All that rolling action you get from driving your car as well as the smooth ride and acceleration is thanks to one, or rather four, circular metal components. That's the wheel bearings. Wheel bearings have tiny steel balls held in small rings made to reduce any friction and introduce the rolling action I just mentioned.
Because of wheel bearings, the wheels of even heavy vehicles such as your Patrol are able to spin freely. Bearings also help support the weight of your vehicle, again, even if that vehicle is as big as your Patrol. This is even more of a reason to watch out for the wheel bearings on your Patrol and find the right ones when a replacement is needed.
What to Consider in a Wheel Bearing
Compatibility
The first and most important factor you need to consider when searching for GU Patrol wheel bearings is that they fit the make of your 4x4. Since there have been close to 20 years of Patrol models you can't just get any type of GU wheel bearing. A proper GU Patrol wheel bearing set is one that's manufactured to be used in the model you have. It's not universal.
Corrosion Resistance
An element that wheel bearings need to be protected from is corrosion. While a wheel bearing is not as exposed as the wheel or rim, it can, however, corrode over time. All that movement increases the chances of moisture getting inside especially if you use your GU Patrol for off-road adventures. Having corrosion-resistant wheel bearings will ensure that they won't go bad as quickly as ones made of regular steel.
Thermal Conductivity
Since a GU wheel bearing is a moving part, heat is generated. Maybe there's not as much heat as in the engine bay, but there is still enough to reduce the lifespan of the bearing. This is why you should go for bearings that have good thermal conductivity as they will not only last longer but also work better.
Types of Wheel Bearings
Roller
A GU Patrol wheel bearing that uses rollers in a tapered circular housing does not come sealed. This means that you can add grease to lubricate the rollers to make the bearing usable again but because of this design, they are susceptible to contamination.
Ball
Ball bearings, on the other hand, are not susceptible to contamination since they come sealed. As you'd expect, instead of rollers, these GU Patrol wheel bearings come with steel balls that make for small contact points and a more seamless rolling action.
Signs of Bad Wheel Bearings
Tire Wear
Quite a common symptom of a bad wheel bearing can be uneven tire wear. All tires wear down but if that wear is not the same on both sides then you might have a loose bearing housing.
Noises
Although you may not hear a humming or whirring sound when off-roading, when driving in the city you will notice it quite easily. The above noises can be accompanied by clicking and grinding noises too and it usually means that the wheel bearing as a whole has started to fail.
Steering Feel
Something that you can't miss with your GU Patrol is a change in how the steering feels. If you notice that the steering feels loose it's because of play in the bearing created by the bearing which is going faulty. Your steering wheel won't feel loose though.
Vibrations
In case there is a broken wheel bearing seal or the wheel bearing is contaminated with any hard particles you will feel vibrations. These vibrations will make the ride of your Patrol feel rough, at least more than usual.
Wheel Lock
Since the majority of GU Patrol wheel bearings nowadays are sealed, there is another issue that could arise. This has to do with heat and if there is too much of it, it can make the bearings lock up. This will make the wheels of your Patrol lock up too.
ABS Malfunction
Any traction systems or the ABS system of your Patrol may malfunction if there is an issue with the bearings. A faulty bearing can cause the ABS light on the dashboard to come on or any other traction-related issue since all the sensors are located in the assembly.
How to Check Wheel Bearings
1. The best way to determine whether or not you have an issue with your Patrol's wheel bearings is to check them yourself. To inspect your Patrol's wheel bearings you'll need to gain access to them.
2. This is quite easy as it requires jacking up your 4x4 and putting jack stands underneath it for support. Once your Patrol is in the air, take one wheel with both hands and try to move it. You should have one hand at the bottom and one at the top of the wheel.
3. Do this for all 4 wheels and if there is not much movement it means the bearings are in good shape. If there's excessive play, the bearings are probably worn and either need to be replaced or the wheels need some adjustment.
4. But if the wheels do not move much, continue by putting your Patrol in neutral or out of gear, depending on the type of transmission it has. Try rotating the wheels and listen for any unusual noises.
5. You should also feel for any roughness as you rotate the steering wheel. Any of these can imply towards a damaged bearing that needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
