Wheel Hub Kits - Wheel Hub Bearing - Free Wheeling Hub

When it comes to taking tight turns or simply changing lanes on a highway, we expect our vehicles to respond to our steering and move as we want. As drivers, we rarely think about the complex components responsible for these seemingly basic processes.

Believe it or not, it is some of the smallest parts that can make the most significant difference when it comes to our vehicle’s ability to respond to our steering signals. Key components such as the wheel hub assembly and wheel bearing are critical components of a steering system that are often overlooked. Well, that is until something goes wrong. For instance, if a wheel hub bearing is faulty, it results in more friction being placed on the wheel, which can cause it to wobble and make driving incredibly dangerous.

To make things a little easier to understand, we’ll answer some of the questions Machter’s expert team deals with daily about these critical car parts.

What Is a Wheel Bearing?

Let’s begin with the basics. A wheel bearing is the critical part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel to the axle. Essentially, it is a set of ball bearings and tapers that are held together by a ring. The wheel bearing enables the wheel to move smoothly and minimises friction.

What Is a Wheel Hub Assembly?

The wheel hub assembly is located between the brake discs and the axle, and has the vehicle’s wheel bolted onto it.

Is a Hub Bearing the Same as a Wheel Bearing?

No — a hub bearing and a wheel bearing differ in how they’re assembled. Wheel bearings can be taken apart, lubricated and reassembled. In contrast, hub bearings are pre-packaged and need to be installed as a complete unit. While wheel bearings can be reused, hub bearings need to be replaced entirely.

You can find a range of wheel hub nut , hub caps , hub nut socket and bearings at Machter, along with other parts for popular vehicles. For instance, you can check out our range of Toyota Hilux free wheeling hubs.

Can You Drive a Car With a Bad Wheel Bearing?

While it is possible to drive a car with a bad wheel bearing, you shouldn’t as you’ll be compromising your safety, that of your passengers and other road users. If the wheel bearing is worn out, your wheel could simply stop while you are driving. Moreover, this could put extra stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.

Ideally, you should not drive any distance with a worn-out wheel bearing; you should instead try to pull over and address the problem as soon as you notice an issue. In the worst-case scenarios, you can end up having a tyre fall off, which could be fatal.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Wheel Bearing?

A wheel hub assembly can cost anything from $70 to $220. It really depends on the brand, condition and vehicle application. Visit the Machter website to check out our range of wheel bearing assembly kits. We stock parts for popular vehicles such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Hiace and Mitsubishi Triton.

In short, wheel bearings are vital elements of your vehicle’s infrastructure and should always be kept in good condition. If you suspect an issue with the wheel hub assembly, it is in your best interests to have a mechanic assess the situation. If you are pretty handy yourself, then head to Machter, where we have all the parts necessary to have you back on the road in no time.

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