When you’re recommending a replacement hub assembly, what are some of the characteristics of a quality unit that can stand up to the wheel forces, heat and loads that put these critical wheel-end components to the test? 

The hub spindle is a great place to start. Increasing the thickness of the flange on the spindle adds strength to protect it from warping under impact and safeguards it against vibration due to runout.

How about the seals? Hub-bearing seals keep lubricating grease in and contaminants out, and they play a critical role in the service life of the hub assembly. The inboard seals on a quality hub assembly will feature multiple sealing lips that redirect contaminants out, and they might introduce a metal shield over the top of the seal. And premium hubs will have robust outboard multi-lipped seals and better shielding.

This video is sponsored by The Pronto Network.