How to know if wheel bearings need to be replaced?

[froglady99]

I have a 2003 Explorer XLT 4X4 with a V8 engine. From research I've done, I know noisy wheels are the main sign of failing wheel bearings, and mine don't seem to be noisy at all. However, my wheels do feel a bit wobbly at times, and I sometimes feel the need to slow down an abnormal amount when the road curves to the right, but not when it curves to the left. I first noticed this last summer when I was driving in a 65 mph zone, and I thought it was just because I wasn't used to driving that fast (the roads I drive at home have no more than a 55 mph limit). But lately I noticed the same issues again, even though I'm driving familiar roads at familiar speeds, so I'm wondering if maybe it's a problem with my car, and not just me.

Could my wheel bearings need to be replaced? If so, how can I tell how much longer they'll last? I think I might be able to replace them myself (and save tons of money), but I wouldn't be able to do it quite yet, because the snow is melting and the driveway is probably too soft to use a jack right now.

Sabrina

 

[Donystoy]

I would be inspecting all suspension components for slop with the symptoms you are having. This might be a safety issue and should be addressed as early as you can.