Wheels may look like they operate simply, but they are not called mankind’s best invention in vain. Whilst old wooden wheels weren’t as complicated as today’s car wheels, they provided the rotational force needed at the time, but nowadays, with plenty of new tech at our disposal, there’s no way a wheel can stay that simple.

The number of main wheel components goes up to a total of 6. First, you have the centre bore which is basically the opening of the wheel which allows it to fit on the axle. The centre disc is where the bolt holes are placed and what gets into contact with the axle seat. The lug holes are what makes the bolt circle. The spokes are what connects the centre disc to the ring of the wheel. The outer lip is the area of the wheel in front of the spokes. The barrel is the outermost part of the wheel and it is where the tire is mounted and lastly you have the Wheel Hubs.

What Is a Hub on a Wheel?

This component is located between the drive axle and the brake drums/ disc (brake). The car Wheel Hub for TOYOTA HIACE 43550-26010 is a crucial part that contributes to safe steering and it is the link that attaches the wheel to the car. The hub contains the wheel speed sensor which controls the ABS braking system and the assembly is also important for your vehicle’s (TCS) traction control system.

Does a Hub Assembly Come with Wheel Bearing?

Alongside the electronic safety features, a hub assembly also comes with wheel bearings as it also helps the wheel turn freely.

How Often Should Wheel Bearings Be Replaced?

Whilst OEM bearings can last longer than replacements, they also need to be replaced every 120,000km to 240,000km.

How to Tell If Your Wheel Bearing Is Going Bad?

There are different symptoms that tell you when your Wheel Bearings have gone bad.
The most common indicator is the roaring sound when metal is grinding on metal, which usually occurs due to lack of lubrication which means the bearing is worn out.

Another indication of damage is when the steering wheel is vibrating at a low speed and it gradually intensifies, the more you push on the gas pedal. Again, this is also the case of a worn out wheel bearing which can lead to the steering wheel feeling loose when turning or when driving downhill.

If you hear a clicking sound coming form the wheels which becomes repetitive when you accelerate, there could be a problem with the car Wheel Hub for TESLA 1044122-00-E too. This is the result of the brake caliper hitting the top of the wheels as it moves up and down which can indicate that the wheel hub assembly has been broken.

Knocking or clunking sounds are the result of excessive play in the CV and U-joints or excessive backlash in the differential gears. Whilst this is not usually related to the bearings, it can be felt when changing directions – going from forward to reverse or from accelerating to coasting.

A worn or damaged outer CV-joint can be the reason why you are hearing snapping, popping and clicking noises. This can also be associated to excessive bearing end play which can also produce inadequate clamping. You will usually hear these noises when making sharp turns or when cornering.

Wheel bearings are low maintenance parts, but that doesn’t mean they last forever. So, what does a wheel bearing actually do? How long does it last? And how can you help extend its lifespan?

What is a wheel bearing? And what does it do in a car?

A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings), held together by a metal ring. It enables the wheel to rotate smoothly with a minimum of friction. Wheel Bearings are safety critical components designed to sustain radial and axial loads caused by gravitation, acceleration, breaking & cornering forces, so they need to be replaced when they stop working properly.

How long does a wheel bearing last?

Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.

Why do wheel bearings fail?

The main reasons that a wheel bearing fails are:

Faulty installation – inappropriate tools such as a hammer or an impact wrench can cause damage to the exterior and or interior of the wheel end bearing causing the Wheel Bearing to fail prematurely. Also, re-using the old accessories such as bolts, nuts, circlips, split pins, seals,… instead of replacing them with new ones can cause the wheel end bearing to operate under abnormal or unsafe conditions, increasing wheel end bearing wear and risk of a car accident.

Impact damage or poor road quality – all impacts from driving through a pothole, driving over speed bumps or hitting the curbstone can damage a wheel bearing and reduce its lifespan.

Poor quality wheel bearing – a wheel bearing is continuously under enormous pressure. Wheel bearings constructed of low-quality materials can have poor heat-treatment, resulting in premature wear and failure.