Most of the time you figure out your rear wheel hub needs to be replaced when it locks up, but there are other ways that you can tell if something is wrong before you get to the point that things are locked up. Modern technology is a great thing, but it is low tech options that will tell you if you rear wheel hub needs to be replaced.
Do the Check
There are a few things that you can look for that will help you to determine whether your wheel hub needs to be replaced or not.
1. Listen
2. Jack it up
3. Manipulate the tire
One of the first things that indicate your wheel hub is on the way out is the sound it makes when you are driving. Pick a low traffic area where you can drive slowly and make a few turns. As you are driving be sure to cut off the radio and any climate control noise. Open your window and take a listen. You should not hear any grinding, whining, chirping or crunching from your wheels as you are driving. Take a couple of turns and left and right and listen. If you hear any grinding coming from the wheels that is an indicator that something is not right.
Pull over and jack the suspect wheel up off the ground. Be sure to block the other tires and that the car has the emergency brake engaged. Grab the tire and see if you can move it around- you should not be able to move it back and forth it should feel firmly attached.
If there is “play” or movement of the wheel your rear wheel hub may be on the way out. The time to change it out is as soon as you realize it has too much play in it. Don’t wait, the problem will not get better and it is a real safety issue. There are plenty of things that can go wrong when your hub is bad. You can lose your wheel on the highway, or it can just lock up and not turn when you need it too. In any case, a replacement is in order to keep your vehicle safe and operating as it should.
Your wheels are the only thing between you and the road, make sure they are in good shape. Click here for more information.
