Symptoms of a failing Front Hub Assembly

Vibrating car or shaky steering wheel

Okay, let me give you a quick piece of advice that you should always apply. If your car’s steering wheel is shaking, then something isn’t right, and that something should be addressed. If the front hub assembly begins to wear too much, then some of the road vibrations will be sent straight to your hands. Free massages are great. Free hand massages from your steering wheel? Not so great. Things in your car cabin shouldn’t shake. Don’t forget that. Ever.

Steering is abnormally loose

A failing front hub assembly can also impact the car’s ability to steer well. The steering may feel excessively loose, with the car not turning quite as tightly as you’re asking it to. This should serve as a pretty big red flag, so heed it. Your steering is kind of important, as you may or may not know.

Foreign noises

Hopefully I don’t need to tell you that your car shouldn’t be making abnormal noises. And that, if it is, you’ve got some issues on your hands that need addressing. Hubs with an integral wheel bearing will often make a groaning or growling noise when the car is in motion. Or you might hear a metal-on-metal grinding noise from the front wheels. If the front hub assembly breaks, metal components will scrape against each other as the car drives, which is really, really unpleasant.

Visible damage

Look, I understand that you’re probably not spending the weekend with your front hub assemblies, but when you get your tires changed or rotated, the technician may notice if the rear hub assembly is starting to go. They’ll let you know, and it’d be wise of you to listen.