Wheel Bearings Diagnosis (Tapered): Smears

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Smearing Pattern

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

The smearing of the metal is due to slippage. Slippage can be caused by the following factors:

Poor fits
Lubrication
Overheating
Overloads
Handling damage

If this condition occurs, perform the following:

Check the seals.
Check for proper fit.
Check for proper lubrication.
Clean all the parts and the housings.
Replace the bearings. Refer to WHEEL HUB, BEARING & SEAL REPLACEMENT (AWD) or WHEEL HUB, BEARING & SEAL REPLACEMENT (RWD) .