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Noises

Wheel bearing noise: what it sounds like

Bearing noise follows road speed, not engine speed, and typically changes as weight moves across the car on a bend.

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Symptoms drivers describe

  • A rumble, hum or drone increasing with speed
  • Noise changing when you steer left or right
  • A growl felt through the floor
  • Play or roughness felt when the wheel is spun off the ground
  • ABS light on in some cases

Possible causes

  • Normal bearing wear, often at higher mileages
  • Water ingress or a damaged seal
  • Kerb or pothole impact damage
  • Incorrect fitting or hub nut torque previously
  • Corrosion within the hub assembly

What you can do

  • Note which way you steer to make it louder
  • Have it checked before a long journey
  • Mention any ABS or traction control lights

How we check it in the workshop

We road test to identify the corner, then check each hub for play, roughness and heat on the lift, and rule out tyres and brakes.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Do not leave it. A severely worn bearing can seize or allow enough movement to be dangerous.

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How we can help

Wheel Bearing ReplacementA failing wheel bearing usually announces itself as a hum or drone that rises with road speed and changes as you steer.Read more Suspension Repairs in IverSuspension wear creeps up on you. Most owners only realise how bad it had become once the car has been put right.Read more Brake Repairs in IverBrakes are the one system where wear should never be left to run its course. If something has changed in how your car stops, get it checked.Read more

Noises

Other symptoms in this group

Humming or droning noise that changes with speedNoises that follow road speed rather than engine speed usually come from wheels, bearings or tyres. Whether it changes on a bend is the key test.Read more Clicking or knocking noise when turningA click that appears on lock and speeds up as the wheels turn faster is typically driveshaft related rather than a suspension knock.Read more Rattling noise on start-up that goes awayA short rattle from cold that clears once oil pressure builds is a common early warning. Ignoring it can turn a chain job into an engine job.Read more Whining noise when acceleratingThe useful question is whether the whine follows engine revs or road speed, because that separates belt and turbo noises from gearbox and differential noises.Read more Rattling noise from under the carRattles are located by loading and tapping components with the car on a lift, because a loose shield can sound exactly like something far more serious.Read more Exhaust blowing noiseA blowing exhaust changes the sound of the car and can affect emissions readings and sensor behaviour as well as noise.Read more

Want this looked at properly?

Send us your registration and describe the symptoms — we will tell you what the next step is.

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