If you’re experiencing strange noises or vibrations while driving, there’s a good chance that you have a bad wheel bearing or CV joint. Identifying the cause can seem difficult, but there are a few ways to pinpoint the faulty part.
To tell the difference between a bad wheel bearing and a bad CV joint, listen to the noise. If you hear a grinding, growling, or rumbling noise coming from the affected wheel, it’s a bad wheel bearing. If you hear a clicking noise coming from the affected wheel when turning, it’s a bad CV joint.
What Is a Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a metal ring called a “cage.” The cage keeps the balls spaced evenly around the circumference of the bearing and prevents them from coming into contact with each other during operation.
The bearings ride on hardened steel or ceramic braces that are either pressed or bolted into the wheel’s hub.
As the name implies, wheel bearings provide smooth, friction-free rotation to your wheels while you’re driving down the road. Without them, your wheels would literally grind to a halt.
Most vehicles have four-wheel bearings – one at each corner of the vehicle – that support the weight of the vehicle and allow the wheels to rotate freely.
Over time, however, wheel bearings can wear out, causing noise and vibration that can be quite noticeable while driving. In some cases, a failed wheel bearing can even cause the wheel to come loose from the vehicle while you’re driving!
Wheel bearings are typically made up of an inner and outer ring, with the cage and balls in between. The inner ring is attached to the hub, while the outer ring is what the wheel bolts onto.
What Are Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing?
If you suspect that your vehicle may have a bad wheel bearing, there are several symptoms that you can look out for.
One of the most common symptoms is noise coming from the wheels or suspension area. This noise is usually described as a grinding, growling, or rumbling sound and is most noticeable when driving at lower speeds.
Another symptom to watch out for is increased vibration coming from the affected wheel. This can be felt through the floorboard or steering wheel and is usually worst between 15-25 MPH.
In some cases, a bad wheel bearing can also cause the affected wheel to wobble or shake. This is usually most noticeable at higher speeds (above 40 MPH) and can be dangerous if not addressed quickly.
What’s a CV Joint?
A CV joint is a type of joint that allows the shaft to transmit power while it’s at an angle. It’s most commonly used in drivetrains, where it connects the rotating driveshaft to the non-rotating wheel axles.
The CV joint consists of two main parts: the “inner race” and the “outer race.” The inner race is attached to the shaft, while the outer race is attached to the wheel axle.
Between these two races are a number of small metal balls (called “balls”) that rotate along with the shaft. As the shaft turns, the balls slide back and forth inside the races, allowing the inner and outer races to move relative to each other.
This movement allows the shaft to transmit power to the wheels while the suspension is moving up and down, always keeping the wheels in contact with the ground.
CV joints are located at either end of the driveshaft and are usually covered by a rubber or plastic “boot” that protects them from dirt and debris.
What Are Symptoms of a Bad CV Joint?
If you suspect that your vehicle may have a bad CV joint, there are several symptoms that you can look out for.
One of the most common symptoms is a clicking noise coming from the affected wheel when turning. This noise is caused by the balls inside the CV joint hitting against each other as they slide back and forth.
Another symptom to watch out for is a vibration coming from the affected wheel. This is usually most noticeable at higher speeds (above 40 MPH) and can be dangerous if not addressed quickly.