how do you know when a wheel bearing is bad?

that sounds like a bad bearing or CV joint.

Bad wheel bearing or tire cupped or has cords broken in it, it will be easy to see tire will not be smooth. Generally when you turn the right and the noise goes away its bad right wheel bearing like said above. But before you take it apart raise up the front of the car and check for a loose wheel bearing by placing one hand at the top of the tire and the other at the bottom of the tire. Pull with one hand push with the other alternating back and forth rocking the tire in and out in a vertical pattern. If one is loose replace it first and then test drive again.

Another tip dont buy the cheapest bearing the auto parts store sells as they do not last long at all. Some make more noise than the old one right away, Others last a few hundred miles and i have never seen one last longer than 15000 miles. So do your self a favor and spend a few extra bucks if you can. If money is really tight they warranty both the cheap one and the good one its just a hassle to have to replace it again and again.

Bearing makes noise when the weights unloaded on the bearing turn right goes away chances are it could be the right bearing.Ways of checking are for play move up and down left and right and watch the cv shaft for movement if not as noticeable.spin the tire off the ground sometimes you can hear it but usually you can feel it in the spring spin the tire while grabbing the coil spring on the strut and that acts as a megaphone which will allow you to feel a rough bearing vs a good bearing good bearings feel smooth bad bearings are rough.Not all bad bearings have play in the wheel majority of bad bearings i find are felt through the spring, along with shifting the weight of the vehicle for noise.

well it kinda sounds like the right side ha!

but if you jack up that side so the tire is off of the ground, try pushing on the tire, laterally.

so like take the top of the tire, mark it, and push in and out, towards the car, then pull back towards yourself, and do this all around the tire, or until your mark gets back to the top.

about 1/8 of an inch is normal, but if it moves in or out any more than that, your bearing is bad.

could be a joint or something too, but it does sound like a bearing.

your local auto shop can do it, dont take it to the dealer though, they'll screw you on prices.

you may be able to do it yourself, chances are you will have to take apart the differential and take the shaft out though so it is most likely best to just have it checked out.

if a bearing is really bad it can start a fire, so do this soon.

goodluck with your vehicle !

that sounds like a balljoint. I don't think a bearing could get bad enough to vibrate the car--not for long. A bearing going gets loud a deep hum. Eventually a wheel bearing will seize up but it won't be shaking the car long before it does.

turning to the right will usually indicate a bad right bearing. jack up the front of the car and spin the wheels and see if you hear a noise difference side to side. also try rocking the tire while jacked up looking for excessive play

A worn wheel bearing will cause a humming sound when driving, same sign when the beering is not tight. For the shakes, please check the axle and tie rod for loosen, also the wheel nut for loosen.