The wheel Hub Bearing Assembly is responsible for attaching the wheels to the vehicle and is a pre-assembled unit with precision bearings, seals and sensors. Also known as a wheel Hub Bearing Assembly, wheel Hub Bearing Assembly, wheel hub unit or wheel hub and bearing assembly, the wheel Hub Bearing Assembly is an important part of the steering system and contributes to the safe steering and handling of the vehicle. At each wheel, you will find the hub assembly between the drive axle and the brake drum or disc. On the disc side, the wheel attaches to the hub assembly’s studs. On the drive axle side, the hub assembly is mounted to the steering knuckle as a bolt-on or press-in assembly.
On most newer vehicles built since 1998, there is a wheel hub assembly for each wheel. When the wheel Hub Bearing Assembly fails, remove it and replace it with a new one. On vehicles built before 1997, front-wheel drive vehicles use a wheel Hub Bearing Assembly on each wheel, and rear-wheel drive vehicles use two separate bearings and seals on the two front wheels. Unlike hub assemblies, bearings are serviceable.
First, wheel Hub Bearing Assembly secures your wheels to your vehicle and allows them to turn freely, allowing you to steer safely.
Hub assemblies are also critical to your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS). In addition to the bearings, the hub assembly contains the wheel speed sensors that control the vehicle’s ABS braking system. The sensors constantly report to the ABS control system how fast each wheel is turning.
In an emergency braking situation, the system uses this information to determine if anti-lock braking is required.
Your vehicle’s traction control system also uses the ABS wheel sensors for operation. As an extension of the anti-lock braking system, the TCS system and the ABS system work together to help you maintain control of your vehicle. If this sensor fails, it could compromise your anti-lock braking system and traction control system.
The wheel hub assembly is responsible for attaching the wheels to the vehicle and is a pre-assembled unit with precision bearings, seals and sensors. Also known as a wheel bearing, wheel hub assembly, wheel hub unit or wheel hub and bearing assembly, the wheel hub assembly is an important part of the steering system and contributes to the safe steering and handling of the vehicle. At each wheel, you will find the hub assembly between the drive axle and the brake drum or disc. On the disc side, the wheel attaches to the hub assembly’s studs. On the drive axle side, the hub assembly is mounted to the steering knuckle as a bolt-on or press-in assembly.
On most newer vehicles built since 1998, there is a hub assembly for each wheel. When the assembly fails, remove it and replace it with a new one. On vehicles built before 1997, front-wheel drive vehicles use a hub assembly on each wheel, and rear-wheel drive vehicles use two separate bearings and seals on the two front wheels. Unlike hub assemblies, bearings are serviceable.
First, the hub assembly secures your wheels to your vehicle and allows them to turn freely, allowing you to steer safely.
Hub assemblies are also critical to your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS). In addition to the bearings, the hub assembly contains the wheel speed sensors that control the vehicle’s ABS braking system. The sensors constantly report to the ABS control system how fast each wheel is turning.
In an emergency braking situation, the system uses this information to determine if anti-lock braking is required.
Your vehicle’s traction control system also uses the ABS wheel sensors for operation. As an extension of the anti-lock braking system, the TCS system and the ABS system work together to help you maintain control of your vehicle. If this sensor fails, it could compromise your anti-lock braking system and traction control system.
How long does a wheel bearing last?
The average life expectancy of a wheel bearing is 136,000 to 160,000 kilometers (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is a rule of thumb; the actual life of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.
What happens if I drive with a damaged wheel assembly?
Driving with a damaged hub assembly is dangerous. As the bearings in the assembly wear, they will cause the wheels to stop turning smoothly. Your vehicle may wobble and the wheels may become unstable. In addition, if the hub assembly deteriorates, the steel may break and cause the wheel to fall off.
If you suspect a wheel hub assembly failure, take your vehicle to a mechanic you trust for repair or wheel bearing replacement. The best way to deal with a bad wheel bearing is to replace it, along with other bearings to ensure an even and balanced ride. Wheel bearings usually come as part of a larger wheel assembly package. Although modern wheel bearings are easier to install than previous generations, proper installation, use of the proper tools and adherence to specified torque values are still critical to achieving optimum performance, durability and safety. Therefore, we recommend that you have your wheel bearings installed by a professional mechanic with the relevant skills and tools.
Wheel hub assemblies are often very difficult to remove. If you are already working on it but do not have a bearing pulling tool, these other tools and methods may be helpful. Please take extra care not to damage anything and always take the necessary safety precautions.
