ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A technician is performing a wheel bearing diagnosis. The customer reports a grinding noise that changes with vehicle speed and becomes louder when turning the steering wheel to the left. Which wheel bearing is MOST likely faulty?
- ALeft front wheel bearing
- BLeft rear wheel bearing
- CRight front wheel bearing
- DRight rear wheel bearing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Right front wheel bearing
When turning left, the vehicle's weight shifts to the right side, increasing the load on the right wheel bearings. A grinding noise that intensifies under load (turning left) indicates a faulty bearing on the loaded side, which in this case is the right front.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Turning left unloads the left front bearing, which would typically reduce noise from a faulty left bearing.
- B. While a rear bearing could cause a grinding noise, the specific change when turning left points more strongly to a front bearing under load.
- D. Turning left would also load the right rear bearing, but a front bearing is more commonly associated with steering input changes.
Wheel Bearing Noise Diagnosis
Identifying a faulty wheel bearing based on noise characteristics and how they change with vehicle maneuvers.
- Noise often described as grinding, roaring, or humming.
- Increases with vehicle speed.
- Changes in intensity when turning due to load shifts.
Memory trick: Turn left, load right, noise bright!