Frequently Asked Questions
The wheel hub of a car is simply the central part that holds the wheel on its axis of rotation. The brake disc, brake drum and rim are all anchored to this mechanical part. This component is a direct part of the vehicle's steering system and therefore plays an essential role. Wheel hubs are very strong parts as they must be able to withstand loads without breaking. There are 4 hubs per car, one for each wheel.
Several symptoms can alert you to a problem with your wheel hubs:
1. Buzzing, grinding, or other abnormal noises while driveing.
2. Hard braking, the need to press hard on the brake pedal, the brakes don't respond as they should, their power is reduced when you press on the brake pedal.
3. Latency and lack of steering response: the steering doesn't work as you're used to, either because it takes longer to respond or because it 4. doesn't follow the direction you're steering.
5. Overheated front or rear brake rotors.
6. A series of shocks to the vehicle's suspension.
Step 1: Remove the wheel. Place your car on a bench or on candles, then remove the wheel.
Step 2: Remove the brake caliper. Use a large wrench to unscrew the screws holding the caliper in place, then remove the caliper.
Step 3: Remove the brake disc.
Step 4: Remove the wheel cap and wheel nut.
Step 5: Use a bearing extractor to remove the hub.
Step 6: Grease the retainer.
Step 7: Install the new hub. Repeat in reverse order.
It's a good idea to replace hubs in pairs, as they are likely to have similar wear.
The price of a wheel hub varies from $30 to $80 depending on the make and model of the car. However, since wheel hubs are replaced in pairs, these prices need to be multiplied by two. Then, of course, there's the cost of labor (which can range from $50 to $150, depending on the shop). All in all, the cost of replacing a wheel hub is between $100 and $300.
Yes, a wheel hub assembly includes bearings. The wheel hub assembly is a pre-assembled unit that includes precision bearings, seals, and sensors. The wheel bearings are the primary components of these hub assemblies that support the weight of the wheels and allow them to rotate freely. In essence, the wheel hub assembly contains bearings; it's a complex unit that plays a vital role in the safe and comfortable handling of your vehicle.
