Should new wheel bearings have play?

If the problem turns out to be play or roughness in the front wheel bearings, the fix is a new set of bearings. As a rule, there should be no perceptible play in the wheel bearing if you are pulling and tugging on a wheel 12 and 6 o’clock, but up to . 010 inch of. Bearings are very sensitive to hits and bumps.

How much play should a new wheel bearing have?

One way to check wheel-bearing play is to raise the wheels off the ground and rock the tires in and out while watching for any looseness. As a rule, there should be no play on most FWD cars, but up to . 010 inch of play in the front bearings may be acceptable on RWD cars and trucks with adjustable bearings.

Do new wheel bearings need to break in?

Is there break in period? Bearings do not “break in” but if you have contact-sealed hubs then the seals will wear in and friction will drop a tiny bit. Likewise the grease will break down (not chemically – just the emulsion will break a little) and reduce friction a tiny bit.

What does it mean when a wheel bearing has play?

When the wheel bearing goes bad, you will notice several symptoms. Wheel looseness, or also called wheel play, is another common symptom of a bad wheel bearing. As the bearing begins to wear down, they become loose inside the wheel hub and spindle, which makes your vehicle feel loose while steering.

Are new wheel bearings stiff?

Your wheel bearing is a bit stiff after installation because the grease hasn’t worn in enough. A few miles after installation, and it will be OK. Certain elements in the pre-filled grease will break down and allow the bearing to turn normally.

How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?

How Long Will a Noisy Wheel Bearing Last? Typically, a wheel bearing should last roughly 1,000 to 1,500 miles after it starts making noise. This doesn’t mean you should keep driving since a noisy wheel bearing is always a risk.

Is a little wheel bearing play OK?

In other words, it’s perfectly acceptable to adjust wheel bearings so that they are just a little bit loose, but not too loose. Bearing maker Timken says slight preload can improve bearing, seal and tire life, but only if the entire process is in control.

Why is my new wheel bearing making noise?

The most common and most easily identifiable symptom of a bad wheel bearing is an audible one. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel or tire, take note that this is very likely caused by a bad wheel bearing—especially if the noise gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.

Can a brand new wheel bearing be bad?

Wheel bearings are theoretically engineered to last the life of the vehicle. There is no maintenance schedule for replacing wheel bearings and there is no constant source of lubrication. However, they can be damaged. They are especially vulnerable if you hit a pothole, tall curb, or a speed bump at a brisk speed.

How do I know if wheel bearing needs replacing?

Top Warning Signs Your Wheel Bearings Need Replacement

1. Humming Noise. The most easily identifiable and most common symptom of bad wheel bearings is an audible one.
2. Squealing, Growling.
3. Clicking Sound.
4. Wheel Wobble.
5. ABS Failure.
6. Uneven Tire Wear.
7. Vehicle Pulls to One Side.
8. Steering Wheel Vibration.

Why do you need a good wheel bearing?

Wheel bearings are essential in the operation of your vehicle. More precisely, a wheel bearing is crucial for the proper function of the hub, tire and wheel assemblies to work together. The wheel bearing allows friction-free movement and rotation of the hub assembly, and thereby provides smooth tire…

What are the symptoms of a bad wheel bearing?

The most common and often most-identifiable symptom associated with a bad wheel bearing is noise coming from the wheel or tire area of the moving vehicle. You may mistake this as engine noise, but when you listen closely you are likely to hear grinding or grating that gets louder as the vehicle accelerates.

When does a wheel bearing corrode or become pitted?

When a wheel bearing corrodes or becomes pitted, the smooth exterior lining is gone and the vibration is transmitted to the tires which may feel like it is “pulling” to one side or the other. What about your tires?