Wheel Bearings

A wheel bearing supports the vehicle’s weight while allowing the wheel to rotate with minimal friction. It is a safety-critical component and a common source of driving noise, usually a droning hum that changes with speed.

What it does

The bearing sits between the stationary hub carrier and the rotating wheel hub, carrying both vertical load and cornering forces while keeping the wheel accurately located.

Signs a wheel bearing is failing

A droning or humming that rises and falls with road speed
Noise that changes in volume when the vehicle is loaded through a corner
Play felt when the wheel is rocked with the vehicle raised
ABS warning lights, where the sensor ring is integrated
A vibration through the floor or steering at speed

When to replace them

Not scheduled. Replaced when noise or play develops. Water ingress and impact damage from potholes are common causes.

What to confirm before ordering

Have these ready and the counter can usually confirm the part in under a minute.

Whether the application uses a pressed-in bearing or a complete sealed hub assembly
Whether an ABS sensor ring is integrated
Front or rear, and driven or non-driven
Whether a new hub nut is required, since these are usually single-use

Wheel Bearings by vehicle

Pick your vehicle for the years and engines covered, and what is specific to that application.

Wheel Bearings questions

What does a bad wheel bearing sound like?

A droning or humming that follows road speed rather than engine speed. The giveaway is that it changes as you load the axle through a corner, because cornering shifts weight across the bearings.

How do I know which wheel the noise is coming from?

Gently swerving side to side at moderate speed loads each side in turn. The noise typically gets louder when weight moves onto the failing bearing, which is the opposite side to the direction of the turn.

Is it safe to drive with a noisy wheel bearing?

Not for long. A bearing that has started to break up can seize or allow the hub to move enough to affect steering and braking. Treat a droning bearing as a job to book immediately.