Wheel bearings are a common wear item on the car. They typically last around 100,000 miles. The car can make a humming noise when driving at higher speeds or have vibrations when they start getting worn.

They typically get hot and fail because of excess heat and moisture exposure in the area around them. This is due to one bearing experiencing more contact with heat and humidity than other bearings on the axle; this causes increased friction which leads to premature failure of that bearing.”

The new wheel bears will still get hot because they may not be seated properly from installation. Any metal surface absorbs heat once it gets hot enough, which will cause the end seals to break down faster.

It is also possible that the bearing is defective. To confirm this, inspect the bearing itself visually. The best time to do this is when the outside temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why Are New Wheel Bearings Getting Hot

So, Why are new wheel bearings getting hot? When the bearings start getting hot, check the outside temperatures. They are typically equipped with an inside temperature gauge that tells you if they are too hot to touch. It is time for a new bearing if they are too hot to touch.

This may be due to improper installation; which can be corrected by removing one wheel and centering it again on the bearing.

The bearings may be defective. They can be visually inspected by rotating them by hand. If they do not rotate freely, even when somewhat warm, they may be defective and should be replaced.

The bearings can also get hot if the vehicle is experiencing vibrations and unusual sounds while driving. These can also be abnormal noises coming from the transmission or CV shafts.

Also read: Can a Bad Wheel Bearing Cause Traction Light To Come On?

Is It Normal For Wheel Bearings to Get Hot

The metal in the wheel hub will absorb heat and become hot when it is outside in hot weather. The bearings that are inside the hub can get very hot. They were not put there to be a temperature regulator, and they will still work, even if they are too hot to touch.

Overheating can cause premature failure of the bearing by weakening the seal. This is because more grease and water may leak from a broken seal than from a running bearing.

Before a bearing’s life ends, the hub may get so hot that it can’t be touched.

What Causes The Wheel Hub to Get Hot

One cause of this is improper installation. When a wheel bearing is installed properly, the installation part should be wiped clean to remove all dirt, dust, or grease before installing it.

Leaving this little grease or dirt on the hub can cause it to heat up and fail prematurely. “Gunk” also hinders coolant flow and lubrication to prevent bearing damage.

The other cause is excessive heat. This can occur during high rates of speed, heavy loads, or a combination of the two. This causes the grease to break down and the bearing to run hot.

Can Overheating Cause Bearing Failure

Many conditions can make bearing fail prematurely. The most common is too much heat and dirt in the surrounding area.

It is also possible to have an oil, grease, or another contaminant “gum up” the bearing, causing it to fail before its time or damage other parts on the axle assembly. Other causes are design defects that were not discovered during testing and were put on the car anyway.

Also Read: Does Wheel Bearing Noise Stop When Braking? [Know The FACTS!]

Does Grease Remove Heat From a Bearing

The grease may break down and leak out when the bearing becomes too hot. This is because the grease acts as a lubricant and protects the bearing. As more heat is absorbed by it and other metal parts around it, more grease will break down and cause failure.

When the bearing is hot enough, the grease starts to liquefy and become a liquid. The grease will remain as a liquid until it cools off.

The best way to protect it from heat is to keep the area around it clean and free of bugs, dirt, and other debris to prevent overheating.

What Do I Look for In a New Wheel Bearing?

There are many different styles of bearings out there, but some things can help determine which style and brand to get when replacing them.

First, ensure you get ones with a wider flange for better gasket sealability and fitment. This will reduce the chances of leakage over time and also helps in installation.

Getting a larger inside diameter bearing with a smaller outside diameter is also important. They have more grease capacity and better grease retention properties. They also tend to have a better load rating between the races.

Having two of these bearings installed on each wheel is recommended for added strength and improved wear in both bearings. This can also reduce the chances of one bearing failing under lower loads due to the load sharing between them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

In conclusion, a wheel bearing can last for 80,000 to 100,000 miles if properly installed and maintained. The bearings are made from hardened steel and are very strong. Suppose they are installed improperly or forgotten about when not used; it is possible to have them fail within 100,000 miles of usage.

The bearing should be inspected every two years to determine if it needs to be replaced and when the current time has expired.

James Brown

I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.