How to avoid bearing failure

September 26, 2021 easitimes 401 Views 0 Comments AUTOMEDICS

No driver ever wants to experience a wheel bearing runoff. Experiencing a wheel bearing runoff is not only costly in both maintenance and drivers downtime, but could be potentially life-threatening to the driver and those he is sharing the road with.

A wheel bearing runoff will happen because the hub and wheel bearing assembly has failed. Failure is usually caused by either lack of lubrication (which causes excessive heat), overloading (which causes lack of lubrication because of the excess weight), the axle nut is too tight (which, again, causes lack of lubrication) or the axle nut is too loose (which will allow for unnecessary movement causing bearing wear and further looseness).

The good news is that hub bearing failures gradually develop over time with signs and symptoms showing up prior to a major event happening. While out on the road, there are preventative measures that can be taken to avoid the failures. Here’s what you need to know:

Pre-trip inspection

When conducting your pre-trip inspection, there are signs of wear and tear that can be noticed. During your walk around, pay particular attention to the following areas:

Low oil level in the hubcap sight glass.
Burnt or discoloured hub cap sight glass.
Oil leakage on the outside of the wheel hub or tire.
Oil spiral or swirl patterns on the hub or tyre’s surface.
The hub cab is extremely hot.
Abnormal tire wear.

Warning signs while driving

An alert and aware driver can notice bearing damage while driving. If you feel or notice any of the following symptoms, stop immediately to investigate further:

Increased fuel costs.
Wheel noise.
Wheel vibration.
Wheel wobble.
Smoking wheel end.
Wheel lock-up.
Increased stopping distance.
Decreased braking power.
Side pull when brakes are engaged.
Abnormal steering wheel feedback.

If warning signs are ignored and proper wheel inspections are not performed, you can expect higher maintenance costs and an increased risk of wheel separation. In addition to drivers being prepared and knowledgeable for what to look for in bearing failure, regular maintenance and inspections by a certified mechanic is going to help catch bearing issues as well as save you time and money in the long run.

Generic Codes

P1216: Code fuel solenoid response time too short conditions

Meaning

With engine speed over 506 RPM, the engine coolant temperature input more than 34°F, system voltage from 10-16v, requested fuel rate more than 0 0 mm, the powertrain control module detects that the injection pump closure time was less than 0.75 milliseconds.

Possible causes

Faulty fuel solenoid

Fuel solenoid harness is open or shorted

Fuel solenoid circuit poor electrical connection

P1217: Code engine over temperature

Meaning

The engine control module controls the cooling fan corresponding to the vehicle speed, engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and air conditioner on signal. The control system has three-step control (High/Low/Off)

If the cooling fan or another component in the cooling system malfunctions, engine coolant temperature will rise. When the engine coolant temperature reaches an abnormally high temperature condition, a malfunction is indicated.

Tech notes

The coolant system thermostat it’s the most likely cause of the P1217 code.

Possible symptoms

Engine light on (or service engine soon warning light)

Engine overheating

Possible causes

Faulty thermostat
Faulty cooling fan motor
Cooling fan harness is open or shorted
Cooling fan circuit poor electrical connection
Engine control module programme

Leaking radiator hose

Leaking or clogged radiator

Radiator cap

Leaking or damage water pump

P1218: Code injection pump calibration circuit

Meaning

The powertrain control module uses a calibrated resistor internally in the injection pump to determine fuel rates. The resistor value is stored in the PCM memory. If the PCM memory has been disturbed or replaced, the PCM will relearn the resistor value on the next ignition cycle. The code is set when the key ON or engine is running and the PCM does not detect a correct current valid resistor value, or it determines that it was unable to read the current resistor value.

Tech notes

The P1218 code usually sets when the resistor is missing out of the PMD or the system has been disturbed and the ECU is re-learning the resistor value. Most of the time, the problem is the missing resistor. Cycling the key many times will relearn the resistor value.

Possible causes

Powertrain control module currently does not have a resistor value

Powertrain control module is unable to read resistor value

P1219: Code CID stuck low

Meaning

The P1219 code is set when there is a problem with the circuit from the powertrain control module to the injector driver module.

Tech notes

Check for broken wires at the powertrain control module

Possible causes

Faulty injector driver module
Injector driver module harness is open or shorted
Injector driver module circuit poor electrical connection

P1220: Code series throttle control system malfunction

Meaning

The throttle position sensor is mounted on the throttle body of the throttle actuator control assembly. The sensor is actually two individual throttle position sensors within one housing. Two separate signal circuits, a low reference circuit, and a five-volt reference circuit are used to connect the TP sensor assembly and the TAC module. The TP sensor signal voltage increases as the throttle opens. The signal circuit for the TP sensor is pulled up to 5-volt reference voltage.

Possible causes