Wheel Bearing Noise When Accelerating

May 1, 2025

A wheel bearing is a foundational part of your wheel that connects it to the axle. They are responsible for supporting the entire weight of your vehicle. When you hear a noise coming from the wheel bearings, especially while accelerating, this can be a serious issue. Let’s look at the causes, solutions, and how to diagnose a bad wheel bearing.

Signs Of A Bad Wheel Bearing

Some typical signs of a bad or failing wheel bearing include odd noises and slight changes in handling. Wheel bearings are moving parts that connect the wheel to the axle, meaning there will be a few obvious indications of this problem.

Watch out for the following signs of a bad wheel bearing:

A humming noise that only gets louder with speed. This can occur when the bearing is not lubricated properly. The bearings can rub on the race, which can result in a humming, squealing, or even grinding sound.
Your bearings could be the reason behind your wobbling wheels. If you jack your vehicle up, you may be able to tell how much play there is in the wheels.
A vibrating steering wheel can be the result of bad wheel bearings. Water could have entered or the race or balls are worn out. Vibrations are typically worse when driving slowly.
If your wheels are really hot to the touch, this is likely due to excessive friction caused by failing bearings. However, this could also be caused by your brakes.

How Long Does A Wheel Bearing Last After Making Noise?

While wheel bearings may seem like a small component, they are crucial for the vehicle’s overall performance. If you do not take your vehicle in for an inspection as soon as an issue is noticed, you’ll risk the wheels seizing up or completely shearing off.

Driving with a bad wheel bearing can be dangerous to you and others on the road. This means the issue should be resolved as soon as any warning signs are noticed.

How To Test A Wheel Bearing

It is very rare for all of your wheel bearings to fail at the same time, so it’s crucial to know how to diagnose a bad wheel bearing from the others. Here are a few ways to tell which wheel bearing has gone bad:

Listen carefully to tell exactly where the humming noise is coming from.
Check to see if any tire is worn unevenly. If one tire looks different from all the others, this could pinpoint the issue.
When the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, this is the side where the faulty bearing is located.
Jacking the vehicle up to feel the wheels may also help you diagnose the culprit.

What To When A Wheel Bearing Makes Noise While Accelerating

The bearings will be sealed in the overwhelming majority of vehicles. This means a full replacement is called for. Thankfully, if you are quick to diagnose the problem and fix it, there shouldn’t be any other issues that arise.

It’s best to have this replacement done by the car care professionals. On average, it costs between $300-$700 to replace wheel bearings (according to MyCar). Prices will change based on make and model of the car, wheel bearing location, and labor. Contact the experienced team at Heath’s Auto Service for more information today!

Heath’s Auto Service In Cottonwood, AZ

At Heath’s Auto Service, our comprehensive range of services covers everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. Our certified technicians are skilled in handling oil changes, brake inspections, engine diagnostics, tire rotations, and much more. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a major overhaul, trust us to get you back on the road with confidence. Contact our team at Heath’s Auto Service today!