What is a car hub bearing?
Hub bearings are components that are pre-applied to automotive parts to reduce friction and allow smooth movement of parts that rotate or move back and forth. They are usually small cylindrical parts that are inserted into various parts of the car, such as the engine, wheels and transmission, where they provide support and reduce wear. There are many different types of advanced automotive wheel bearings and advanced automotive roller bearings, including ball bearings, roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and needle bearings. Manufactured from a variety of materials including steel, ceramic and plastic, these bearings are designed to meet the demands of automotive use, including high speeds, heavy loads and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Some of the most common applications for wheel bearings used in advanced automobiles include supporting the weight of the car on the wheels, reducing friction between the crankshaft and connecting rods in the engine, and enabling smooth movement of transmission gears. In general, automotive bearings play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of various parts of the car.
Materials needed for hub bearing repacking project
cotter pin
degreaser solution
oil seal
Marine hub bearing grease
Tools Needed for Repacking Auto Bering Projects
hammer
parts cleaning brush
Slip joint pliers
Needle nose pliers
How to Repack Your Car Wheel Bearings
Repack trailer and car hub bearings
Jack up the trailer and support the frame or axles. Remove the wheel with slip joint pliers, then remove the hub dust cap. Straighten the cotter pin and grab the head with a side knife to remove it from the slotted nut. Unscrew the nut with pliers. Then pull the hub forward until the washer and outer bearing fall into your hands.
You know you should be repacking premium automotive hub bearings on your boat, car, or utility trailer. But what about you? Well, according to George Andriotis, field editor who owns D&G Auto & Trailer in Bridgeport, Connecticut, it doesn’t happen as often as you should. George regularly gets calls from owners of stranded trailers. The first reason? Exploding hub bearings.
You can avoid getting stuck by repacking your premium car hub bearings on a regular basis. Repack every six months if you use your work trailer or utility trailer on a daily basis or on long drives. For occasional use and/or short trips, repack annually. For marine trailers, repack the wheel bearings at the beginning and end of the boating season. Use marine wheel bearing grease.
Repacking hub bearings is so cheap (less than $15) that you can do it yourself in a few hours. Buy new oil seals, cotter pins, and advanced auto wheel bearing grease at any trailer supply store. Oil seals come in various sizes depending on the internal dimensions of the wheel bearing. So after you remove the bearings, take them to the shop to match the new ones. You’ll also need seal puller degreaser, parts cleaning brush, cleaning bucket, slip joint pliers, side cutter pliers, floor jack, and jack stands. Then follow the simple photo series.