Could I replace a hub on a wheel?
6 min read
Asked by: Albert Gomez
Your wheel bearing may have been damaged slightly in the past and has now worn to the point it is starting to make noise. Your mechanic is correct in that the only repair for the bearing is to replace the hub. It is a sealed unit and cannot be disassembled without destroying it.
Can you replace hub in wheel?
Simple answer: yes, but it’s not worth doing. Cost of hub, spokes, nipples and having wheel rebuilt will exceed the cost of a new wheel. Even if you re-use the spokes a new wheel will still be cheaper. Wheel building requires special equipment, expertise and time to do correctly.
Can the hub be replaced?
This job can be accomplished with the right tools and knowledge, but there are quite a few parts and bolts to be removed and put back together. If you’d rather leave it to a professional, YourMechanic can complete a wheel hub assembly replacement at the time and place of your choice.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel hub?
The cost to replace one front-wheel hub assembly varies widely. Some variables include the make and model, the garage’s labor rate and the cost for parts. The national average is about $350 to fix the wheel bearings at one wheel. As you might imagine, however, luxury brands cost more.
Should I replace my wheel bearing or the hub?
As a rule, sealed wheel bearings and hubs should have no play or roughness when a wheel is spun by hand. If a wheel bearing feels loose, or has play that exceeds specifications when measured with a dial indicator placed against the hub, it is worn out and needs to be replaced without delay.
How do I know if my free hub needs replacing?
Check the freehub for wear to see if it needs replacing or just cleaning and relubing. To do this, firmly grab the splined body and give it a wiggle. If it moves more than a couple of millimetres side to side, replace it. Otherwise, a good clean and oil will do fine.
What is the purpose of a wheel hub?
First and foremost, the wheel hub assembly keeps your wheel attached to your vehicle and allows the wheels to freely turn enabling you to safely steer. The wheel hub assembly is also critical to your anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS).
What happens when a hub goes bad?
A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. Often, the sensation will change with vehicle speed or while the vehicle is cornering.
How much is a hub for a car?
The cost of a wheel hub (assembly or bearings) can start from as low as $60 and go well over a hundred dollars. The make and model of your car, will determine the exact price. Wheel hub replacement costs can vary from car to car as well as who you buy them from.
Do you need an alignment after replacing wheel hub assembly?
Yes, you will need alignment if you unbolt the knuckle. If you separate the ball joint, remove the axle from the knuckle, you can press the bearing in/out with the right tool. I’ve done it a couple times borrowing a tool in order to keep my alignment.
How do I know if my wheel hub is bad?
Signs of Hub Damage During Normal Driving
- Snapping, clicking or popping noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
- Grinding noise when the vehicle is moving.
- Knocking or clunking sensation from the vehicle.
- Wheel vibration and/or wobble.
- Poor steering control.
- Shudder, shimmy or vibration at a constant speed.
How long does it take to fix a wheel hub?
If it is a wheel bearing in the rear, it may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes and if the hubs and wheel bearing is permanently bolted to the car it can take 20 minutes to an hour. Front-wheel bearings can take from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, all depending on your mechanic.
What happens if a wheel bearing goes out while driving?
If your wheel bearing fails, it can cause the wheel to stop while you are driving or possibly even to fall off. At the very least, before a wheel falls off, a failed wheel bearing can/will cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it’s very important to keep an eye on these and keep them maintained.
How do you check a hub bearing?
Quote from video: To check a hub bearing assemblies internal clearance a dial indicator with a magnetic base is required.
How long should a wheel bearing last?
about 85,000 to 100,000 miles
How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last? Although wheel bearings are engineered to last the entire lifespan of your vehicle, they can break and get worn out. Most wheel bearings last about 85,000 to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
How do you service wheel hubs?
How to Replace a Front Wheel Bearing
When should you replace wheel hubs?
Most serviceable wheel bearings need maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles, or during every brake service. But, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing and hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles, without the opportunity for a technician to repack the bearings.
Do you need an alignment after replacing wheel hub assembly?
Yes, you will need alignment if you unbolt the knuckle. If you separate the ball joint, remove the axle from the knuckle, you can press the bearing in/out with the right tool. I’ve done it a couple times borrowing a tool in order to keep my alignment.
What happens when a hub assembly goes out?
A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. A faulty wheel hub and bearing assembly can also cause a vibration felt in the steering wheel. Often, the sensation will change with vehicle speed or while the vehicle is cornering.
Can you replace just 1 wheel bearing?
If bearings go bad at one wheel, it is unnecessary to replace the bearings at the other wheel on the same axle.
How long will a wheel bearing last after it starts making noise?
Your car still has a good run time since the wheel bearings begin to make noise. That time is about 1,000 – 1,500 miles based on the distance the car has traveled since the bearings made the abnormal sound. However, this does not mean that you are allowed to be subjective when driving.
What noise does a worn wheel bearing make?
Squealing & Growling
The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.