A car’s wheel is one of the crucial parts of a vehicle that helps in safe transportation and smooth drive. However, several wheel components make it operational and aid in properly turning wheels. One of them includes wheel hub assembly, without them, your wheel won’t move. Read on to find more about wheel hub assembly, its location and purpose.
What is a Wheel Hub Assembly?
A wheel hub assembly is also referred to as wheel hub bearing, hub assembly and wheel hub unit. The hub assemblies attached to the wheel of a car helps in moving a vehicle smoothly. They also impact the performance of the anti-lock braking system and fuel economy. Hence, to ensure that the performance of a car is great, all these car wheel parts should function together with ease.
Where Wheel Hub Assembly is Located?
A car hub assembly is placed between the drive axle and the brake drums or discs. The hub assembly is attached with the bolts on the brake disc side; whereas, it is mounted to the steering knuckle from the drive axle’s side. You can also find a wheel hub unit as a bold on or pressed in assembly.
You can locate the hub assembly by removing the car’s wheel, the brake calliper and the brake rotor.
What is the Function of Wheel Hub Assembly?
The hub assembly is responsible for rolling the vehicle’s wheels, that is, it makes the CV joint transmit the proper torque to the wheels and set it in motion. However, this component can be coupled with nuts and bolts to the brake drum, forming a single robust and compact piece.
The wheel hub assembly is also an essential part of your anti-lock and traction control system. The hub assemblies also contain the speed sensor that helps in controlling the ABS.
This is a fundamental component for traffic safety. Although it is a component with long service life, several problems can damage the wheel hub, such as knocks, falls into holes or unevenness in the road and water infiltration by traffic in flooded regions.
Symptoms of Bad Wheel Hub Assembly
Several symptoms of wheel hub failure can alert you to a problem with your wheel:
- Poor braking: You need to push hard on the pedal to apply the brakes.
- Lack of Steering Response: Your steering is loose or shakes while driving.
- Suspicious hub noise: You hear a grinding, whirring and squealing noise coming from your wheel hubs.
- ABS warning light: You will see an ABS warning light on the dashboard
If you are experiencing any of these issues, your car hubs may need to be changed soon. It is important to note here that the average lifespan of a hub is 400,000 km for old cars and 100,000 km.
Wheel Hub Care
Since it is a resistant and long-life part, it is often ignored while making a car maintenance schedule. However, it is essential to pay attention in some driving situations that can cause damage to the wheel hub units:
- Severe bumps at high speeds
- Passing holes or uneven slopes
- Wheel crashes into the curb
- Contamination of water
Can I Drive with a Damaged Wheel Hub Assembly?
Driving with a faulty wheel hub assembly can be dangerous. This can ultimately lead to the failure of traction and the ABS. Also, your vehicle can become shaky and your car might become unstable because of the loose wheels. In addition, a bad wheel hub assembly also put a lot of pressure on the CV joint, hub and the car’s transmission. In some situations, it also causes the wheel to come off.
Hence, if you suspect that your car’s wheel hub assembly is failing, take it to the nearest mechanic for service. In case you are planning to buy wheel hub assemblies and other wheel parts in the UAE, then check dubizzle.
With this, we conclude our guide on all about wheel hub assemblies. If your car parts are getting worn out and need costly repairs then consider buying a used car in the UAE at market competitive rates.
If you find this guide informative, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more.
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