wheel Bearings: Sometimes They Need Replacement

By Sam Iskander  |   Submitted On September 25, 2015

Every motorized vehicle (and some non-motorized, like bikes and skates) utilize wheel bearings. Typically, automobiles utilize two different types of wheel bearings and these bearings require maintenance and replacement from time to time. Older vehicles will have different wheel bearings than their modern counterparts.

Some newer cars are equipped with hub bearing assemblies and have internally pressed bearings that might not be able to be serviced by rather completely replaced after years of use. Wheel bearings are exposed to a lot of heat and friction and require a high quality lubricate in order to do their job effectively. However, wheel bearings will always need replacing after some time.

There are a few key steps that need to be taken when checking to see if your wheel bearings need to be replaced or serviced. Following these instructions carefully will decrease your chances of making a mistake or causing injury to yourself or vehicle.

First, use a jack to raise the wheel you think the bearings are compromised in and allow the vehicle to sit on the jack stand. Next, spin the wheel with force with your hands and listen through the sidewall of the tire for any odd noises that resemble a grinding sound. Use your hands to feel for any resistance as the tire spins.

Now, place one of your hands on top of the tire and one on hand on the bottom of the wheel. Using a rocking motion, wiggle the wheel. If the tire is serviceable, the bearings will allow for slight movements up to 1/8th of an inch. If you experience any bigger movements, this indicates that your wheel bearing needs servicing, tightened, or replaced altogether.

Locate the hubcap and the dust cap from the hub middle by using a hammer and a set of pry instruments. You might find that a straightedge screwdriver works best for this step. Take a look at the cap for any internal dryness, cracking, or lack of lubrication.

Find the cotter pin and remove it, then take out the castle cap and spindle nut by utilizing the two channel locks. Next, remove the washer and strike the top of the tire towards the inside using one hand with your other hand resting on the spindle in order to catch the outer bearing. Take a good look at the bearing and if it is able to be reused, repack it with plenty of packers and lubricant.

Once you have fully inspected the bearing washer located inside of the wheel assembly, secure the spindle nuts with your hands and channel locks. Finish up by spinning the wheel towards you to properly secure the bearing. Pull out the nut and replace the existing cotter pin and cap. Place plenty of lubricant inside of the cap.

You will also need to check out the hub bearing assemblies to ensure their integrity. First, put your hand on top of the tire and your other hand on its right side. Spin the tire towards you while exerting solid pressure. Examine the tire for any resistance or loud noises while it spins.

Next, put your hand on top and to the side of the tire once again and rock it back and forth. If you notice that the tire can rock more than 1/8 of an inch, the hub bearing assemblies need replaced immediately.

Keep in mind, replacing old-fashioned wheel bearings with newer models will save you money in the long run. It is ideal to also replace wheel bearing that are rusty, broken, and worn down. If your bearings are considerably worn down, consider taking a look at your brake pads as they probably need replacing too. Be privy to what your wheel bearings are up to and keep an eye on whether they require replacement or not.