How to Diagnose Bearing Noise: Four Stages of Strut Bearing Wear
Four Wear Stages
Stage 1: Minor
- Occasional click turning cold
- Easy to miss
Stage 2: Clear Noise
- Continuous popping when turning in place
- Louder in reverse; schedule replacement
Stage 3: Play
- Worse noise plus clunk over bumps
- Tower gap, vague steering; replace soon
Stage 4: Failure
- Bearing binds, heavy steering
- Mount may be damaged too; safety risk
Diagnosis
- Turn lock-to-lock in place, listen
- Lift and rotate bearing, feel for binding
- Check seals for grease leaks
Advice
Replace at stage 2, not stage 4. Huami strut bearings have durable seals at good prices.