Wheel hubs are components that rotate car wheels.
In this article, we’ll be going into detail about this component: what it is, the problems it can face, wheel hub maintenance tips, and much more.
Keep reading!
What is a car wheel hub?
Wheel hubs are components that support car wheels and brakes.
Each wheel is bolted to the wheel hub that supports all wheel movement alongside the car suspension.
To learn more about your car suspension, check out our article 5 Cares to have with you car suspension.
What is the purpose of a wheel hub?
Wheel hubs transmit engine power to a car’s driving wheels and support the wheels.
A car’s wheels are fitted to the wheel hub via nuts, which must be tightened using a torque wrench.
What are the tell-tale symptoms of car wheel hub problems?
The tell-tale symptoms of wheel hub problems are:
- Squeaky sounds coming from a car tyre/wheel area;
- Steering wheel vibrates or feels slack;
- Tyre/wheel swings when the vehicle is suspended in a car lift or by a hydraulic jack;
- Wheels make an increasingly loud sound when turning.
What are the most common problems with wheel hubs?
The main problems with wheel hubs are:
- Housing deformities;
- Cracks appearing;
- Dents appearing;
- Wheel hub bearing wear.
How can you detect wheel hub problems?
Use the following techniques to detect problems in your car wheel hubs:
- Accelerate up to 50 km/h and turn your steering wheel from one side to the other: if your car’s front wheel hubs are damaged, you will hear a metallic noise;
- To check your rear axle wheel hubs, raise your vehicle using a jack and manually spin the wheels one by one. Your wheels vibrating and spinning freely point to a breakdown of your wheel hub components.
Can you get your car wheel hub repaired?
No, if your car wheel hub has any structural damage, it must be fully replaced so that you don’t risk an accident.
To learn more about car accidents, check out our article I had a car accident: What should I do?.
What care should you take with your car wheel hubs
The care you should take with your car wheel hubs are as follows:
- Do not tighten nuts too tightly;
- Only use replacement parts recommended by your car manufacturer;
- Apply the torque recommended by the manufacturer;
- Check all nuts after assembly or maintenance.
How can you remove wheel hubs?
Wheel hubs can be removed at home if you have the right tools to do so, such as a wheel hub puller and a hydraulic jack.
To learn how to use a wheel hub puller, check out our article Kroftools Hub Extractor Kit: How to use one.
If you do not feel comfortable performing this procedure, contact a manufacturer-approved garage or a reliable mechanic.
To learn more about the tools used by mechanics, check out our article 11 Auto Tools that all mechanic needs.
Check out the next point to find out about the specific tools you’ll need to remove your wheel hubs.
Which KROFtools products can you use to remove a wheel hub?
You can use the following products to remove a wheel hub:
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Universal Wheel Hub Puller Set
Our Universal Wheel Hub Puller Set allows you to remove hubs from car wheels with 3, 4, 5 or 6 holes and a radius of up to 250mm.
Click on the image to find out more about our Universal Wheel Hub Puller Sets (ref. 9088).
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Hydraulic Heavy Duty Slide Hammer Master Hub Puller Set
Our Inertia Bearing Puller Kit with Hydraulic Spindle is the most comprehensive hub extraction kit, with 3 types of extractors/hammers and a 10-tonne extraction capacity.
Click on the image to find out more about our Hydraulic Heavy Duty Slide Hammer Master Hub Puller Set (ref. 6355).
Watch this video on our YouTube channel to learn how to use this kit.
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