Wheel Bearing Replacement for Imports in Athens, GA
A hum that grows with speed is often a wheel bearing. Athens Import Auto Repair does wheel bearing replacement for imports in Athens, GA. We track down the bad one and replace it the right way.
Wheel Bearings done right, by people who know imports
A wheel bearing lets the wheel spin smooth with no play. Once it wears, it hums, growls and gets hot. Many imports use a bearing that must be pressed out with a big tool. We have that press, and we have the know how to use it.
Do you hear a hum on Loop 10 that changes when you steer? Call 706-353-3880.
Subaru Outback and Forester rear wheel bearings wear early and hum on the highway. Honda CR-V and Accord bearings tend to growl after 100,000 miles. BMW and Mercedes-Benz front bearings are pressed into the knuckle, so they need a shop press. VW and Audi bearings are pressed too, and the ABS sensor sits right next to them. Toyota Corolla and Camry use a bolt on rear hub that is quick to replace. Land Rover Discovery bearings take a beating off road. We replace every one of these at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
Signs of a bad wheel bearing
- A hum or growl gets louder as you go faster.
- The noise changes when you steer left or right.
- The steering wheel shakes at highway speed, even when you are not braking.
- The wheel has play when you grab it and rock it.
- The ABS light comes on with a wheel speed sensor code.
- One wheel is hot to the touch after a drive.
What our wheel bearing service includes
Noise diagnosis
We drive the car and put a listening tool on each corner. That tells us the exact bearing.
Pressed bearing replacement
Many imports use a bearing pressed into the hub. So we press the old one out and the new one in, using the right tool.
Hub assembly replacement
Some cars use a bolt on hub with the bearing inside, so we replace the whole unit.
ABS sensor check
The wheel speed sensor often sits in the bearing, so we check it. That way the ABS light stays off.
Axle nut torque
The axle nut holds the bearing tight, so we torque it to spec. That way the new bearing lasts.
Related parts check
While the hub is apart, we inspect the CV axle, the ball joint and the brakes.
How a wheel bearing job works
Tell us about the noise
Does it hum, growl or grind? Does it change when you turn?
We test and confirm
We drive the car, then check each wheel for play and noise.
You approve the fix
You see which bearing failed and what the job involves.
We press it in and drive it
We press in the new bearing, torque it and drive the car. It should be quiet again.
Why drivers trust us with wheel bearings
We find the right one
Bearing noise can fool you, so we test first. Then we replace the bad bearing, not a good one.
Press work done right
A pressed bearing must go in straight, and we have the tools to do it without damage.
Quality bearings
We use bearings that match what your import came with, so they last.
I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Clubman about a month ago. I replaced just about everything on the engine to no avail. It just would not idle like it should. I determined it was a bad timing chain. As it turned out I was right. I took it to James who agreed and he had his technician Tony replace the timing chain components. They went the extra mile to remove the oil pan and remove the chewed up debris from the oil pump screen. It now runs like a brand new car! Thanks to them, I'll enjoy this car for many years to come. Great service and very polite. Very knowledgeable too.
Rob, customerWheel Bearings FAQ
Who does wheel bearing replacement for imports in Athens, GA?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road replaces wheel bearings on imports only. We have the press that BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW, Audi, Subaru and Honda bearings need. Call 706-353-3880.
How can I tell a wheel bearing noise from a tire noise?
A bearing hum changes when you steer, so turn left and it gets louder or quieter. Tire noise stays the same no matter how you steer, but we test to be sure.
Why do Subaru wheel bearings fail so often?
Subaru rear bearings on the Outback and Forester wear faster than most. That is because the seal lets water in over time. The sign is a hum from the back that grows with speed. We replace them with quality bearings.
Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing?
Yes, for a little while. But a very worn bearing can seize or let the wheel wobble, so get it checked soon. Do not take a long trip on it.
Why did my ABS light come on with the bearing noise?
The two are often linked. On many imports the wheel speed sensor reads a ring built into the bearing. When the bearing wears, the sensor loses the signal and sets a code. A new bearing usually fixes both at once.
Do you replace wheel bearings in pairs?
Not always, because bearings wear at different rates. We replace the bad one and check the others. If a second one has play, we tell you.
Related services
Hear a hum that grows with speed?
Call us or book your visit. We will find the bad bearing, and your car will be quiet again.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.