Wheel bearing has play or is rough
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Wheel bearing has slight play”
- “Wheel bearing excessively rough”
- “Wheel bearing has excessive play”
What it is
Wheel bearings let each wheel spin smoothly on its hub. Over time they wear, which can cause play (movement) or roughness.
Why it matters
A worn bearing makes a rumbling or humming noise that changes with speed. Left long enough it can overheat or, in extreme cases, affect how the wheel is held on.
What to check when viewing a car
On a test drive, listen for a humming or rumbling noise that gets louder with speed and may change when you turn. Ask whether a bearing advisory has since been fixed.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: tyres and wheels
- Tyre worn close to the legal limit
- Tyre worn on the inner or outer edge
- Tyre cracking or perishing
- Tyre damaged: bulge, cut or lump
- Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) warning light
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.