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A low humming, growling, or grinding sound that gets louder as the vehicle speed increases is usually the result of a damaged wheel bearing, or more precisely the wheel hub assembly that houses it. Bearing failures have triggered manufacturer recalls catalogued by NHTSA’s recalls database, which is why the humming stage is the right time to get it checked rather than to wait for grinding. As you accelerate, the sound usually gets louder and can change when you turn and is one of the signs of a bad wheel bearing.

A failing wheel bearing is one of those car problems that starts subtle then gets expensive real quick when ignored. Whether you’re hearing a humming noise or feeling vibration through your steering wheel, understanding wheel bearing replacement costs will help you avoid overpaying and/or risking your safety.

It is rare for a faulty wheel bearing to fail suddenly. They usually exhibit obvious symptoms, particularly through vibration and noise, unless impacted an accident or collision.

A wheel bearing may be small, but it has a big impact on how your vehicle drives. If your wheels spin smoothly at highway speeds without overheating or wobbling, you can thank your wheel bearing.

Noise, vibration, uneven tire wear, and in extreme situations, wheel separation, can all be signs of a failed wheel bearing. The good news? If you know what to look for, you can often find a faulty wheel bearing before it becomes harmful.

Replacing a wheel bearing typically takes 1.5 to 4 hours per wheel, but exactly how long depends primarily on the car.

How long you can drive on a bad wheel bearing depends on how far the damage has progressed. Once significant noise starts, don’t go more than a few days without fixing it.

Wheel hub and wheel bearing are two phrases that many drivers encounter while looking into suspension or wheel repairs. They are easily confused because they are closely related, frequently replaced together, and occasionally even offered as a single item.

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