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The most reliable early warning is a grinding or humming noise that gets louder when you turn the steering wheel in one direction - that's usually the bad bearing on the outside of the turn. You might also feel subtle vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal, though that's easier to miss. If you catch it at the noise stage, you've got time to schedule service; wait until there's serious vibration and you risk the wheel locking up or worse, so don't ignore it.
Listen for a grinding or humming noise that gets louder as you speed up - that's usually the first sign something's wrong. You might also feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal, or notice the car pulling to one side. Does the noise change depending on which direction you're turning, or is it constant? That detail matters because it can help narrow down which bearing's failing.
storm_sarah asker
It's constant - doesn't change when turning. Should I get it checked immediately or can it wait?
Wheel bearing failure usually starts with noise, but don't assume every hum or grind is the bearing - tire issues, brake dust, or even wheel alignment problems can sound pretty similar. The key difference is that bearing noise tends to change pitch with your speed rather than turning angle, so pay attention to when it actually gets worse. Vibration in the steering wheel is worth noting, but it's not always a dead giveaway either; brake issues or warped rotors do that too. Best move is to get under the car and grab the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock, then try to rock it side to side - excessive play means the bearing's probably done for.
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