Diagnosing Wheel Bearings, Locking Hubs
Automatic hubs are used on many 4×4 trucks to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. The main advantage of being able to disengage the front wheels on the go is that the driver doesn’t have to stop, get out of the vehicle and twist a dial on the hub to disengage or engage the front wheels.
Wheel Bearing Technology: Don’t Become Complacent
Wheel bearings are changing because the vehicles they are attached to and the brake rotors located on the other side are evolving. This has changed the designs and specifications for most bearings.
VIDEO: Comparing The Condition Of Opposing Wheel Bearings
Andrew Markel discusses diagnosing wheel bearings, and how the condition of one bearing may give a hint of the condition of the bearing on the opposite side. Sponsored by FAG, a Schaeffler brand.
Inside the Wheel Bearing: How What Happens at the Factory Changes What Happens In The Bays
As technicians, we only pay attention to wheel bearings at their best and worst. Little attention is paid to what happens before installation on a vehicle. In this 30-minute webinar, we will explore what happens at the factory and how it impacts your installation procedures. Information from this webinar can be applied to your next
VIDEO: Heat Treated Wheel Bearing Parts
Andrew Markel discusses wheel bearing production and how heat treating makes its surfaces stronger. Sponsored by FAG, a Schaeffler brand.
Live Axle Wheel Bearing Replacement
Replacing wheel bearings on a vehicle with a live rear axle may not be one of the most regular jobs you do, but it can be one of the most profitable. While the basics have not changed in more than 60 years, new seal materials and differential designs have added new wrinkles.
Torque Wrenches And Wheel Bearings
The torque specifications for a wheel bearing are much more exact now than in the past. This not only goes for the axle nut, but the fasteners that hold the hub unit to the suspension and lug nuts. So, what has changed? Simply put, everything has become bigger while at the same time it is getting lighter.
Wheel Bearing Failure Analysis
This 2014 Fiat Abarth was brought in with the customer being concerned about a noise coming from the left rear. He was convinced that it was a tire. The noise was cyclical and it increased with speed. During inspection, the bearing had no detectable play, the tires were evenly worn, and no ABS wheel speed sensor codes were present. On the lift, the left bearing was significantly noisier than the right bearing when turned by hand. But, no extra play could be detected.
VIDEO: Spalling Effects On Wheel Bearings
Andrew Markel discusses spalling, and how this tiny imperfection can cause noise and damage on a wheel bearing down the line. Sponsored by BCA Bearings.
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. The average wheel bearing job may require a scan tool, scope or meter to verify the operation of the sensor.
