What makes your car run smoothly on the road? Well, the hub bearings of your car are responsible for balancing the car’s weight and minimizing friction between the moving sections. 

Despite their importance, hub bearings are frequently subjected to carelessness. And this carelessness can lead to bigger troubles. Therefore, it is advised to manage regular maintenance.

Previously, we explored common hub bearing issues in vehicles, and this article will explain why it is critical to maintain your wheel bearings and how to do it to ensure they are always in good shape. Besides, always remember the hub-bearing maintenance tips for better and smoother running.

How Do You Determine if Hub Bearings Needs Maintenance?

When wheel bearings are not properly maintained, a number of issues might arise. Here's what mechanics should know about maintaining this critical vehicle component.

Know that roller wheel bearings must be greased.

While roller bearings can be sent in for routine maintenance and repacking, ball bearings do not have this luxury.

These bearings rarely need to be serviced because their sealant is designed to keep all impurities out. However, if a vehicle's tires or wheels make an unusual noise, this could indicate that the sealant has been broken or is leaking. You must take it as one of the major signs of worn-out hub bearings. 

This noise can be described as grinding, screeching, growling, or grating, and it is especially audible when a vehicle speeds. If you hear a noise from the ball bearings, it means they need to be replaced because the damage has already happened. 

Noise may indicate that the bearings are worn out. Water or other pollutants enter the seal and hinder the grease from doing its job, resulting in worn-out bearings.

Uneven tire wear indicates that your wheel bearings are worn out. If one tire wears faster than the others, the wheel bearings are most certainly worn. Drivers can also evaluate a wheel bearing problem if their steering feels less responsive or loose. When wheel bearings wear down, they might loosen within a vehicle's wheel bearing assembly.

What to Do to Ensure the Life Extension of Hub Bearings?

If you are unsure how to extend hub bearing lifespan, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

• Use the Correct Lubrication

Proper lubrication is required to maintain the smooth working of the bearing. Improper lubrication can cause early bearing failure. Hence, using the optimum lubricant when installing or changing bearings is critical.

To avoid lubrication failure, consult the bearing manufacturer's guidelines or read the Material Safety Data Sheet for more detailed information on grease characteristics, operating temperature range, and so on. 

The bearing manufacturer will advise you on the type of lubricant to use based on your application. The manufacturer will also tell you when the bearings will need to be inspected, cleaned, and repacked. 

• Proper Installation and Alignment

Sometimes, we need to change the hub bearing; you might be able to get your hands on the best ones from the best auto spare parts in UAE. However, the next step is even more significant, requiring proper installation with the right alignment. 

Misaligned bearings can add stress to the tire, and an uneven tire is a problem. Remember that you need to avoid excessive force during the installation. If you have a mechanic, ensure they know what they are doing. 

• Check Temperature and Noise

While you keep the Signs of bad hub bearings in mind, remember to check the temperature and noise regularly. 

High temperatures or unusual sounds may indicate problems such as wear or insufficient lubrication, necessitating prompt attention.

• Pay Close Attention to Your Car Owner’s Manual

While some vehicle modifications, such as bigger rims, lowered suspension, and low-profile tires, seem good, they might shorten the life of your wheel bearings. When adjustments are made outside the vehicle manufacturer's requirements, the wheel bearings might become overworked, significantly reducing their service life.

To ensure the longevity of your wheel bearings, avoid wheel assembly upgrades or modifications that deviate from the manufacturer's certified OEM specifications. To guarantee that your wheel bearings operate and last as long as possible, use the accessories the manufacturer recommends. 

Conclusion:

Regular maintenance of hub bearings is essential to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience. By following proper lubrication practices, ensuring correct installation, and regularly checking for signs of wear, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s hub bearings and avoid costly repairs. 

Additionally, it's crucial to use high-quality auto parts for replacements. Eparts offers a wide range of premium auto spare parts in Dubai, including hub bearings, control arms, and shock absorbers, ensuring your vehicle runs at its best. Trust Eparts for reliable, high-quality automotive solutions tailored to your needs.