If you’re driving a heavy-duty truck, it’s essential to ensure that your wheels and bearings are in good condition. Bad wheel bearings can lead to significant safety concerns, including tire blowouts and even accidents. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to check for bad wheel bearings in heavy-duty trucks.

Listen for Unusual Noises

One of the most common signs of bad wheel bearings is unusual noises coming from the wheels. These noises can be described as a grinding, growling, or humming sound that increases in volume as you drive faster. You may also notice that the noise gets louder when you turn left or right.

To check for bad wheel bearings, start by driving your truck on a quiet road or in a quiet parking lot. Turn off the radio and other distractions to focus on the sounds coming from your wheels. If you hear any unusual noises, pay close attention to which wheel the noise is coming from.

A quick test to confirm if a wheel bearing is bad is to make a turn while driving. If you hear a loud noise that intensifies when turning in one direction and decreases when turning in the opposite direction, it is likely that the bearing on the outer side of the turn is damaged.

Check for Vibration or Shaking 

Vibration or shaking while driving can indicate that the wheel bearings are worn or damaged. When the bearings wear out, they no longer provide the smooth and stable rotation needed for safe and efficient driving. As a result, you may feel a vibration or shaking sensation while driving, particularly at higher speeds.

This vibration can be felt in various parts of the truck, such as the steering wheel, the floor, or the seat. The intensity of the vibration can vary depending on the severity of the problem. In some cases, the vibration may be subtle and barely noticeable, while in other cases, it can be so severe that it affects your ability to control the truck.

Ignoring the vibration or shaking can lead to further damage to the wheel bearings, tires, and other components of the truck. It can also increase the risk of a tire blowout, which can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds.

Inspect the Tires 

When wheel bearings are worn out, they can cause the tires to wear unevenly. This is because the bearings are no longer able to keep the wheels stable and centered. As a result, the wheels may wobble or tilt, causing the tires to wear in a specific pattern.

One type of uneven tire wear that can occur as a result of bad wheel bearings is cupping. Cupping is when the tire tread wears unevenly, resulting in a series of shallow, cup-shaped depressions across the tire’s surface. This type of wear pattern can cause a bumpy ride and can be loud while driving.

Another type of uneven tire wear that can occur as a result of bad wheel bearings is feathering. Feathering is when the tire tread wears unevenly, resulting in a series of diagonal ridges across the tire’s surface. This type of wear pattern can cause noise while driving and can also result in reduced traction and handling.

In addition to cupping and feathering, bad wheel bearings can also cause other types of uneven tire wear, such as bald spots or uneven tread wear. 

Check for Wheel Play 

Wheel play refers to the movement of the wheels in different directions. When checking for wheel play, it’s essential to make sure that the truck is on a level surface and that the wheels are lifted off the ground. You can use a jack and jack stands to lift the truck and remove the wheel.

Once the wheel is removed, hold the rotor and move it from side to side and up and down. There should be no noticeable movement in the rotor, but if you notice that it moves excessively, it’s a clear indication that your wheel bearings are bad.

Monitor the Temperature 

When wheel bearings wear out, they generate more friction, which produces heat. Over time, this heat can cause the wheel bearings to fail completely, which can lead to dangerous situations while driving, such as a tire blowout or even loss of control of the vehicle.

To check for overheating, you can touch the wheel after driving for some time. If the wheel is too hot to touch, it’s a sign that the wheel bearing is generating excessive heat and needs to be inspected by a professional. Overheated bearings can cause the lubricant to break down and eventually lead to bearing failure, so it’s essential to address the issue promptly.

Checking for bad wheel bearings in heavy-duty trucks is crucial for your safety on the road. Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or movements while driving, check your tires for wear patterns, and monitor the temperature of your wheels. If you suspect that your wheel bearings need to be replaced, shop at Beltway Truck Parts today.