Wheel HubAssembly Kit

Dealing with a bad wheel bearing or howling wheel? If you want to know if you should replace only a press-in wheel bearing or the entire hub assembly, check out these tips from our expert mechanic Len.

Learn to install your own parts by following the step-by-step instructions from our expert mechanics in our how-to videos.

Wheel hub bearingreplacement cost

In layman’s terms, viscosity defines a fluid’s resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity of a liquid, the thicker it is and the greater the resistance to flow. Temperature will affect the viscosity of most materials.

These are general averages and NOT specifics, not all products fit neatly in this chart. Please check Technical Bulletins for specific mixed viscosity of products. Temperature will affect the viscosity of most materials, these estimated numbers are based on measurements at 73°F / 23°C

Wheel hub bearingsymptoms

What does viscosity mean to you when selecting a casting resin? If you are using a casting resin with a high viscosity, there is a chance the casting will entrap air. Air bubbles may then be reflected in a finished casting. This is especially true if the resin has high viscosity and short pot life. If the mixed viscosity of the casting resin you are using is higher than 7,500 cps, you may want to consider vacuum degassing or pressure casting the resin.

Wheel hubassembly parts

Replacing the parts together also means you’ll be installing a brand new wheel hub. You won’t have to worry about the old hub being damaged, bent, or warped. Even if you can’t visually see a warp, if the hub has warping, it’ll lead to a wobbling wheel or brake pulsation.

A press-in wheel bearing requires pressing the original bearing out of the knuckle and pressing the new one in with specialty tools. It can also increase the possibility of damaging other parts, like the lower ball joint when it needs to be separated from the knuckle, tie rod, or ABS module.

Wheel Bearing HubAssembly Front

A bolt-on wheel bearing is easier to replace than a press-in bearing. They require removing the wheel, brakes, and axle nut, and then unbolting the wheel bearing from the steering knuckle. The wheel hearing and hub will come as one assembly and don’t require any dissembling.

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After you’ve diagnosed your wheel bearing and know that it’s faulty, you might be wondering if you should replace the press-in wheel bearing or the entire wheel bearing and hub assembly. Here’s why we recommend replacing these parts together:

When removing the wheel bearing from the hub, generally if there’s a race stuck to the hub, you’ll need specialty tools and more time and effort. If you choose to replace the worn hub with a new one, you won’t need to spend any time removing the old bearing from the hub.

What does viscosity mean to you when selecting a mold rubber? If you are using a mold rubber with a high viscosity, there is a chance the rubber will cure with air bubbles that may then be reflected in a finished casting. If the mixed viscosity of the mold rubber you are using is higher than 15,000 cps, you may want to consider vacuum degassing the liquid mold rubber.