The wheel hub is an essential part for the proper functioning of a vehicle.
Although it is sturdy, this component can present problems due to poor installation or lack of maintenance. That’s why it’s important to know what to do to prevent wear and tear.
Find out in this article about the particularities of this component, as well as the problems it can suffer, the care you should take and the tools you need to remove the wheel hub.
What is a Car Wheel Hubs?
The wheel hub is a crucial component of a vehicle’s steering system.
Each wheel is bolted to the wheel hub which supports all wheel movements in conjunction with the suspension.
What is the Wheel Hub for?
Their main function is to transmit the force of the engine to the drive wheels and to support the wheels, allowing them to turn while bearing the weight of the car.
The wheels are fitted to the wheel hub using nuts or bolts which must be tightened using torque wrenches.
Is There a Difference Between Front and Rear Wheel Hubs?
Front and rear wheel hubs differ according to their specific responsibilities and the components they integrate.
The front wheel hub, especially in front-wheel drive vehicles, is more complex, as it needs to transmit the force from the engine to the wheels. This includes the connection with drive shafts and CV joints, which allows the wheels to rotate and the vertical movement due to the suspension.
On the other hand, the rear wheel hub in rear-wheel drive vehicles is simpler, as it focuses mainly on supporting the wheel and allowing it to rotate freely.
Depending on the type of brake used (disc or drum), the wheel hubs are designed to integrate these components. In four-wheel drive vehicles, the rear hubs can also transmit torque, similar to the front hubs.
Why is it Important to Keep Wheel Hubs in Good Condition?
Keeping wheel hubs in good condition is essential for the safety, performance and longevity of the vehicle.
As well as guaranteeing the structural integrity of the wheel and suspension system, wheel hubs ensure the good performance of the braking system.
On the other hand, they ensure a smooth ride, avoiding noise and vibrations. In addition, they also help prevent uneven tire wear, increasing their lifespan.
By keeping the wheel hubs in good condition, you prevent secondary damage to other components in the suspension and steering system, avoiding more expensive repairs in the future.
What are the Most Common Wheel Hubs Problems?
The main problems with wheel hubs are:
- Deformation of the housing;
- Appearance of cracks;
- Dents appearing;
- Wear on the hub bearing.
What are the Symptoms of Wheel Hub Problems?
When there is a problem with this component, the main symptoms are:
- Noises coming from the wheels with a sound that grows as they turn;
- Car shaking, giving the sensation that the steering wheel is loose;
- Tire/wheel rocking when the vehicle is suspended on an auto lift or hydraulic jack;
- Noises coming from the tire/wheel area.
How to Detect Wheel Hub Problems?
If you suspect that the problems are due to the wheel hub, do the following:
- In a traffic-free zone, accelerate to 50 km/h and turn the steering wheel from side to side. If the front wheel hubs are damaged, you will hear a metallic noise;
- To check the rear axle wheel hubs, lift the vehicle with the help of a jack and turn the wheels by hand. Vibration and free play will indicate that the components are broken.
Is it Possible to Repair a Car’s Wheel Hub?
In some cases, it is possible to repair a car’s wheel hub, but the extent of the repair depends on the nature and severity of the problem.
For example, if the problem is limited to the hub bearing due to wear or noise, it is often possible to replace just the bearing.
In the case of some kind of structural damage, the hub must be replaced in its entirety to reduce the risk of having an accident.
What Care Should Be Taken With the Wheel Hub?
To extend the service life of this component, you need to take the following precautions:
- Apply the torque recommended by the manufacturer;
- Do not tighten the nuts too tightly;
- Use spare parts recommended by the car manufacturer;
- Check all tightenings after assembly or maintenance.
When to Replace the Wheel Hub?
Every 10,000 kilometers, you should carry out preventive maintenance to check the condition of the wheel hub.
If there is any damage, you should replace the part to avoid irreparable damage or more serious situations with other components.
How to Remove the Wheel Hub?
The process of removing this component can only be done if you have the necessary tools with you, such as a wheel hub puller and a hydraulic jack. In general, the process involves the following steps:
- Stop the vehicle to remove the wheel;
- Remove the braking system (calipers or drums) and the wheel hub cover;
- Loosen the hub using the appropriate tools to undo the nuts holding the component to the axle;
- Check for damage to the axle and the area around the hub;
- Clean the area before reassembling all the components..
Although it sounds simple, it’s best to go to a workshop authorized by your vehicle’s manufacturer or your trusted mechanic to ensure the process is done correctly.
What Tools are Available in the KROFtools Catalog to Remove the Wheel Hub?
If you’re looking to improve the quality of the service you provide in your workshop, then it’s time to invest in tools that simplify repair tasks.
In the KROFtools catalog, you’ll find the following tools for removing wheel hubs:
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Hyd. Heavy Duty Slide Hammer Master Hub Puller Set
This is a complete hub extraction kit, as it has 3 types of extractors/hammers with an extraction capacity of 10 tons.
Click on the image to find out more about the Hyd. Heavy Duty Slide Hammer Master Hub Puller Set (ref. 6355)
-
Universal Wheel Hub Puller Set
The Universal Wheel Hub Puller allows you to remove hubs from car wheels with 3, 4, 5 or 6 legs up to 250mm in radius.
Click on the image to find out more about the Universal Wheel Hub Puller Set (ref. 9088).
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