Bearings enable the wheels of your vehicle to turn with minimal function. They carry the entire weight of the car, plus the lateral force when you turn, for hundreds of thousands of miles and at thousands of revolutions per minute. As a result, they take a lot of stress. To keep them protected, wheel bearings are coated in lubricant so they function optimally and are then sealed to keep the grease in, and dust and grit out. If the lubricant seal is damaged, this is particularly harmful to the bearing, as it means that water can enter, which will in turn cause the bearing to rust. There are two types of wheel bearings. The older type is serviceable, however, most bearings on cars now are entire units, which must be wholly replaced.
It’s important to replace them as soon as you notice anything, since faulty wheel bearings can be dangerous. Luckily, it’s easy to do. Plus, with Mister-Auto, you can buy bearings for your car online and at competitive prices and get super-fast delivery.
Signs you need to buy new bearings
On average, wheel bearings are designed to last around 150,000 miles. Though, depending on how you use your vehicle, this can be significantly reduced. Whichever type you have, the signs that you need new bearings are always the same.
You can perform a visual inspection by jacking up your vehicle. Spin the wheel as fast as you can. If you hear any grinding noise, this is a clear indication that the bearing has failed. You can also spin two wheels at once; if one turns slower than the other, then it likely has a faulty wheel bearing. You can also try to move the wheel from side to side; if it moves more than 1/8th of an inch, then it means the bearings will need replacing or servicing.
Noise while driving is another clear sign. It is normally a grinding or dragging sound, but depending on how soundproofed your vehicle is, it can also be softer and muffled. The sound should intensify and decrease in accordance with how fast you are driving, and may be more noticeable when you turn. It should also become louder the longer you drive as the lubricant begins to heat up.
Another sign you need to buy wheel bearings is wheel vibration. While this normally indicates an issue with the tyre, it can also mean the loss of a bearing. Finally, faulty bearings can also cause the wheel to wander as you drive. This is often misidentified as an issue with the steering wheel or the tyres.
Buy wheel bearings online at Mister-Auto
When buying bearings online, it’s important to ensure that you get the right ones for your car. That’s why, at Mister-Auto, we’ve made it simple. With our search feature, all you have to do is enter your model, and we’ll find the right product for you in seconds, quick & easy! Plus, included in this is fast delivery and tracking to get you back at the wheel in no time. That’s why we’re one of Europe’s leading marketplaces for auto parts and accessories.
