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Cloquet Automotive - Transmission Specialists

What is a Wheel Hub Bearing and Why is It Critical to Your Safety?

2/5/2015

2 Comments

 

What is a wheel hub bearing and why is it so important?

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Though you may never even see it, a wheel hub bearing unit is an important part of your car's wheel assembly, enabling you wheels to turn freely and playing a crucial role in the safety and handling characteristics of your vehicle. Comprised of precision-manufactured bearings, seals and sensors in one preassembled unit, a wheel hub bearing unit is critical to your car's performance, form the smoothness of the ride, to fuel efficiency, to the integrity of your anti-lock braking system (ABS). So when it's time to replace one, you'll want a replacement hub bearing that's as good -- and safe -- as the original that came with your car when it was new.

How do my car's hub bearings affect braking safety?

Your car's hub bearings include the wheel speed sensor that controls your anti-lock braking system (ABS). This sensor sends a constant signal to the ABS control system telling it how fast each wheel is turning. In an emergency situation, the ABS control system will determine if anti-lock braking is required. If the ABS sensor doesn't work properly or fails, the ABS system fails, so the quality of this sensor (how it is made and protected from damage) is critical to braking safety.

Why are hub bearings critical to my traction control system?

Your car's traction control system (TCS) uses a combination of electronic drivetrain controls in conjunction with the ABS system. Since it uses the same wheel speed sensors and components as the ABS system, it can be considered a subsystem and extension of that system. Together, ABS and TCS work to provide the driver with full control over the vehicle under potentially dangerous road conditions. 

Why are "value grade" hubs a risky choice?

Many manufacturers sell replacement hub bearings that are very low priced. Initially, you may think that is a great deal or value. Unfortunately, with that low price, you get a low quality hub bearing that is inferior to a premium, Original Equipment quality hub bearing. We call these hubs "value grade, " and experience has proven that these low performing "value grade" hubs are no real value in the long run. In fact, in many cases:
  • Value grade hubs last less than half as long as premium hubs.
  • Their cheaply made seals can allow moisture and contaminants to enter and destroy the bearing prematurely -- requiring you to pay for a new hub in as little as 10,000 miles. 
  • They can produce annoying wheel vibration and noise
  • They can cause your anti-lock braking system to malfunction, leading to safety concerns for your vehicle.
  • They can even result in your wheel hub coming off while you are driving -- potentially causing a fatal accident.

Could my wheel really come off?

YES! Value grade hub bearings are often made using low quality steel and/or improper manufacturing techniques. These hubs can degrade quickly and cause excessive vibration and noise. In some cases, the steel can fracture and cause a wheel to break off at high speeds.
2 Comments
Juan Alvarado link
7/18/2018 06:03:19 am

Wheel hub bearing is an essential ingredient of the speed machine. It is considered as a crucial parameter when it comes to the performance and serviceability. This wheel bearing allows the tire, wheel, and hub to work together. Basically, it delivers friction-free movement which is essential for the smooth rotation of the tire and the hub. If you spot any unwanted noise coming from the wheel, that means the wheel bearing is out of order and needs immediate servicing. You just need to call a deft car technician because he is the one who can resolve the issue and give you an opportunity for having your intermediary on the thoroughfare in no time.

Reply
Annie Robinson
4/22/2019 04:55:34 am

Safety comes first in everything including driving a vehicle. So, suitable initiatives should be taken to prevent any major fatal accidents. The brakes play an important role in the performance of the vehicle. Hence, the condition of the braking system needs to be inspected regularly and damaged components of the braking system need to be repaired or replaced in time to keep the vehicle in working order. Different types of lubricants used in the vehicle including the brake fluids should be inspected. To know more about the maintenance of the braking system, visit
https://www.bavarian-auto.com/german-auto-brake-repair/

Reply



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