
Is a wheel bearing the same as a hub assembly?
Wheel bearing assemblies typically fit inside the center of the wheel hub to allow free rotation around an axle shaft or spindle. Bearing assemblies that mount inside a wheel hub are often called wheel hub bearing assemblies.
What is a wheel hub bearing and why is?
The wheel bearing is a round metal part found in the center of the hub that connects the axles to the wheels and helps them turn smoothly. They usually have greased metal balls encased between two rings called races.
Are wheel bearings and hub bearings the same thing?
There are two types of bearings: hub and wheel. Both employ the same physical characteristics of a bearing in that they house bearing spheres that are lubricated for spinning to allow the wheel to rotate. A major difference between the two is how they are assembled. Wheel bearings can be taken apart, lubricated and reassembled to be used again.
What are the symptoms of a bad hub assembly?
What Can Happen If You Don't Replace Hub Bearing Assembly?
- Noise. When the hub bearing assembly fails, the driver is going to hear a noise. ...
- Wandering. A sign that you have a bad hub bearing assembly is if the tire has play when you grasp the wheel at the top and bottom and shake it ...
- Consequences. The noise you experience is minor in comparison to what can happen. ...

Does a hub assembly come with wheel bearing?
The wheel bearings typically come as part of a larger wheel hub assembly package.
What is the difference between a wheel bearing and a hub assembly?
A major difference between the two is how they are assembled. Wheel bearings can be taken apart, lubricated and reassembled to be used again. Hub bearings are pre-packed at the manufacturer's factory and are sold and installed as a complete unit. These cannot be taken apart for re-lubrication but must be replaced.
Can you change the bearing in a hub assembly?
You'll probably need to use a wrench (and/or a hammer) to remove the end of the hub and any anti-lock brake wheel that may be part of your hub. A special tool may also be needed to remove the central bolt. Then, the bearing assembly should come apart easily.
Can you replace a wheel bearing without replacing the hub?
Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.
Where is the wheel bearing located?
hubA wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together in a metal ring, called a race. At the center of your wheels, there is a hollow piece of metal, called a hub. The wheel bearings fit tightly inside this hub, and ride on a metal axle shaft, helping reduce friction when the wheel spins.
How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing hub assembly?
Replacing a single wheel bearing can take 90 to 120 minutes depending on the type of vehicle and complexity. There are a lot of moving parts that need to be maintained and properly sealed to complete this type of work.
How much does it cost to replace a hub bearing?
The labor cost for a wheel bearing replacement also varies and will generally cost anywhere from $60 to $300. It should take between 1 to 1.5 labor hours to change the wheel bearing. What is this? In total, the cost to replace a wheel bearing is around $150 to $800.
Can you replace just one wheel bearing?
If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle. Don't let someone talk you into work that is not needed. Get the price estimate for wheel bearing replacement for your make and model of car.
How many hub bearings does a car have?
Each wheel has its own wheel bearings, so a typical car should have four sets total. Your wheel bearings have a heavy impact on the handling of your vehicle.
How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?
Average Life Time Of A Wheel Bearing: The average life expectancy of a wheel bearing is around 150,000 miles. However, if it starts making noise, it may only last for a few thousand miles. If you notice a grinding or humming noise coming from your wheels, have the bearings checked as soon as possible.
What happens if a wheel bearing fails while driving?
If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it's very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
How can you tell which wheel bearing is bad?
You can test this by gently swaying your car while driving slowly. If the noise lessens when you sway right, then the damaged bearing is likely on a left wheel bearing. If it lessens when you sway left, a right wheel bearing is likely broken.
How much does it cost to replace wheel hub assembly?
The cost to replace one front-wheel hub assembly varies widely. Some variables include the make and model, the garage's labor rate and the cost for parts. The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more.
What is a hub and bearing assembly?
Every wheel hub is, in some way, connected to a wheel bearing. They are either pressed or bolted together, and they frequently come as one "wheel hub and bearing" assembly. This makes installation significantly easier and cheaper. Just pull the old hub and bearing assembly off, and throw the new one on.
How can you tell which wheel bearing is bad?
You can test this by gently swaying your car while driving slowly. If the noise lessens when you sway right, then the damaged bearing is likely on a left wheel bearing. If it lessens when you sway left, a right wheel bearing is likely broken.
What happens when a hub assembly fails?
A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. Often, the sensation will change with vehicle speed or while the vehicle is cornering.
Where are wheel bearings located?
A wheel bearing is located within the wheel hub , which connects the wheel to the axle. Each wheel has its own set of wheel bearings. The bearing is inside the wheel hub assembly. Ball Bearings Vs. Roller Bearings. Two of the most common types of wheel bearings are ball and roller.
What happens if a wheel hub isn't working properly?
If something within the wheel bearing isn’t functioning in proper form, it could cause the systems to malfunction, or throw and code and warning light.
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?
The lifespan of your wheel bearings will depend on the manufacturer, the day-to-day operating conditions, and driving loads, but they are generally expected to last at least 75,000-100,000 miles.
What are the bearings on a car?
Behind virtually every wheel on every newish vehicle, there is a set of tiny ball bearings that keep the wheels smoothly rotating without interruption. They’re unsung heroes when it comes to discussions of a car’s primary parts, but their importance cannot be overstated.
What tool to use to remove wheel bearings?
Seriously, the wheel bearing puller tool will make this job much simpler. As you remove the wheel bearing, be cognizant of the axle and avoid letting it drop, get dirty, or put stress on any other parts. Clean off any corrosion found on the involved parts.
How to remove a wheel hub nut?
With the vehicle still on the ground, use a breaker bar or impact wrench to loosen the wheel hub nut, then the lug nuts. Jack up the vehicle and insert your jack stands. Remove the wheel and set it aside. Remove the brake caliper and place it somewhere that does not put stress on the brake line. Remove the rotor.
What happens if a wheel bearing seal is broken?
If a wheel bearing seal is broken and the insides become contaminated with hard particles, or it has simply worn down over time, it could cause a rougher-than-usual ride and vibrations.
1. The Most Common Symptoms Of Wheel Hub Bearing Failure
It’s important to be able to identify the symptoms of wheel bearing and/or hub assembly failure. The more familiar your techs are with the symptoms, the happier the customer. To be more specific, it will take less time to diagnose wheel bearing and/or hub assembly failure.
2. The Most Common Causes Of Wheel Bearing And Hub Assembly Failure
Customers trust techs who know what they’re talking about. What if a customer asks one of your techs what caused wheel bearing/hub assembly failure on their car? If the tech can’t answer the question, your shop won’t look good. So it’s important for your techs to know the most common causes of wheel bearing and hub assembly failure:
3. The Importance Of Using A High Quality Replacement Wheel Hub Assembly
A good way to build customer trust and loyalty is to use high quality replacement parts. It’s the key to reducing comebacks, after all. Low quality replacement wheel hub assemblies come with a bag of issues. Plus, they tend to fail early. This means more comebacks and a blow to your shop’s reputation.
4. The Importance Of Installing A Wheel Bearing And Hub Assembly The Right Way
Improper installation will most likely end in an expensive comeback. Wheel bearing or hub assembly failure on the road is also quite dangerous for the driver. So it’s worth taking the time to ensure that your techs know how to install wheel bearings and hub assemblies. That includes:
5. Important Steps To Double Check When Replacing A Wheel Hub Assembly
Improper installation almost always guarantees a comeback. To reduce comebacks, check below steps to make sure that Wheel Hub Assembly is replaced correctly:
What is a wheel bearing hub?
Also known as the wheel hub, the wheel bearing hub assembly typically consists of wheel bearings and the main hub itself.
Who makes wheel bearings?
Timken is one of the top manufacturers of wheel bearings, hubs, and seals for the automotive market.
Why is the NHUB-30 good?
The NHUB-30 is a great choice for DIYers because of its excellent performance and vehicle-specific fit. This product, like all Motorcraft products, has also undergone laboratory and performance tests to ensure quality. The NHUB-30 is a great choice for DIYers because of its excellent performance and vehicle-specific fit.
What is a true drive?
TrueDrive® is the true choice for aftermarket suspension and ride control, keeping your vehicle strong and steady on the road so you can drive with confidence, no matter where the road takes you. Top Wheel Bearing Hub Assemblies. If you’re in the market for a replacement wheel bearing hub, you’re in the right place.
How to tell if wheel bearing is bad?
Below are some of the common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing hub assembly: Vibration while driving.
What does it mean when your tires are humming?
Have you heard an unusual growling or humming noise as you drive? Perhaps you’ve felt vibrations when driving. Maybe you’ve even noticed that your tires are wearing out unevenly. If you’ve noticed these signs on your vehicle, then you might need a wheel bearing hub assembly replacement right away. But what is a wheel bearing hub?
Can you replace a wheel hub?
If you’re a seasoned DIYer, you may already know how to replace a wheel hub. However, if you don’t have much technical know-how to diagnose a faulty wheel hub, it’s best to go to a professional mechanic for troubleshooting and repairs.
What is a wheel hub?
Wheel hub – A forged or cast piece of metal that an automobile wheel mounts to. Wheel bearing assemblies typically fit inside the center of the wheel hub to allow free rotation around an axle shaft or spindle. Bearing assemblies that mount inside a wheel hub are often called wheel hub bearing assemblies.
What is a wheel bearing?
Bearing assemblies on front or rear non-driven axles are correctly termed "wheel bearings", and they mount between a wheel hub and a simple spindle shaft. An all-wheel-drive vehicle would have four axle bearings.
How to grease a bearing?
Bearing grease packer – A specially shaped receptacle approximately the size of a large coffee mug with a center shaft. A grease packer allows you to drop an entire O-shaped bearing assembly inside of it where it will sit atop lubricating grease inside the packer. The top part of the grease packing tool is then inserted. With downward pressure applied, the bearing assembly becomes immersed into the thick grease which squeezes into all gaps between the bearings, cage, and race. This is the easiest and most efficient way to get grease inside most of the bearing areas. After removing your bearing assembly from a grease packer, it's also a good idea to apply a final coating of grease by hand around the outer circumference of the bearing assembly.
What are ball bearings used for?
Ball bearings – These are perfectly round metal balls. While they're used in some automotive bearing assemblies , they are more commonly found in skateboards, electric motors, and household machinery. Because their spherical shape allows them to spin in any direction, they can handle both radial loads (weight from above) and thrust loads (sideways force). However, perfectly round ball bearings have a very small contact area. This limits them to light-to-medium applications and to locations on a vehicle that are not subject to heavy pressure and shocks from road impacts.
What type of bearings are used in rear wheel drive?
Many rear-wheel-drive vehicles with solid beam rear axles use bearings of the straight roller bearing type design – sometimes with dual rows of bearings. In other cases, the axle tubes perform double duty and act as the races for those bearings.
What is a bearing for a front wheel drive vehicle?
Bearing terminology gets a little trickier when differences for front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive vehicles are factored in. Things also vary depending on which wheels are drive wheels and which are not. For example, bearings for drive wheels are known as " axle bearings " whether they're front or rear because those wheels are mounted to the hub of an axle shaft which rotates within a housing.
What is a bearing dust cap?
Bearing Dust Cap – A metal cap that’s pressed onto and over the opening on the outer edge of a wheel hub bearing assembly. Dust caps keep harmful dirt out and keep lubricating grease in.
Why replace wheel bearing hub?
Better steering. One of the biggest benefits of replacing a wheel bearing hub assembly is improved steering and better control when you drive your vehicle , particularly around corners.
How long do wheel bearings last?
On average, wheel bearings have a lifespan of 85,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the exact durability depends on the bearing’s manufacturer, materials, qualities, components, and other features. You should consider high-quality materials from a reputable top brand.
What is Mac Auto Parts?
Mac Auto Parts was founded in 1978 in New York. The company offers a wide range of auto parts online for a discounted price to provide customers with excellent value for the money. Its high-quality products and excellent customer reviews make it a trusted, well-known brand. From its extensive range, we recommend the Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly. This offers an easy and trouble-free installation, making it great for everyone to install and use. It’s a high-quality part that fits 2012-2015 Nissan Armada and 2012-2015 Nissan Titan vehicles.
What size is a Timken hub?
The Timken Bearing and Hub Assembly measures 9.4 x 8.9 x 6.1 inches. It’s the key to restoring your vehicle and ensuring it offers a smooth and safe ride. This wheel bearing hub assembly is designed with heavy-duty materials and ideal for reducing any wear and tear on your vehicle.
What is thrust load on a wheel bearing?
These are the most common types of wheel bearings and generally the most versatile. They can absorb both radial and thrust loads on the rear and front wheels. The thrust load is the cornering pressure, while radial load is the weight put onto a wheel. They’re typically found in wheels that are small, such as on roller skates, but can also suit larger wheels on automobiles, too.
What is ECCPP wheel bearing?
The ECCPP wheel bearing and hub assembly is economical and provides precise fitment, durability, reliability, and enhanced performance. It features a high-quality seal design for pollution protection, bearing cleanliness, minimized noise, and vibration. It is compatible with various Chevy Venture, Pontiac Bonneville, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac Montana, and Pontiac Trans Sport models.
Why is it important to have a protective hub?
Doing so will protect the bearing from damage if it becomes heated due to friction, wear and tear, or the weather. This will also prevent you from having to constantly purchase replacement parts.
What is a wheel hub assembly?
Responsible for attaching the wheel to the car, a wheel hub assembly is a pre-assembled unit that features precision bearings, seals and sensors. Also called a wheel hub bearing, hub assembly, wheel hub unit or hub and bearing assembly, the wheel hub assembly is a crucial part of your steering system contributing to the safe steering and handling of your vehicle.
What is the purpose of a wheel hub?
First and foremost, the wheel hub assembly keeps your wheel attached to your vehicle and allows the wheels to freely turn enabling you to safely steer.
What can happen if I drive with a damaged wheel hub assembly?
Driving with a bad wheel hub assembly is dangerous. As the bearings inside the assembly become worn out, they can cause the wheels to stop turning smoothly. Your vehicle can become shaky and the wheels not secure. In addition, if the hub assembly degrades, the steel can fracture and cause the wheel to come off.
How to tell if hub assembly is failing?
A failing wheel hub assembly can present a variety of symptoms including: Growling, humming, squeaking, chirping or squealing from the tires when driving at 30-45mph . Steering wheel may shake as you drive. ABS light will come on if the sensor isn’t reading properly or if the signal is lost.
What to do if your wheel hub is failing?
If you suspect that you have a failing wheel hub assembly, take your vehicle to your trusted mechanic for service.
What is the purpose of the ABS wheel sensor?
The sensor constantly relays to the ABS control system how fast each wheel is turning. In a hard braking situation, the system uses the information to determine if anti-locking braking is needed. Your vehicle’s traction control system also uses the ABS wheel sensors to operate.
