WATCH: Replacing Wheel Bearings If They Haven't Failed?

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Counterman - Babcox Media
Counterman has been serving auto parts jobbers, retailers and distributors since 1983.
News

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.

Mark Phillips
By Mark Phillips
Published:

Related Articles

This video is sponsored by FAG.

Could wheel bearings have to be replaced for reasons other than a failed wheel bearing? Counter Intelligence is next!

You probably know that if one wheel bearing on a high-mileage vehicle has failed, chances are the other wheel bearings are probably reaching the same point and will have to be replaced soon. Auto parts professionals and technicians should always recommend replacing both front wheel bearings, or all four wheel bearings at the same time to reduce the risk of a dangerous wheel bearing failure down the road. But why should wheel bearings be replaced, other than a failed bearing? If the wheel speed sensor inside is corroded or damaged, or has failed electrically, the wheel bearings may need to be replaced.

The wheel speed sensors in some hub assemblies can be replaced separately if there is a problem with the sensor, but on others, the entire hub assembly has to be replaced if the sensor calls it quits. This is even if the bearings are still in good condition. It’s an expensive fix for an illuminated ABS light, but without the new hub and sensor, the ABS light won’t go out and the ABS system won’t operate. Replacing a bad wheel bearing often requires special tools: some type of hub puller for the front wheel bearings on many FWD cars and 4WD trucks, or a hydraulic press to replace the rear axle bearings on a RWD car or truck. It takes a certain amount of skill to do this job correctly, and if done wrong the new bearings may be damaged or fail prematurely. A new hub or axle nut (and cotter pins) should always be recommended to customers who are replacing wheel bearings.

So, it’s not always a failed bearing that will require wheel bearing replacement. Making sure all wheel bearings are replaced at the same time is essential for vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. I’m Mark Phillips. Thanks for watching.

 

You May Also Like

Auto Industry

Customer Service: How It’s Done

Customer service should be your number one priority, and it all starts with the greeting.

Eric Garbe
By Eric Garbe
Eric Garbe is a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology. He has extensive independent and dealership field experience as a technician and shop owner and is an ASE Certified Master Technician and former Adjunct Automotive Professor. He has been professionally writing automotive technical articles and documents for many years and in his free time enjoys restoring old cars and creating custom interiors and upholstery.
Published:

This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship.It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority.First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello!Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door.You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name.This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come.And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you.

Read Full Article

More News Posts
MEMA Launches At-Home REPAIR Campaign

The next step in the campaign to get the REPAIR Act passed is to get aftermarket suppliers involved.

By Emma Henderson
Shaw Assumes Leadership of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Collin Shaw succeeds Julie Fream who served 10 years in the position.

By Emma Henderson
AACF Launches 65th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative

The campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each.

By Counterman Staff
Schaeffler Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report 

Schaeffler was awarded an “A” score in the climate change category for 2023 by the global non-profit environmental organization CDP for corporate transparency and performance.

By Emma Henderson
Schaeffler Sustainability Report

Other Posts

Schaeffler and Sustainability with Jerry Conroy

Conroy shares insights into his career trajectory, the evolving landscape of the company’s aftermarket operations, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

By Counterman Staff
Mastering Belt and Hose Replacement Strategies

Learn how recommending comprehensive replacement kits can streamline repairs, reduce comebacks, and enhance trust with customers.

By Counterman Staff
Sway Bars and Linkages

The basic operation of a sway bar is quite simple.

By Josh Cable
Sway Bars and Linkages
Gear Ratios and Vehicle Performance

Just remember, there is no perfect gear ratio.

By Josh Cable
Gear Ratios and Vehicle Performance