Probable Reasons Why Your Wheel Bearings Have Acquired Damage
Owning a vehicle comes with multiple responsibilities ranging for routine servicing, meticulous maintenance and even knowing when to seek repairs so that any underlying issue does not become aggravated enough to necessitate replacement of crucial systems. But one area many motorists overlook is the wheels. You may take your vehicle in for wheel alignment but have you ever considered the condition of the wheel bearings?
These auto parts function to minimise friction when the wheels are in motion. What some motorists typically struggle with is diagnosing damage to the wheel bearings, as it can sound like an issue with the tyres. However, you will hear distinctive noises as you drive. To help you understand more about jeopardised wheel bearings, here are three probable reasons why your wheel bearings have acquired damage.
Unprofessional installation
A red flag you should be wary of is problems with the wheel bearings a short while after having them replaced. A blunder to avoid Is having a friend replace the wheel bearings for you in an attempt to save on costs. When installed unprofessionally, the wheel bearings may not be secured correctly and this increases the risk of the seals declining prematurely. Although you may not be charged for installation, you will end up wasting money on potential wheel damage, still having to hire a mechanic to do it for you as well as buying another set of wheel bearings to replace the new ones that acquired damage. In the end, it's easier to just have yours installed by a professional.
Rough terrain
The second most common reason why your wheel bearings could be failing is if you routinely drive on uneven roads. These auto parts are exposed to a considerable amount of pressure due to the weight of your car. When you are driving on rough terrain, the jerky motion of the car exacerbates this pressure and can end up displacing the balls of the bearings. The longer that this goes unnoticed, the worse the physical damage to the wheel bearings. Small bits of the metal may begin to chip off the bearings, which not only compromises their operation but also contaminates the lubricant they depend on to function, and this accelerates the rate of degradation.
Uneven tyres
Your cars wheel systems comprise a range of auto parts that need to be in functional condition for the wheels to work at optimum. The tyres, for example, need to be balanced, even if they are worn. If one or more of the wheels are not fully in contact with the road, there is an increased risk of uneven pressure being exerted onto the wheel bearings. Inspect the condition of the tyres and lookout for signs of uneven wear as it could likely mean your wheel bearings are in jeopardy too.
Reach out to a professional for more information about wheels.
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