WATCH: Choosing the Right Seal for Wheel Bearings
Seals are a key component of the wheel-bearing system.
WATCH: How Have Wheel Bearings Changed Over the Years?
Prior to the introduction of compact wheel-bearing units, wheel bearings were serviceable and had to be removed, cleaned, inspected and repacked with wheel-bearing grease every few years.
Basic Types of Wheel Bearings [Video]
Most automotive wheel bearings are one of two basic designs: ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. Each type of bearing has pros and cons, depending on the application.
WATCH: What Do Wheel Bearings Do?
Wheel bearings might not be the sexiest part of a vehicle, but that shouldn’t diminish the Herculean role these safety-critical components play in the vehicle’s chassis system.
How Off-Road Tires Impact Wheel Bearings, Hubs And Universal Joints
Summer is right around the corner, and a bunch of off-road vehicles will be coming into your customers’ shops, most of which will have oversized tires. It’s important to be aware of how oversized tires place increased stress on wheel bearings, hubs and U-joints.
Watch: Should Wheel Bearings Be Replaced In Pairs?
Wheel bearings are one of the most important safety-related parts on a vehicle. If one goes bad, it can create a very dangerous situation. Because of this, it’s imperative that if one front wheel bearing unit goes bad on a vehicle, for example, both fronts should be replaced at a minimum.
Automotive Wheel Bearings Keep America Rolling
Wheel bearings perform a number of important functions, including reducing friction, supporting the weight of the vehicle on the axles and spindles and assisting with wheel alignment.
WATCH: Replacing Wheel Bearings If They Haven’t Failed?
If the wheel speed sensor inside is corroded or damaged, or has failed electrically, the wheel bearings may need to be replaced.
WATCH: What Kind Of Wheel Bearings Are Used On Vehicles Today?
Most wheel bearings on late-model vehicles are part of a sealed hub assembly or cartridge. Sealed hub assemblies may be used on front-wheel drive as well as rear-wheel drive cars and trucks.
WATCH: How Often Do Wheel Bearings Need To Be Replaced?
The average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
