Why You Should Pay Attention to Strange Sounds When Driving
Most people who drive a vehicle on a regular basis understand that their car or truck "talks" to them in a certain way. In other words, they get used to how it sounds at every stage of a journey, whether that involves acceleration, braking, cruising or cornering. So, life can get a little disconcerting when they hear a brand-new sound, and usually, this is an indication that something is wrong. In this case, what do you need to know about a rhythmical noise that happens when you are cornering?
How Bearings Work
Firstly, it pays to understand what a wheel bearing is. It is a small, self-contained unit that can easily fit in the palm of your hand but forms an important interface. The bearing sits in between the static suspension unit and a revolving wheel on each corner of your car or truck and performs a critical function.
Inside its casing, you'll find a myriad of tiny ball or roller bearings that exist in a sea of grease. When the wheel is in motion, but the suspension unit is static, the bearing helps absorb any unwanted friction and supports a smooth ride. It also helps to bear the weight of the vehicle above, especially during cornering.
Wheel Bearings Under Pressure
Wheel bearings are designed to last a long time and usually do. However, they have to put up with a great deal of stress due to the very nature of their job and may also be somewhat prone to damage. For example, if the outer casing or seals are damaged, water or dirt may enter, which will seriously compromise the situation.
What Is That Noise?
The noise you hear when you are turning the corner indicates that the wheel bearing on the relevant side of the vehicle may be on its way out. It may not be seated as effectively as it once was, leading to a distinctive growling, squealing or chirping noise as the road wheel turns. It can also get louder as the vehicle speeds up and get worse if the cornering in question is particularly acute.
What You Need to Do Next
Pay close attention to this noise and take action as soon as you can. A bad wheel bearing is a potentially serious issue, and you need to talk to a mechanic right away. After all, in the worst-case scenario, the entire wheel and hub assembly could break away if the bearing were to seize in place.
For more information, visit a local mechanic.
