2011 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Are you experiencing strange noises or vibrations coming from your 2011 Chevy Malibu? If so, you may have a problem with your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are essential components that allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When they fail, it can lead to a number of serious problems.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about 2011 Chevy Malibu wheel bearings, including:

• How to identify the signs of a bad wheel bearing
• The cost of replacing a wheel bearing
• How to replace a wheel bearing yourself
• How to prevent wheel bearing failure

Signs of a Bad Wheel Bearing

The most common signs of a bad wheel bearing include:

• Noise: A grinding, howling, or squealing noise coming from the wheel area
• Vibration: A vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard
• Play: Excessive play in the wheel when it is lifted off the ground

Cost of Replacing a Wheel Bearing

The cost of replacing a wheel bearing varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the severity of the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.

How to Replace a Wheel Bearing

Replacing a wheel bearing is a relatively complex repair, but it is possible to do it yourself if you have the right tools and skills. Here are the steps involved:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a jack, jack stands, a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, a hammer, a chisel, and a new wheel bearing.
2. Safety first! Park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake and chock the wheels.
3. Jack up the car. Use the jack to lift the car up until the wheel with the bad bearing is off the ground.
4. Remove the wheel. Use the socket wrench to remove the lug nuts and then pull the wheel off the hub.
5. Remove the brake caliper. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place and then lift the caliper off the rotor.
6. Remove the rotor. Use the hammer and chisel to tap the rotor off the hub.
7. Remove the old wheel bearing. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the wheel bearing in place and then pull the bearing off the hub.
8. Install the new wheel bearing. Place the new wheel bearing on the hub and then tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
9. Reinstall the rotor. Place the rotor on the hub and then tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
10. Reinstall the brake caliper. Place the brake caliper on the rotor and then tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
11. Reinstall the wheel. Place the wheel on the hub and then tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
12. Lower the car. Use the jack to lower the car back to the ground.

How to Prevent Wheel Bearing Failure

The best way to prevent wheel bearing failure is to have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can inspect your wheel bearings for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.

You can also help prevent wheel bearing failure by:

• Avoiding potholes and rough roads. Potholes and rough roads can put a lot of stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Keeping your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can cause your wheel bearings to overheat, which can lead to failure.
• Not overloading your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put a lot of stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.

Stories

Story 1

I was driving down the highway when I suddenly heard a loud grinding noise coming from my front wheel. I pulled over to the side of the road and called a tow truck. The tow truck driver took me to a mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as a bad wheel bearing. The mechanic replaced the bearing and I was back on the road in no time.

Story 2

I was driving to work when I felt a vibration in my steering wheel. I took my car to a mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as a bad wheel bearing. The mechanic replaced the bearing and the vibration went away.

Story 3

I was driving home from work when I heard a loud bang coming from my rear wheel. I pulled over to the side of the road and saw that my rear wheel was completely detached from the car. I called a tow truck and had the car towed to a mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed wheel bearing. The mechanic replaced the bearing and I was back on the road in no time.

6-8 Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

• Have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can inspect your wheel bearings for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.
• Avoid potholes and rough roads. Potholes and rough roads can put a lot of stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can cause your wheel bearings to overheat, which can lead to failure.
• Do not overload your vehicle. Overloading your vehicle can put a lot of stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Listen for unusual noises coming from your wheels. If you hear a grinding, howling, or squealing noise coming from your wheels, it may be a sign of a bad wheel bearing.
• Feel for vibrations in your steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel, seat, or floorboard, it may be a sign of a bad wheel bearing.
• Check for play in your wheels. If you notice that your wheels have excessive play when they are lifted off the ground, it may be a sign of a bad wheel bearing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the signs of a bad wheel bearing. If you hear a grinding, howling, or squealing noise coming from your wheels, or if you feel a vibration in your steering wheel, seat, or floorboard, it is important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
• Trying to replace a wheel bearing yourself if you do not have the right tools and skills. Replacing a wheel bearing is a complex repair that should be left to a qualified mechanic.
• Overtightening the wheel bearing bolts. Overtightening the wheel bearing bolts can damage the bearing and lead to premature failure.

6-8 FAQs About 2011 Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

• How often should I replace my wheel bearings? Wheel bearings typically last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the lifespan of your wheel bearings can be affected by a number of factors, such as your driving habits and the condition of the roads you drive on.
• How much does it cost to replace a wheel bearing? The cost of replacing a wheel bearing varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the severity of the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the parts and labor.
• Can I replace a wheel bearing myself? Replacing a wheel bearing is a complex repair that should be left to a qualified mechanic. However, if you have the right tools and skills, you can replace a wheel bearing yourself.
• What are the signs of a bad wheel bearing? The most common signs of a bad wheel bearing include:
  • Noise: A grinding, howling, or squealing noise coming from the wheel area
  • Vibration: A vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard
  • Play: Excessive play in the wheel when it is lifted off the ground
• What causes wheel bearings to fail? Wheel bearings can fail for a number of reasons, including:
  • Wear and tear: Wheel bearings are subject to a lot of wear and tear, which can eventually lead to failure.
  • Impact damage: Impact damage from potholes or other road hazards can damage wheel bearings and lead to premature failure.
  • Overheating: Overheating can damage wheel bearings and lead to premature failure.
• How can I prevent wheel bearing failure? The best way to prevent wheel bearing failure is to have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. A mechanic can inspect your wheel bearings for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary.

Conclusion

Wheel bearings are essential components that allow your wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When they fail, it can lead to a number of serious problems. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent wheel bearing failure and keep your 2011 Chevy Malibu running smoothly and safely.