Ball bearings are essential components used to reduce friction between certain mechanical parts of a vehicle. Found within the car’s suspension system, they are generally located on the wheel hub and brake drum/disc, with the aim of making the vehicle’s movement smoother and safer.
But why is it important to ensure that the car’s wheel bearings are in good condition? And how can you tell when they need to be replaced?
How Do Ball Bearings for Cars Work?
As is well known, the primary function of car wheel bearings is to reduce the mechanical friction of the constant velocity joint (CV joint), which rotates within the knuckle, ensuring the axles correctly transmit rotational movement to the wheels even during steering.
Typically, the ball bearings installed inside the knuckles consist of several rows of parallel balls and are covered with special grease. This is why it is crucial to always choose high-quality car bearings and wheel hub replacement kits that are the correct size and have the right specifications.
How to Know When Your Car’s Bearings Need Replacing
When should the bearings be replaced? While a definitive answer can only be provided by your trusted mechanic, a fairly reliable way to detect deterioration in your car’s wheel bearings is the perception of a faint humming noise when taking a turn or as the vehicle accelerates.
If possible, you can also try lifting a wheel and spinning it quickly by hand: if you hear a noise during rolling, accompanied by a vibration in the fender, it is very likely that the bearing is damaged.
In any case, in more modern vehicles, the need to inspect the suspension system and possibly replace the ball bearings is often indicated by dashboard warning lights related to the ABS function. Bearings are a key element in this system since they support the CV joint and ensure the proper transmission of motion to the wheels.
What to Do If Your Car’s Bearings Make Noise
If you notice that the bearings in your car are producing an unusual noise, the best course of action is to take the car to a skilled mechanic to evaluate their condition and replace them if necessary. Replacing old car bearings with new ones is a quick procedure carried out with specialized disassembly and assembly equipment, meaning it can be scheduled with minimal inconvenience.
Finally, it is important to note that preventive maintenance of bearings is not possible, nor can their lifespan be precisely estimated. Their durability varies greatly and is influenced by a wide range of factors, not always under the driver’s control. For example, bearings typically need to be replaced more frequently in coastal areas, where salt air mixes with the grease coating the bearings, reducing their lifespan.