Wheel Bearing Test

**ajoliver2010** · 09-11-2015

So I decided to check on my wheel bearings as I hear a small howling noise. Im hoping that my tires are low on air but the chances are slimming. The way I test the bearings is putting the vehicle on jackstands, chocks on the rear wheels, and a jack in the front. So I start the car and put it in drive. I'm hearing noise from the driver side but for some reason the passenger side wheel wasn't spinning at all. Is that normal or do I have a problem??

**Scottydoggs** · 09-11-2015

if you gas it some the other side should spin too. ive done that and the d/s wheel spun faster in gear.

now the right way to test your bearing is to jack it up lugs tight, then grab the top of the tire and push it, then pull it out slow and firmly, you'll feel it move if its bad.

you can also watch the rotor to move between the pads as to push and pull it.

**ajoliver2010** · 09-11-2015

I'm thinking its bad rotors hitting against something or its tire wear. I felt movement during the 9 to 3 position but nothing on the 12 to 6 position

**Scottydoggs** · 09-11-2015

9-3 is your tie rod end.

**ajoliver2010** · 09-11-2015

Roger that but tie rod ends doesn't make howling noise. Brakes wearing down??? Idk lol

**Scottydoggs** · 09-11-2015

see if the howl goes away when you turn, or change lanes either way. if so you got a bad bearing.

make sure the tires are up proper psi too. a soft tire can howl.

the abs light on? if so that could be your bad hub bearing.

**ajoliver2010** · 09-11-2015

Howl is constant no matter which direction I turn. No abs on....someone did tell me my tires looked like they need air. I'll check psi in the morning. As always ScottyDoggs thanks a lot!!

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 09-12-2015

Easier way to tell if a bearing is bad is you just spin the tire by hand and grab the coil spring, if you feel a vibration/rubbing/grinding through the spring that bearing is bad.

Most bearings arent ever loose when they fail like that. I'd say atleast 8 out of 10 bearings I find that are bad at work are still nice and tight but make noise like no other.