Wheel Bearing

Basic Description

Sealed wheel bearings usually have an inner and outer race where the balls or the rollers can ride out. A rubber seal is inserted between the two races to keep the grease inside the bearing. The sealed wheel bearing is usually located near the spindle of the vehicle and allows the wheel to turn with a low amount of friction. Hub wheel bearings come as a hub assembly and wheel bearing combination.

Technical Description

The wheel bearing allows the wheel to rotate freely and smoothly. Different styles of bearings are used, depending on the vehicle. Some bearings require service at routine maintenance intervals, whereas others are sealed and non-servicable. On some vehicles, sealed bearings are replacable, whereas others require a Hub Assembly - a combination of the wheel hub and bearing in one unit. Worn bearings may be noisy - with a whirring or growling noise that increases with speed. This noise can sometimes become louder or quieter when taking a corner, as the vehicles weight is pushed down or lifted from the noisy bearing. Extremely worn bearings will also allow free movement of the wheel when the vehicle is lifted.