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