The Ultimate Guide to Back Wheel Bearings: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Back wheel bearings are an essential part of your vehicle's suspension system. They allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely, reducing friction and wear on other components. When back wheel bearings fail, it can lead to a variety of problems, including:

• Noise: Failed back wheel bearings often produce a grinding or roaring noise that can be heard while driving.
• Vibration: Failed back wheel bearings can cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to vibration in the steering wheel or passenger compartment.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Worn-out back wheel bearings can increase rolling resistance, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency.
• Safety concerns: In severe cases, failed back wheel bearings can cause the wheel to seize up, which can lead to loss of control and a crash.

How Back Wheel Bearings Work

Back wheel bearings are typically housed inside the wheel hub. They consist of two rows of precision-engineered balls or rollers that are held in place by a metal cage. The balls or rollers are lubricated with grease and sealed to prevent contamination.

When the wheel rotates, the balls or rollers roll between the inner and outer races of the bearing. This allows the wheel to spin smoothly and freely, without generating excessive friction.

Common Back Wheel Bearing Problems

The most common back wheel bearing problem is wear and tear. Over time, the balls or rollers can become worn, which can lead to increased noise and vibration. Extreme heat can dry grease out quicker. Rust can be the biggest threats to wheel bearings.

Other common back wheel bearing problems include:

• Contamination: Contaminants such as dirt, water, or grease can enter the bearing and cause premature wear.
• Misalignment: Improperly installed or misaligned components can put excessive stress on the bearings, leading to failure. More specifically, if your axle is bent, it will quickly destroy the wheel bearing.
• Lack of lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can cause the bearings to overheat and fail.

How to Diagnose Back Wheel Bearing Problems

There are several ways to diagnose back wheel bearing problems:

• Listen for noise: Failed back wheel bearings often produce a grinding or roaring noise that can be heard while driving.
• Check for vibration: Failed back wheel bearings can cause the wheel to wobble, which can lead to vibration in the steering wheel or passenger compartment.
• Inspect the bearing: If you suspect that your back wheel bearings are failing, you can remove the wheel and inspect the bearing for damage. Look for signs of wear, contamination, or misalignment.

How to Replace Back Wheel Bearings

Replacing back wheel bearings is a relatively complex procedure that should be performed by a qualified mechanic. However, if you are comfortable working on your vehicle, you can follow these steps to replace the back wheel bearings yourself:

1. Gather your tools and materials: You will need a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, a hammer, a chisel, and a new back wheel bearing.
2. Jack up your vehicle: Jack up your vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
3. Remove the wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Remove the brake caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and remove it from the rotor.
5. Remove the rotor: Remove the rotor from the wheel hub.
6. Remove the old bearing: Use a hammer and chisel to remove the old bearing from the wheel hub.
7. Install the new bearing: Press the new bearing into the wheel hub using a torque wrench.
8. Reinstall the rotor: Reinstall the rotor onto the wheel hub.
9. Reinstall the brake caliper: Reinstall the brake caliper onto the rotor.
10. Reinstall the wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower your vehicle: Lower your vehicle and remove the jack stands.

Cost to Replace Back Wheel Bearings

The cost to replace back wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for parts and labor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing back wheel bearings, it is important to avoid the following mistakes:

• Using the wrong bearing: Make sure that you purchase the correct back wheel bearing for your vehicle. Using the wrong bearing can lead to premature failure.
• Overtightening the bearing: Overtightening the bearing can damage the bearing and lead to premature failure.
• Not properly lubricating the bearing: The bearing must be properly lubricated with grease before it is installed. Failure to do so can lead to premature failure.
• Not replacing the bearing in pairs: It is important to replace the back wheel bearings in pairs. Replacing only one bearing can lead to premature failure of the other bearing.

Conclusion

Back wheel bearings are an essential part of your vehicle's suspension system. When they fail, it can lead to a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, reduced fuel efficiency, and safety concerns. If you suspect that your back wheel bearings are failing, it is important to have them diagnosed and replaced by a qualified mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do back wheel bearings last?
A: Back wheel bearings typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your driving habits.

Q: Can I replace back wheel bearings myself?
A: Replacing back wheel bearings is a relatively complex procedure that should be performed by a qualified mechanic. However, if you are comfortable working on your vehicle, you can follow the steps outlined in this article to replace the back wheel bearings yourself.

Q: How much does it cost to replace back wheel bearings?
A: The cost to replace back wheel bearings varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for parts and labor.

Q: What are the symptoms of failed back wheel bearings?
A: The most common symptom of failed back wheel bearings is noise, such as a grinding or roaring noise that can be heard while driving. Other symptoms include vibration, reduced fuel efficiency, and safety concerns.

Q: How can I prevent back wheel bearing failure?
A: There are several things you can do to prevent back wheel bearing failure, including:

• Avoid overloading your vehicle: Overloading your vehicle can put excessive stress on the back wheel bearings, leading to premature failure.
• Drive on smooth roads: Driving on rough roads can put excessive strain on the back wheel bearings, leading to premature failure.
• Have your vehicle serviced regularly: Regular maintenance can help to keep your back wheel bearings in good condition and prevent premature failure.