Wheel Bearing Rust: Everything You Need to Know

Wheel bearing rust is a common problem that can affect any vehicle. It occurs when the metal components of the wheel bearing come into contact with moisture and oxygen, which causes them to corrode. This corrosion can lead to a number of problems, including:

Reduced wheel bearing life: Rust can damage the metal components of the wheel bearing, which can lead to premature failure.

Increased noise: Rust can cause the wheel bearing to make noise, which can be annoying and embarrassing.

Reduced safety: A damaged wheel bearing can increase the risk of an accident.

What Causes Wheel Bearing Rust?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to wheel bearing rust, including:

Exposure to moisture: Moisture is the main cause of wheel bearing rust. This moisture can come from rain, snow, or even just condensation.

Salt exposure: Salt can accelerate the corrosion process. This is especially true in areas where roads are salted during the winter months.

Lack of lubrication: Lubrication helps to protect the metal components of the wheel bearing from corrosion. If the wheel bearing is not properly lubricated, it is more likely to rust.

How to Prevent Wheel Bearing Rust

There are a number of things you can do to prevent wheel bearing rust, including:

Keep your vehicle clean: Washing your vehicle regularly will help to remove dirt and debris that can trap moisture and lead to corrosion.

Avoid driving in salty conditions: If possible, avoid driving in areas where roads are salted. If you must drive in salty conditions, be sure to wash your vehicle thoroughly afterwards.

Lubricate the wheel bearings regularly: Lubricating the wheel bearings will help to protect the metal components from corrosion. You should lubricate the wheel bearings every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

How to Fix Wheel Bearing Rust

If you discover that your wheel bearings are rusted, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem:

Clean the wheel bearings: The first step is to clean the wheel bearings. This can be done with a wire brush or a solvent.

Apply a rust inhibitor: Once the wheel bearings are clean, you should apply a rust inhibitor. This will help to prevent further corrosion.

Replace the wheel bearings: If the wheel bearings are severely damaged, you may need to replace them. This is a job that is best left to a professional mechanic.

Benefits of Preventing and Fixing Wheel Bearing Rust

There are a number of benefits to preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust, including:

Extended wheel bearing life: Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to extend the life of your wheel bearings. This can save you money in the long run.

Reduced noise: Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to reduce noise. This can make your vehicle more enjoyable to drive.

Improved safety: Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to improve safety. This is because a damaged wheel bearing can increase the risk of an accident.

Cost of Preventing and Fixing Wheel Bearing Rust

The cost of preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust will vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a professional to clean and lubricate the wheel bearings. If the wheel bearings need to be replaced, the cost will be higher.

Success Stories

Here are a few success stories from people who have prevented or fixed wheel bearing rust:

"I had a problem with wheel bearing rust on my car. I cleaned the wheel bearings and applied a rust inhibitor. The rust is now gone and my wheel bearings are working fine." - John Smith

"My car started making a noise when I drove. I took it to a mechanic and they found that the wheel bearings were rusted. They replaced the wheel bearings and the noise is now gone." - Jane Doe

"I live in a area where the roads are salted during the winter. I wash my car regularly and I lubricate the wheel bearings every 5,000 miles. I have never had a problem with wheel bearing rust." - Tom Jones

Conclusion

Wheel bearing rust is a common problem that can affect any vehicle. However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent and fix this problem. By following the tips in this article, you can keep your wheel bearings in good condition and extend their lifespan.

Tables

Causes of Wheel Bearing Rust

Cause	Description
Moisture	Moisture is the main cause of wheel bearing rust. This moisture can come from rain, snow, or even just condensation.
Salt exposure	Salt can accelerate the corrosion process. This is especially true in areas where roads are salted during the winter months.
Lack of lubrication	Lubrication helps to protect the metal components of the wheel bearing from corrosion. If the wheel bearing is not properly lubricated, it is more likely to rust.

Benefits of Preventing and Fixing Wheel Bearing Rust

Benefit	Description
Extended wheel bearing life	Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to extend the life of your wheel bearings. This can save you money in the long run.
Reduced noise	Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to reduce noise. This can make your vehicle more enjoyable to drive.
Improved safety	Preventing and fixing wheel bearing rust can help to improve safety. This is because a damaged wheel bearing can increase the risk of an accident.

Wheel Bearing Rust: Everything You Need to Know