What are some symptoms of bad wheel bearings?

Grinding, popping and snapping noises are all symptoms of a bad wheel bearing. Pulsating or pulling brakes can also indicate bad wheel bearings.

In some cases, uneven brake pad wear and abnormal tire wear can indicate the vehicle has bad wheel bearings.

In severe cases, bad wheel bearings can cause brake or anti-lock braking system failures. This is especially true is the bearing clamp becomes damaged.

While noise is the most common symptoms, the noises can also be indications of other issues, such as bad hubs, worn brake pads and warped rotors. A mechanic can often diagnose the problem and determine if bearings are the culprit.