What is a Hub Bearing or Hub Assembly?

The Hub Assembly or Hub Bearing offers certain advantages over the Wheel Bearing. It’s an easy decision if you have a bad wheel bearing; if you have the option of purchasing a Hub Bearing Assembly vs. a Wheel Bearing buy the Hub Bearing Assembly.

Does a Hub Assembly Include Wheel Bearing and What Does the Bearing Do

The front Hub Bearing assembly's primary component is the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is a precision machined component that is integral to the safe and comfortable ride of your car or truck. There are 4 wheel bearings in a car – one per wheel. They are designed to hold the weight of the entire vehicle and allow the wheels to roll freely as they perform their job. The successful installation of a Hub Bearing Assembly is heavily weighted on the proper torque of the axle nut which essentially holds the bearing together. Under torquing the axle nut lets the bearing separate, over-torquing puts too much pressure on the wheel bearing and can lead to a grinding sound from the bearing.

Benefits of Replacing Wheel Hub Assembly Instead of Wheel Bearing

If your vehicle provides the option to replace the entire hub assembly, a lot less specialized tools are needed. The hub assembly is a housing that has the wheel bearing and hub already pressed into it. The installation of the wheel bearing hub assembly consists of removing the defective or worn hub bearing and bolting the new Hub Bearing Assembly to the knuckle. It is important to use a torque wrench to ensure you install the Hub Bearing properly.

The other advantage of this design is that the Hub Bearing Assembly often includes the ABS ring and/or speed sensor. These components, over time, often suffer damage due to corrosion and dirt contamination. The chances of this occurring are greatly reduced when the components are replaced along with the Hub Assembly.

Should you Replace the Wheel Bearing or the Entire Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly

The general rule is that if your vehicle has the option of replacing wheel hub bearings as complete hub assembly, you are better off going with the complete hub assembly. You are replacing a variety of components that are susceptible to damage and wear. The Hub Bearing Assembly is also typically easier and less time consuming to install. The extra money you spend on the Hub Bearing Assembly as opposed to just the wheel bearing may even be made up in the labour cost savings.

The Importance of Wheel Bearings or Hub Bearings

The hub bearing or wheel bearing, whichever is the case, is an important component of your vehicle – it is crucial in maintaining the safe and comfortable handling characteristics of your vehicle. For preventive maintenance, keeping regular 85,000 to 100,000-mile intervals for Hub Bearing Assembly replacement is recommended. Pushing the service life of the Hub Bearing Assembly may compromise engine responses and the overall functionality of other working wheel assembly components.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Hub?

That annoying noise and vibration you hear and feel are worn parts - which means its time to invest in a heavy-duty, high-quality aftermarket replacement Hub Bearing Assembly. Because your wheel hub bearing assembly keeps your wheels' critical alignment settings, they must be properly fastened and kept in near perfect working conditions. Be wary of the signs which indicate a bad hub assembly; steering wanders and/or grinding noises while cornering typically indicate a worn hub bearing and ultimately a driving hazard. You may even need to change your Wheel Bearing Assembly more than once throughout the life efficiency of your vehicle. Periodically lubricating the part may ease up the effects of pressure and friction as the part supports a portion of your vehicle's weight. The Hub Bearing Assembly and wheel bearing are in constant use while driving and the daily wear and tear that this auto part is exposed to demands that it be replaced when necessary to keep your vehicle.