Wheel Bearings and Hubs 101: What You Need to Know

The Role of Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings play a critical role in your vehicle, enabling the wheels to rotate smoothly with minimal friction. They ensure proper wheel tracking and can even provide essential wheel speed signals to your vehicle’s drive systems. Over the years, three generations of wheel bearings have been developed, each offering improvements in performance, durability, and serviceability. Our on-demand webinar dives into all three generations, offering expert guidance on installation and maintenance.

How Wheel Bearings Work

A wheel bearing consists of two main components: an inner race attached to the wheel and an outer race fixed to the suspension. Between these races are rolling elements that carry the vehicle’s load and allow the wheel to rotate with minimal friction.

There are two primary types of rolling elements used in automotive wheel bearings:

Ball Bearings – These bearings have a small point of contact, reducing rolling resistance and making them ideal for high-speed applications where load capacity is moderate.

Roller Bearings – Designed for higher load capacities, roller bearings have a larger contact area. They come in various shapes—including cylindrical, spherical, tapered, and needle designs—to handle different vehicle and load requirements effectively.

The 3 Generations of Hub Bearings Explained

Wheel bearings have evolved over time, with additional functions and improved designs integrated into modern hub assemblies. Understanding these generations helps ensure proper service, installation, and vehicle performance.

Generation 1: Driven or Non-Driven Wheels

• ·  Still used on some imported vehicles

• ·  Feature a compact double-row design that cannot be disassembled

• ·  Require a spindle or axle through-pin to set preload and secure the assembly

• ·  Pre-lubricated and maintenance-free

• ·  May include an ABS encoder ring as part of the seal

Installation Tips:

1. Exercise caution when pressing components into place to avoid damaging the bearing or surrounding parts.

2. Check that the ABS encoder ring is undamaged and correctly oriented before pressing the assembly into the knuckle.

3. Ensure the bearing is fully seated and any required snap rings are properly in place.

4. Always tighten axle or spindle nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications, as this sets the bearing preload correctly.

Generation 2: Non-Driven Wheels (Some Driven Applications)

• ·  Typically used on non-driven wheels, though some driven applications exist

• ·  Feature compact double-row ball bearings that cannot be disassembled

• ·  Include an additional hub or mounting flange with a rotating inner or outer ring

• ·  Pre-lubricated and maintenance-free

• ·  May incorporate an ABS encoder ring

Installation Tips:

1. Installation is similar to Generation 1, but the mounting flange comes pre-fitted.

2. Special tools may be required for removal and installation.

3. Ensure the bearing is fully seated and the flange is properly aligned before final torqueing.

Generation 3: Driven or Non-Driven Wheels

• ·  Most commonly used on modern vehicles

• ·  Delivered as a complete unit with two flanges for securing to the knuckle and brake rotor/wheel

• ·  Feature compact double-row ball bearings or tapered rollers that cannot be disassembled

• ·  Premium versions may use roll-forming to set initial bearing preload

• ·  Pre-lubricated and maintenance-free

• ·  May include an ABS encoder ring

Installation Tips:

1. Thoroughly clean the knuckle surface and bore to ensure proper seating of the hub assembly.

2. If an axle passes through the hub, torque the axle nut to the manufacturer’s specification to set the correct preload.

3. Never omit the brake dust shield between the hub and knuckle; it is essential for proper geometry and bearing function.

4. For 4x4 front hubs with vacuum hub locking systems, pay close attention to seals to prevent contamination or malfunction.

Key Takeaways for All Generations

Understanding the type of wheel bearing you are working with is critical. Always follow the correct installation procedures, use appropriate tools, and torque fasteners to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper preload and long-term performance. Proper installation preserves vehicle safety, wheel alignment, and ride quality.

What to Look for in a Premium Gen 3 Hub Bearing

For maximum service life and optimal performance, high-quality Gen 3 hub bearings are engineered with several advanced features:

• ·  Stiff Roll-Formed Assembly – Ensures consistent preload and structural integrity for long-term reliability.

• ·  Precision Rolling Elements and Raceways – Provide smooth rotation, reduced friction, and even load distribution.

• ·  Pre-Loaded with Nanoceramic Grease – Minimizes wear, reduces heat, and extends bearing life.

• ·  Advanced Sealing and Coating Technology – Protects against dust, moisture, and corrosion to prevent premature failure.

• ·  Complete Installation Convenience – Supplied with all necessary hardware and clearly defined torque specifications for a fast, accurate, and secure fit.

Choosing a premium hub bearing ensures smoother operation, better wheel alignment, and a longer-lasting, maintenance-free performance, making it a smart investment for any vehicle.