Suspension
Wheel Bearing
Wheel bearings let the wheel spin freely on the hub with minimal friction.
Free guide
Advertisement
What it does
- Supports the wheel and vehicle weight
- Allows smooth, low-friction rotation
- Modern hub units are sealed and pre-adjusted
When it fails
- Humming or grinding that changes with speed
- Noise worse when turning one way
- Wheel play when rocked top-to-bottom
How to diagnose
- Drive and shift the load side to side to locate the noise
- Jack the wheel and check for play
- Spin the wheel and listen
Maintenance
- Replace sealed hub units complete with the hub
- Torque the hub nut to spec
- Repack serviceable bearings on schedule
Use the diagnosis order. When a part fails, confirm each hypothesis with measurements before replacing anything — codes and symptoms overlap.
Related part
Shock Absorbers & Struts
Shock absorbers control spring movement so the tires stay in contact with the road.