Car Wheel hub

Wheel hub is located in the centre of the wheel. It is mounted on the driving axle and is directly connected with the brake disk. Wheel hubs are ultra reliable car parts. Due to their parameters they do not break even under extreme loads when driving. Wheel hub may damage only in the result of a serious mechanical effect, such as an accident. Wheel hubs are forged or casted of steel. Forged hubs are sturdier, so they are used for the driving axle.

Wheel hub is replaced only in exceptional cases, after an accident for instance. Damage may also occur because of the material defect. Even if the hub is not completely destroyed, it must be immediately replaced. Even a small crack can result in a serous breakdown. Wheel hub breakdown has serious consequences. For example, the wheel can fall off when driving. The car becomes uncontrollable and it is very difficult to influence the movement of the vehicle.

It is better to dismantle the hub with the mounted wheel. After you remove the cap with the help of a special spanner, unscrew the slotted round nut for hook-spanner. For personal safety use the display stand after the car is lifted up. As the wheel is removed the first, the hub should be fixed. Otherwise the shaft will also rotate. There is a wide assortment of car parts in our internet shop. Here you will find high-quality spare parts, such as disk brakes, horns, electric window lifters, rear-view mirrors, bearings, cardan shafts and turn indicators. Before purchasing in the service centre, search the part you need in our online store and save your money.

How to detect malfunctions of the wheel hub

It is quite difficult to diagnose the part malfunctions at an early stage. For this you will need the specialized equipment, which is available at service stations. To find a malfunction on your own, take the following steps:

1. Accelerate the vehicle to 50 km/h and steer from side to side. You will hear distinctive humming sound if the front wheel hubs are damaged. Increase of noise when cornering right indicates breakage of the left bearing. If the hum increases when the car is turning left, then the right bearing needs to be replaced.

1. To check the rear wheel hubs for malfunctions, lift the vehicle using a jack, after that spin the wheels with hand one by one. Vibration and free play will point at the components breakage.

1. Touch the discs after the car stopped. If they are warm, then the wheel hubs are possibly out of order.

You can find that the wheel hub needs to be diagnosed by the following signs:

• vehicle speed performance worsened;
• the disc is overheating;
• suspension produces knocks and noises during driving;
• loud humming is heard at turns.

Causes of wheel hub defects

The most vulnerable element of this unit is the hub bearing. Often the cause of its destruction is tearing of the seal, which serves not only for protection of the component inner elements from ingress of moisture and dirt, but also holds greasing material inside the body. That is why at its damaging, abrasive wear of the working surfaces of the bearing is increasing. Usage of low-quality or inappropriate greasing materials leads to similar consequences.

Premature destruction of the hub bearing may also be caused by improper assembling, for example, with excessive or insufficient tightening or unadjusted clearance.

Aggressive driving style is another factor that causes destructive effect to the part: driving through potholes and cornering at high speed, moving through deep puddles and dirt, sharp starts and brakings cause deformation of the hub body and may lead to rupture of the outer or inner bearing cage. It is not recommended to use the vehicle in conditions of heavy loads in order to prolong component lifetime.

The hub itself breaks down much less often. The cause of its defects, such as fretting of the mounting seat of the bearing or the fastening holes for wheel bolts is usually caused by non-observance of the vehicle operation rules or by usage of the components which are not comply with the car technical requirements.

Repair and replacement of a wheel hub

For the vehicles which were produced before 2000, the working life cycle of the wheel hub is up to 400000 operational kilometers, for more modern models – at least 100000 km. If there is a severe wear of the wheel hub elements, the part must be completely replaced. For this you will need a jack, a set of wrenches and screwdrivers. If new wheel hub bearings need to be installed, than for dismantling the old ones you will need a chisel and a hammer. If the part is mounted too tightly, it can be dismantled with the help of the slide hammer puller. It is better to perform the wheel hub replacement with the assistant.