Wheel hub bearings are important for car safety, ride comfort and control accuracy. When you have a worn or damaged wheel hub bearing, this can result in unusual sound, irregular tire wear, vibration and even complete separation of the wheel in extreme cases. To all the technicians, distributors, and DIYer, learning how to properly replace a wheel hub-bearing has to be one of the basic skills.
DUHUI is a professional manufacturer of wheel bearings, which has been in production for more than 20 years and exporting since 15 years ago. We hope to help you with the replacement process in a safe, efficient and proper way.
1. Is Wheel Hub Bearing Difficult to Replace?
The replacement of the wheel hub bearings is not complicated, but it requires knowledge of mechanics, proper tools, and care in operation. The process has a definite sequence but the problems that are normally witnessed are in the form of rusted bolts or nuts, hard hubs, and poor installation of the previous one. They can render the task more difficult.
The wheel hub bearing may be replaced by technicians and DIYers as per the guidelines provided in the service manual of the car. Nonetheless, the installation should be done correctly because improper installations, improper force applications and improper lubrication will greatly shorten the life of the bearing. Installing a high-quality wheel hub bearing assembly made by DUHUI can minimize the installation risk and provide constant performance after the installation.
If you lack knowledge about suspension or braking systems or do not have professional tools, we highly recommend you to work with a professional mechanic. Correct fitting of WHB systems will not not only provide you with a long service life and driving safety.
2. Precautions for Replacing Wheel Hub Bearings
Before replacing wheel hub bearings, you have to know: Any error during removal or installation will damage them. The damage may not be apparent but will reduce its life. These suggestions are based on actual production and field experience.
2.1. Wheel Hub Bearings Removal Tips
During removal, you need to use the right bearing pullers that are compatible with the size and shape of the bearing. Do not hit bearings with a hammer since it may distort the races, damage the knuckle or unbalance the hub. Removal power application is done uniformly and systematically so that other parts are not damaged and removal is not difficult.
Disassemble slowly using uniform force. Do not put side load on rolling elements or bearing cages, because this may damage the parts that may need to be reused or inspected. Also ensure that the working area is clean and organized before beginning. Clean surroundings minimize the possibility of contamination and allow you to observe the pattern of wear or unusual damage correctly.
2.2. Wheel Hub Bearings Installation Tips
Installation is done properly after thorough cleaning. Old grease, metal shavings, and contamination should be cleaned off the hub, knuckle, and mating surfaces using clean kerosene or gasoline. Tiny particles can contribute to early failure of the bearings.
Prior to installation, make sure that the new bearing is identical to the old one in size, structure, and weight rating. At DUHUI Bearing, all the wheel hub bearing units are subjected to dimensional and performance tests to ensure that they conform to the OEM specifications, but installation should still be verified.
Make sure you use a special tool to do the pressing of the bearing. Make sure to apply the load in an even fashion on the right surface of the bearing. Once fitted, slight rolling of the bearing should be used to ensure that it is free rolling, smooth, silent and has no roughness. It should be greased properly with the recommended grease to reduce friction and heat.
In case of larger bearings or assemblies that are tightly fitted, an oil bath may be necessary to heat. The heating should be controlled at approximately 80°C to prevent variation of material properties. Once installed, note down the replacement details to be used in future maintenance and conduct a final check of the safety aspects.
3. How to Remove an Automotive Wheel Hub Bearing?
1). Securely park the car on a jack, loosen the bolts on the tire, and pull the tire off with force.
2). Remove the brake caliper and brake disc. The brake caliper should be supported on the control arm and should not be left hanging freely to avoid damage to the brake hose due to its weight.
3). Remove the cover plate and bearing nut, please refer to the car manufacturer specifications for a more detailed installation method of the nut.
4). As for the WHB with ABS sensor, please interrupt connection of ABS sensor first, and at same time interrupt ABS cables from fixed buttons. Please make a careful check for the location of the WHB before removing ABS, it’ll make it easier to find the right ABS connection position when installing a new WHB.
5). Loosen the bolts connecting the WHB to the steering knuckle. You will need pliers to pull the hub unit off the axle, then also pull the steering knuckle out of your car. Be careful not to damage the steering knuckle and axle, and also note how the splash guard is installed between the hub unit and the steering knuckle so that it can be reinstalled in the correct position when fitting the new hub unit.
6). Clean and inspect the steering knuckle.
4. How to Install an Automotive Wheel Hub Bearing?
1). Arrange the ABS sensor wiring harness, splash guard, and bearing splines in their original positions. Align and install the hub unit onto the steering knuckle, positioning it centrally on the drive axle shaft. Push the hub unit firmly onto the shaft, ensuring that the ABS wiring harness and connector are aligned in their original location. Note: Do not cause any damage to the splines during installation. Do not strike the hub unit with objects such as a hammer, as this may damage the hub unit.
2). Use a torque wrench to install the nuts, and use a wrench to tighten the nuts on the steering knuckle.
3). If the vehicle is equipped with an ABS sensor, reconnect the wiring harness to its correct position and secure it with clips to the frame area.
4). Use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use an impact wrench.
5). Install the brake disc and brake caliper in their original correct positions, ensuring that all parts are free of burrs and debris.
6). Install the wheel nuts and tighten them securely.
5. Why is Bearing Quality Important?
Installation will not be able to correct a poor bearing. The wheel hub assemblies at DUHUI are manufactured with superior materials and are tested and manufactured to last a long time. They are comparable to international standards in addition to being laboratory and road tested. This reduces the problems associated with installation and subsequent failures.
If you desire dependable wheel hub bearings that fit easily and function correctly, you need to select the proper manufacturer, just as you need to apply the proper replacement procedure.
6. FAQs about Wheel Hub Bearing Replacement
6.1 When should I replace my wheel hub bearing?
A wheel hub bearing needs to be checked and replaced when any of the following failure signs are observed:
- A whirring or grinding sound is produced during driving, and it accelerates as the speed increases.
- Unusual vibration occurs in the vehicle body.
- The tires are worn unevenly.
- The steering wheel also feels soft or unsettled when taking turns.
- In extreme cases, the ABS warning light may illuminate.
If you notice any of these symptoms, get the vehicle checked out and fixed quickly. This helps prevent more damage down the line
6.2 Can I replace the bad wheel hub bearing by myself?
The wheel bearing unit is pre-assembled. If you have basic mechanical experience and the right tools, you can replace the wheel bearing yourself. But it is necessary to follow the instructions very carefully and be patient.
The installation process should be exact. The errors done during the installation process may lead to the failure of the bearing at an early stage or to the problems associated with safety. If you have any doubts about the process, you should consult a professional.
6.3 How long does it take to replace a wheel hub bearing?
If you go to a repair shop, wheel hub bearing replacement typically takes 0.5~1 hours per wheel. If you choose DIY, the process may take longer depending on tool availability, rust conditions, and vehicle design.
6.4 Do I need special tools to replace a wheel hub bearing?
You need to prepare proper bearing pullers, press tools, torque wrenches, and sometimes heating equipment. Using incorrect tools can damage the bearing or hub assembly. High-quality pre-assembled wheel hub bearings are easy to install and require fewer tools.
6.5 Should wheel hub bearings be lubricated during installation?
Yes. Lubrication is important to keep down friction, heat, and wear. Always apply the manufacturer recommended grease of the bearing, or vehicle OEM. Insufficient or uneven lubrication will drastically reduce the service life of the bearing.
6.6 What happens if a wheel hub bearing is installed incorrectly?
Incorrect installation can lead to abnormal noise and vibration, excessive heat, uneven distribution of loads, and premature failure of the bearings. In extreme cases, it may lead to wheel looseness or loss of vehicle control. Following correct installation procedures is critical for safety.
6.7 Is it better to replace the bearing or the complete wheel hub assembly?
In many modern vehicles, replacing the complete wheel hub bearing assembly is more efficient and reliable. Pre-assembled units reduce installation error, save labor time, and ensure correct bearing preload. This is especially recommended for vehicles with integrated ABS sensors.
6.8 What is the life expectancy of a good wheel hub bearing?
A good quality wheel hub bearing should have a lifespan of 100,000-150,000 kilometers when driven under normal circumstances. The life span of bearings is also determined by the load state, the quality of the road, the accuracy of installation, and the quality of the bearings in manufacturing.
6.9 Does the bearing quality affect the installation and service life?
Yes. The performance and life of the bearings are directly affected by the precision production, high-quality materials, and heat treatment. The hub bearings that are professionally manufactured provide easier installation and less noise and longer service compared to the low-quality bearings.
DUHUI Bearing has over 20 years of manufacturing experience and 15 years of export expertise. Our wheel hub bearing units are engineered to meet international quality standards, ensuring stable performance, easy installation, and long-term reliability for global markets.
