7 Signs Your Ford’s Wheel Bearings Need Service

Wheel bearings are an often-overlooked car component that serve a vital function. As part of the suspension, wheel bearings are contained within a lubricated metal ring that connects each wheel to the axle. Their job is to allow the wheels to rotate while minimizing friction, and wheel bearings typically require very little maintenance. However, faults do occasionally occur, and if you ever notice the following warning signs, head straight to your local Ford dealership for wheel bearings service.

Wobbling Wheels

If you sense that your wheels aren’t as firmly fixed in place as usual, ask a technician to raise your car and see if the wheels can be wobbled. If it’s possible to wobble them by hand, even slightly, your bearings are probably worn out and you’ll need new ones. 

Unevenly Worn Tires

The looseness and wobbling created by worn-out wheel bearings prevent the tires from gripping the tarmac in a perfectly parallel manner. This will lead to uneven wear patterns in the tire treads, which may be your first clear indication of wheel wobble. 

Rapid Clicking Sounds

Strange sounds are often a symptom of malfunctioning wheel bearings. Bad bearings sometimes generate a clicking sound; the clicking will accelerate in pace the faster you drive. 

Loud Humming

Wheel bearings are well-greased and designed to rotate easily under continual pressure. If a fault prevents some of the bearings from rotating, they’ll scrape instead, creating constant vibrations and a humming noise.

Squeaking or Growling

Intermittent squeaking and growling can also sometimes be heard when wheel bearings go awry. You might at first mistake this for problems with the brake pads or transmission, which can emit similar squeaking and growling noises.

Car Tugging to One Side

When you apply the brakes, faulty wheel bearings might prevent one wheel from slowing as rapidly as the others. This can cause the car to pull slightly to one side. Once again, this symptom could also point to a problem with the brakes.

Steering Wheel Issues

As wheel bearing problems worsen, you’ll eventually feel vibrations and looseness in the steering wheel. Your overall vehicle handling will feel less precise and safe: a sure indication that your car needs immediate professional attention.

Book Wheel Bearings Service at Your Ford Dealership

It’s unwise to drive on worn-out wheel bearings as this means one or more of your wheels are no longer firmly attached to the car. Wheel bearings are simple and relatively inexpensive to replace. And fortunately, you’ll probably only need this service once or twice over the vehicle’s lifespan. 

If you suspect worn wheel bearings, visit Mid-State Ford in Summersville, WV. Our experienced technicians can diagnose the root of any symptoms and quickly carry out repairs and replacements.  

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