A car's wheels must turn swiftly in order to drive. Now, you might ask how quickly? An average wheel of an automobile traveling at 100 km/h spins slightly quicker than 840 times per minute. Wheel hub bearings help lessen the friction caused by these many revolutions, reducing heat and wear on the vehicle.

As a car enthusiast, you might already be aware of this. But have you ever wondered how wheel bearings have evolved to become more efficient? And beyond their past advancements, what does the future hold for them in the automotive industry?

For those seeking high-quality auto spare parts in Dubai, understanding these advancements is key to making informed vehicle maintenance and performance choices.

Let’s find it all in this article!

What is the Difference between a Hub Bearing and a Wheel Bearing?

Wheel bearings can be disassembled, lubricated, and reassembled for use again. However, if you're looking to buy hub bearings in UAE, it's important to note that these bearings come pre-packaged at the manufacturer's facility. 

They are sold and fitted as a single unit, and when they fail, they cannot be disassembled for lubrication—they must be completely replaced.

How have Hub Bearings Evolved in Time? 

The Industrial Revolution ran from the mid-18th to the 19th centuries. This period is significant for bearings because of the vast amount of steel produced.  Be it the machines or cars; the wheel bearings were serving the purpose everywhere. 

This enabled high-strength bearings to be mass-produced for the first time in history, making them useful in a wide range of industrial areas.

Bearings were also an important aspect of the Industrial Revolution since they allowed machines to run more effectively.

One of the most noteworthy discoveries of the Industrial Revolution was axles with bearings. Initially, the ball bearing was utilized for axles in bicycles, which used a ball as a rolling element and became extremely popular. 

Bearing innovations in the twentieth century directly impacted the military, automobile, and machine tool sectors. 

The variety of rolling elements increased from balls to rollers, spherical rollers, and tapered rollers. Not to mention that bearings may now carry mixed loads (axial and radial) and resist higher forces.  

What’s New in Automotive Technology?

Now, what has changed in the automotive industry considering the new demands of automotive designs? 

Here is what you can expect from the future before you buy car spare parts in UAE:

• Technological Advancements in Bearing Design

Wheel bearings are subjected to varying stresses in vehicles. Wheel bearings must withstand significant stress owing to bad road surfaces, quick cornering, colliding with a curb, or, in the worst-case scenario, potholes in curves. 

In addition to these outside variables, vehicle weight is another factor to consider. While today's automobile makers may aim to maintain weight as low as feasible by employing lighter materials, this is weighed against the customer's comfort and safety requirements. 

As weight increases, wheel bearings experience higher loads. 

Furthermore, there is a growing desire for higher engine performance, and wheel bearings must be able to handle the increased speeds. 

In addition to safety, comfort, and service life, friction and temperature are important considerations when constructing bearings. 

Of course, there is the question of whether the wheel bearing is attached to the front or back axle, also known as a driving or non-driving axle. Considering all of it, manufacturers are now using cutting-edge technologies to meet the ends. 

• Shift Towards Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has a considerable impact on the automotive hub-bearing market. EVs have distinct requirements due to their differing powertrain configurations and weight distributions when compared to regular internal combustion engine vehicles. 

Wheel hub bearings for the electric vehicle require more durability and efficiency. This is due to the increased torque and regenerative braking forces. 

Therefore, manufacturers are producing special and custom wheel bearings to meet the current market demands. As the popularity of EVs rises, the innovative designs for wheel bearings will become better, too. 

• Growing Focus on Vehicle Safety and Performance

The increased emphasis on vehicle safety and performance drives demand for high-quality automotive hub bearings. Modern vehicles require bearings that can withstand extreme stress and work smoothly in a range of driving conditions. 

Enhanced safety requirements and regulations are putting pressure on producers to create bearings that meet rigorous quality and performance standards.

• Growth in Automotive Aftermarket and Replacement Parts

The automotive aftermarket, which comprises replacement parts and upgrades, is continuously expanding. As vehicles age, the need to repair worn or damaged hub bearings develops. 

This trend is being driven by increased automobile longevity and an increase in the number of older vehicles on the roads.

Conclusion

A functional wheel hub bearing, like many other automobile components, increases a vehicle's fuel efficiency. This is directly related to how well a wheel hub bearing reduces friction. In this example, increased friction results in more "wasted" energy and poorer fuel efficiency.

It is crucial to realize that not all wheel hub bearings are created equal, and extremely low-cost ones are unlikely to be worthwhile. They decay faster, are less resistant to the environment, and can even generate unpleasant sounds that a properly working wheel hub bearing should not. 

Now, if your car needs new wheel bearings, get in touch for high-quality hub bearings and other top-quality & best auto spare parts in UAE with Eparts Master. We, as one of the best hub bearing suppliers in UAE, are ready to serve your needs.