How can you tell if the bearings are in good condition during a pre-trip inspection?

During a pre-trip inspection, assessing the condition of wheel bearings is crucial for ensuring safe vehicle operation. The correct answer focuses on the importance of auditory and tactile feedback when evaluating wheel bearings. Listening for unusual noises, such as grinding or rumbling sounds, can indicate wear or damage in the bearings. Additionally, excessive play in the wheel when spun suggests that the bearings may be loose or compromised, potentially leading to failure while driving.

Option A, which involves checking the steering wheel for play, is more related to the condition of the steering system rather than directly assessing the wheel bearings. While play in the steering could indicate issues, it doesn't specifically evaluate bearing performance.

Option C, inspecting the color of the grease, can provide some information about bearing condition, but it is not a reliable or definitive method for assessing overall bearing health. The color alone doesn’t indicate whether the bearings are functioning properly.

Option D focuses on checking the torque specifications, which is important for installation but doesn’t provide real-time feedback on the condition of the bearings during a pre-trip inspection. Proper torque ensures that bearings are secured correctly, but this does not directly verify their current operational state.

Overall, listening for unusual noises and feeling for excessive play is a practical approach to confirming that the bearings