Wheel Bearing Torque Dos and Don’ts
While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. OEM and bearing manufacturers always recommend using a torque wrench for installation. During removal, an impact wrench can damage the axle nut threads and shock the CV joints. It can also create a false sense of security when adjusting a nut or bolt, which may be under or over torqued.
Tech Tip: Generation 1 Wheel Bearings With Integrated ABS Tone Ring
The front wheel bearings listed in this Tech Tip all share a unique design feature. They are all double-row angular contact with a split inner ring. The distinctive feature on these bearings is that one of the two seals on the bearing has a built-in magnetic impulse wheel. Caution should be taken to make sure that the seal with the ABS impulse ring is installed in the correct direction.
TECH TIP: WHEEL BEARING HUB AXLE NUT TORQUING
Putting the proper torque on the center nut sets the preload for the bearing and keeps the bearing from separating while in operation. The torque specification for this center nut is critical to the performance and longevity of the hub.
Servicing Wheel Bearings And Wheel Speed Sensors
If you are replacing a wheel bearing on a late-model vehicle, you will be dealing with a wheel speed sensor. In the past decade, wheel speed sensors have been moving from differentials, axles and knuckles to inside or on the wheel bearing or hub unit. At this location, the sensors are more accurate and often more protected from the elements.
Identifying The Toughest Wheel Bearing Jobs
Some wheel bearing jobs are easy. These are typically unitized hub units. All that is required is removing the caliper, rotor, axle nut and the four bolts holding on the unit. Some wheel bearing jobs can take as many as three hours and require removal of the knuckle from the vehicle. Collected in this article are some of the most difficult vehicles as reported by technicians, labor guides and bearing manufacturers.
When Should The Wheel Bearing Flange Be Replaced?
The hub flange is ground zero for pulsation problems. Any runout in the flange will be magnified by the rotor. But, when do you replace a flange, stub axle or an entire hub unit? The answer can be confusing and will take some math and a micrometer.
Wheel Bearings: Pressing Bearings In Less Time With Fewer Comebacks
Servicing these bearings requires a little bit more finesse and tools when compared to hub units or tapered roller bearings. With the right tools and information, these jobs can be moneymakers.
Five Wheel Bearing R&Rs That Have a Bad Reputation
Some wheel bearing jobs can take as many as three hours and require removal of the knuckle from the vehicle. Collected in this article are some of the most difficult vehicles as reported by technicians, labor guides and bearing manufacturers.
Live-Axle Wheel Bearings
In 1963, almost every car manufactured in the U.S. had a solid rear axle. There were exceptions like the Corvette and Corvair. Today, many light- to medium-duty trucks still use live rear axles. While the design differentials have changed, the ends of the axles have not. The improvements in have been made in the materials
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings can be of either ball or tapered roller type. The ball bearings used for front wheel bearing applications are an angular type. An angular-type ball bearing will accept greater thrust loads than a Conrad-type bearing, which will accept a 100 percent load in the radial or thrust position and any combination of a 100 percent load. A tapered roller bearing will accept both a radial and a thrust load. All wheel bearings come in sets.