VIDEO: Finding The Right Hub Unit Using The VIN
Andrew Markel shows how using vehicle information, such as the VIN and trim level, can help you zero in on the right hub unit.
Wheel Bearings And Locking Hubs
Automatic hubs are used on many 4×4 trucks to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. Disconnecting the front wheels reduces friction and may improve fuel economy as much as one mile per gallon depending on the vehicle. A one mpg difference may not sound like much, but every little bit helps.
VIDEO: Clicking Noise After Wheel Hub Replacement
If a customer complains of a clicking noise after a hub unit has been replaced, two OEMs have each prepared their own solution to the problem, and they happen to be nearly identical.
Impact Damage On Wheel Hubs
When a driver hits a pothole or curb hard enough, extreme forces are put onto the balls or rollers and races of the bearing. This can result in the formation of a very small mark on the surfaces. The driver might go 1,000 miles or more before these components start making noise.
Subaru Tech Tip: Error Codes Following Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement
On the affected vehicles, improper installation of a new hub assembly may cause an ABS, cruise control and/or VDC fault code to occur.
VIDEO: Should Axle Nuts Be Reused On A New Hub Or Axle?
Should the axle nut be replaced when a new wheel bearing or CV joint is replaced? Andrew Markel discusses when to replace the axle nut as well as the proper torque procedure when using an axle nut socket.
Wheel Hub Damage Analysis
To diagnose the cause of bearing damage, look closely at damaged hubs and compare customers’ hubs with the photos in this article.
Worn Wheel Hub Bearing Symptoms
Driving conditions and installation practices can damage a worn hub. These symptoms often indicate wheel bearing damage.
Mercedes-Benz: Axle Hub Vibration And Judder From Corrosion
It is imperative that when installing brake discs (front or rear) that any excessive corrosion/scaling which may have developed on the axle hub be removed.
The Case For On-Car Wheel Balancing And Wheel-To-Hub Indexing
On-car balancing solves many issues that off-car balancing cannot address because the wheel assembly is not perfectly centered on the vehicle due to small clearances that can make a big difference in radial force ride quality.
