Steering Problems and Wheel Bearing Noise: What to Look For

Pulling to one side

A car that drifts to one side on a flat, straight road may simply have uneven tyre pressures or wear. It can also be caused by wheel alignment out of adjustment, a sticking brake caliper, a collapsed spring, or worn suspension and steering components. A pull only when braking points to the brakes, while a constant pull suggests tracking or tyres.

If the steering has started pulling after hitting a kerb or pothole, it is wise to have it checked, because something may have been bent or knocked out of line.

Tyres deserve a mention at this point too. Under-inflated, damaged or unevenly worn tyres can mimic steering and bearing faults, so checking pressures and tread is a sensible first step before you assume a part has failed.

Play, wandering and clunks

Excessive free movement at the steering wheel before the wheels respond, a vague or wandering feel on the motorway, or a knock when you turn can indicate worn steering parts. Track rod ends, steering racks, inner joints, suspension arm bushes and ball joints all wear, and each can add play.

This is not something to put off. Worn steering joints can fail, and loss of steering control is dangerous. If the car feels unsafe, do not keep driving it.

• Free play before the wheels respond
• Wandering or needing constant correction on straight roads
• Knocking over bumps or when turning
• Steering wheel off-centre when driving straight
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the inner or outer edge

Power steering faults

Hydraulic power steering uses a pump, fluid and a rack. A groaning or whining noise, especially at full lock, may mean low fluid, a leak or a worn pump. Fluid that is dark, foamy or has dropped in the reservoir deserves attention, and the fluid level may be dropping because of a leak.

Electric power steering has no fluid, but it can fail too, with a warning light and sudden heavy steering. If the steering suddenly goes heavy, slow down safely and have it inspected. Do not assume it will come back on its own.

Humming that changes with speed: wheel bearings

A worn wheel bearing typically produces a rumble, growl or hum from one corner that gets louder as speed rises. A useful clue is that it often changes when the car leans on the bearing, for example the noise altering when you gently steer left and right on a clear road. Tyres and gearbox faults can also make similar noises, which is why the car needs a proper inspection, with the wheel lifted to check for play.

A badly worn bearing can overheat, damage the hub and, in rare cases, fail completely. It can also upset the ABS wheel speed signal and trigger the ABS light. Do not leave a loud, worsening noise unchecked.

The wheel bearing itself is usually a press-fit or bolt-on hub unit depending on the car, and the exact job varies. After the work, the ABS sensor signal and any warning lights should be checked as well.

What to do next

If you notice any of these symptoms, note when they happen: on turning, at speed, over bumps, hot or cold. That helps us pinpoint the cause quickly. We carry out steering repairs, power steering work and wheel bearing replacement at Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn, and we will explain what we find before work begins.

What it will cost depends entirely on which part is worn and how hard it is to reach, so we do not guess in advance. If steering feels unsafe or the car is making a severe noise, stop driving and arrange recovery.

Frequently asked questions