If you own a car, then chances are that you have also encountered issues with it at some point. Whether it’s something minor or something major, every car owner has experienced some form of trouble with their ride at one point or another. A bad wheel bearing is one such problem that many car owners face. While they may not be aware of the impact that it can have on their vehicle and its performance, there are still ways to alleviate the issue and get your car running smoothly again. This article will take you through everything you need to know about how a bad wheel bearing can affect acceleration in your car.
What is a wheel bearing?
A wheel bearing is a rubber or plastic ring that is placed between the wheel studs and the wheel hub. It is a very crucial component of the wheel and it comes in contact with the tire’s rim. A wheel bearing is responsible for transmitting the force generated by the wheel’s rotation to the car’s axle. The wheel bearing allows the wheel to spin easily without causing squeaking or grinding sounds. Every car wheel needs a wheel bearing. If you have ever replaced a wheel bearing on your car, you may have noticed that there is a single bearing at the center of the wheel that supports the wheel’s hub. The wheel bearing sits inside a race which is surrounded by a seal. This seal prevents any debris from getting inside the bearing. As the wheel turns, the bearing moves within the race.
Can A Bad Wheel Bearing Affect Acceleration?
When the wheel bearing in your car is bad, it makes the wheel lose contact with the car’s chassis. This in turn leads to a bumbling and gusty acceleration experience in your car. With time, the problem will only get worse and you will experience more issues such as rustling sound at start up, hesitation and shaggingness, slip from speed, bumping and hiccups. So, if you want your car to reach its full potential, then you should consider getting the wheel bearing service completed on time.
1. Rustling Sound at Start Up
If you notice a rattling sound at the time of starting up your car, then there is a high possibility that your wheel bearings are in a severe condition. The sound will only get louder as you continue with the journey, which makes it the first sign that it is high time to get the wheel bearing services done. If the sound is coming from the front wheel, then it is assumed that the wheel bearing is faulty. In this case, the sound will get louder as you accelerate further, which is a clear indication that it is not performing correctly.
2. Hesitation and Shiftingness
If your car is experiencing hesitation and shiftingness, then there is a high possibility that your wheel bearings are experiencing some issues. It will happen normally at low speeds, but it can also occur at higher speeds during emergency braking. The problem will only get worse as you drive your car further. It will result in a jerky acceleration experience and the engine will be noisy too. So, it is suggested that you get the wheel bearing services done as soon as possible.
3. Slip from Speed
When the wheel bearing is in bad condition, it will lose its smoothness and power, causing the car to slip from the speed. It can happen normally during acceleration, braking and cornering. You will have to apply more force on the steering to correct the car’s direction. So, you need to understand that such issues will only get worse if you let them go. Instead, get the wheel bearing services done as soon as possible.
4. Bumping and Hiccups
If you notice a loud bumping sound during braking or cornering, then it is a sign that your wheel bearings are bad. The sound will only get louder as you drive your car further, which is another indication that it is time for a service. A bumping sound can be a clear indication that your wheel bearings are bad, but it can also mean a loose wheel. So, it is recommended that you get the wheel bearing services done, to find out which bearing is faulty.
Causes of Wheel Bearing Failure
- Excess wear on the bearing: The main reason why wheel bearings start to wear out is because of excess wear. If you try to move your car faster than your car is designed for, it is likely that the bearings will wear down.Excess wear is often caused by improper maintenance. If you need to keep your car in the garage, then you must check to make sure that the wheels and brakes are well lubricated.
- Hardly used parts: If your car is rarely used and has never experienced high speed driving, then it is likely that the bearings in your car are very healthy. If this is the case, then you will have no issues with wheel bearing failure.
- Excessive use: if you drive your car at high speed almost every day, then the bearings in your car will most likely be worn out in no time. Wear caused by excessive use is also caused by improper maintenance.
Signs Of A Bad Wheel Bearing
- Excessive noise from the wheel bearings: If your car has noisy wheel bearings, then it is a good idea to have them inspected as soon as possible. You can inspect your bearings by removing the hub cap and looking at the hub bearings. You can also try to see if there is any excessive noise coming from your car. If there is, then it is a good idea to have the bearing replaced as soon as possible.
- Reduced acceleration: If your car is no longer accelerating properly, then there is a chance that it could be due to a bad wheel bearing. If this is the case, then you will need to have the bearing replaced as soon as possible.
- Excessive vibration while driving: If you are experiencing excessive vibration while driving, then there is a chance that it is due to a bad wheel bearing. If this is the case, then you will need to have the bearing replaced as soon as possible.
How To Tell If Your Wheel Bearings Are Bad?
- Excessive noise from the bearings : If your bearings are making excessive noise, then there is a good chance that they need to be replaced. If you are not sure if your bearings are bad, then you can listen to them while they are spinning. If you notice excessive noise while the car is moving, then you most likely need to have your bearings replaced.
- Reduced acceleration: If your acceleration has been reduced due to a bad wheel bearing, then there is a good chance that you need to have your bearings replaced. It is important to note that not all accelerated issues are due to a bad wheel bearing; there are other causes as well.
- Excessive vibration while driving: If your car is vibrating while you are driving, then there is a good chance that it is due to a bad bearing. It is important to note that vibration can be caused by many other issues as well, so you will need to have it checked out by a mechanic.
Repairs and Replacements for Bad Wheel Bearings
- If you have experienced a bad wheel bearing, then you will need to immediately get it checked out. It is important to note that a bad wheel bearing will affect your acceleration and will make your car vibrate while you are driving.
- If it is determined that a bad wheel bearing is the cause, then you will need to get the hub and the bearing replaced. It is important to note that if your car has a hub with replaceable bearings, then you can have the hub replaced without having to replace the bearing as well.
- If it is determined that your car has a bad bearing, then you will need to get the bearing replaced. This is much more complicated than changing a hub because a bad bearing will need to be replaced with a new bearing.
Final Words
If you own a car, then chances are that you have also encountered issues with it at some point. Whether it’s something minor or something major, every car owner has experienced some form of trouble with their ride at one point or another. A bad wheel bearing is one such problem that many car owners face. While they may not be aware of the impact that it can have on their vehicle and its performance, there are still ways to alleviate the issue and get your car running smoothly again. This article will take you through everything you need to know about how a bad wheel bearing can affect acceleration in your car.
