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VIDEO: Freeing Seized Wheel Bearings: The Do’s And Don’ts

Andrew Markel describes some common mistakes in removing a seized wheel bearing, as well as the right tools and procedures to prevent damaging the unit. Sponsored by BCA Bearings.

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Wheel Bearings And Locking Hubs

Automatic hubs are used on many 4×4 trucks to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. Disconnecting the front wheels reduces friction and may improve fuel economy as much as one mile per gallon depending on the vehicle. A one mpg difference may not sound like much, but every little bit helps.

How Can Water Corrode the Integrity of Wheel Bearings?

If wheel bearing seals are functioning properly, water and other contaminants only have the power to damage the exterior of the bearings. However, if water is able to seep past seals, it can corrode the integrity of bearings by changing the viscosity of lubrication.

Q&A: Why Wheel Bearings Fail

The leading cause of a wheel bearing failure is its seal. The inside of a bearing can be a hot place. When a bearing is cooling off, the contracting metal, air and lubricant can create a vacuum that is usually held by the seals. If the seals are worn and can’t hold the vacuum, the bearing or sealed hub unit will suck in outside air, debris and water. In some parts of the country that use salt on the roads, it can almost be as corrosive as ocean water on the wheel bearings.

Servicing Wheel Bearings & Wheel Speed Sensors

If you are replacing a wheel bearing on a late-model vehicle, you’ll 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.

Is Replacing Wheel Bearings in Pairs Ethical?­

Replacing wheel bearings on both sides of a vehicle used to be standard procedure as it was economical insurance against a comeback. In those days, a set of bearings and races could be purchased under $5 a side, including the seal. A technician worth his salt could install and adjust a set of bearings in

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Wheel Bearings: Measurement and Torque

Wheel bearings are either of the ball or tapered roller variety. Front wheel bearing applications are an angular-type ball bearing, which will accept greater thrust loads than a Conrad-type bearing, and will accept a 100 percent load in the radial or thrust position and any combination of a 100 percent load. A tapered roller bearing

Wheel bearing service tips
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.

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.

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.