How to remove wheel hub?

The wheel hub is part of your vehicle's steering system. If the hub is defective, your safety is at risk because the wheel is likely to come off the axle. In fact, the job of the wheel hub is to hold the wheel in place without interfering with its rotation.

What is a hub and how does it work?

The wheel hub is the central part of any wheel that connects it to the steering axle. It's an essential safety component when driving a vehicle, and its condition must be impeccable. Located in the center of the wheel, it maintains the connection between the wheel and the rim at all times, while ensuring the transmission of rotational movement. Due to its position close to the road and its roughness, the wheel hub is subject to considerable stress. The wheel hub is also the mounting point for other bearing and braking system components, such as brake rotors, drums, and rims.

How do I know if a bearing is bad on my car?

The wheel hub of a car is an extremely durable part. It is unlikely to fail, but it can wear out over time. In general, if you have a newer car, you won't need to worry about the wheel hub until after the first 150,000 miles. In fact, the hub of an older car may show no signs of wear before 400,000 kilometers! This is the case, for example, with the wheel hub of the Golf 4 sold between 1997 and 2004.

However, the wheel hub can still be exposed to impacts. It's not uncommon for the part to be damaged in an accident. It's often in such cases that the question of changing the wheel hub comes up, as wheel misalignment can lead to loss of control and consequently many dangerous situations for the driver!

Decide to change your vehicle's bearings when you encounter the following four signs

• Tire wear is abnormal:many vehicle defects can cause this problem. Under or overinflated tires, struts, constant velocity joints, shock absorbers, etc. are all possible causes. Suspension misalignment is another cause. However, the main cause of uneven wheel wear is bearings. If you change a wheel bearing on the right side, you should also change the one on the left side.

• Wheels whirring or squealing:Excessive heat in the wheel bearing is the cause. Lack of lubricant in the tires also contributes to this problem.
• Steering wheel vibration:Even at low speeds, you can hear the steering wheel vibrating due to a bearing problem.
• Wheel play:For a quick test, jack up your vehicle. Then rock the wheel from side to side. It should not wobble if the wheel bearing is intact.

If you have the slightest doubt about the integrity of your wheel hubs, don't hesitate to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Hubs in poor condition pose a very high risk of road accidents, putting you and your passengers at risk. In the event of an accident, you risk irreparable damage to your car.

In general, hubs do not need to be replaced regularly - at most every 400,000 km on modern cars or 100,000 km on older models. So you have plenty of time to plan ahead and don't have to worry about failure - these parts are built to last. However, road conditions or a very sporty driving style can put a strain on components and wear them out prematurely. Never underestimate the importance of keeping your wheel hubs in perfect working order.

How do I remove and replace a hub?

Here's how:

• Before replacing a bad hub, place your vehicle on a flat surface. Use shims to block the tires.
• Then loosen the lug nuts before lifting the car with a jack.
• Once the wheel is off, remove and disassemble the brake caliper.
• Remove the cap, pin and castellated nut to expose the hub.
• Use a hammer and wrench to remove the hub.
• Continue by removing the bearing rings and cleaning the stub axle.
• Install replacement parts and reassemble.

Wheel Hub Summary

Wheel hubs are an essential part of your vehicle's operation and passenger safety. Although they are a robust part designed to take a beating, certain road conditions or unexpected events can stress and damage them. So keep a close eye on the integrity of your wheel hubs and never hesitate to have them checked by a professional. If you notice any damage to your wheel hubs, for everyone's safety you should have them replaced or, if you know how to do it, replace them yourself.