Automotive Wheel Bearings

Bearing Basics Things roll better than they slide. Rolling friction has less resistance that sliding friction. Parts last longer! Things roll better than they slide. Rolling friction has less resistance that sliding friction. Parts last longer! Bearings do this by providing smooth balls or rollers, and inner and outer surfaces for the them to roll against. Bearings do this by providing smooth balls or rollers, and inner and outer surfaces for the them to roll against. These balls or rollers “bear” the load. These balls or rollers “bear” the load. Two kinds of loading – Radial and Thrust Two kinds of loading – Radial and Thrust

Radial Loads Radial loads have the load pulling from one side Radial loads have the load pulling from one side

Thrust Loads Thrust loads have the weight of the entire load applied to the surface of all the bearing. Thrust loads have the weight of the entire load applied to the surface of all the bearing.

Roller Bearings Can handle very heavy radial loads. Load is spread out over a large area Can handle very heavy radial loads. Load is spread out over a large area 3 types – Flat, tapered and needle 3 types – Flat, tapered and needle

Ball Bearings Most common type Most common type Can handle both radial and thrust loads of moderate weight Can handle both radial and thrust loads of moderate weight Very small contact point Very small contact point

Typical Front Tapered Roller Bearings

Typical Front Tapered Roller Bearings Exploded View

Hub/Cartridge Bearings Cartridge – Sealed, pressed in place Cartridge – Sealed, pressed in place Two rows of ball bearings Two rows of ball bearings Used on both front and rear wheels Used on both front and rear wheels

Front Hub Bearing Hub – Sealed, Bolted in place Hub – Sealed, Bolted in place Two rows of ball bearings Two rows of ball bearings Has integral ABS sensor Has integral ABS sensor Splinted to Axle shaft Splinted to Axle shaft Contains flange for wheel to bolt up to Contains flange for wheel to bolt up to

Rear Hub Bearing Hub – Sealed, Bolted in place Hub – Sealed, Bolted in place Two rows of ball bearings Two rows of ball bearings Has integral ABS sensor Has integral ABS sensor Contains flange for wheel to bolt up to Contains flange for wheel to bolt up to

BEARING SERVICE Should use brass drift punch Should use brass drift punch Should use bearing driver whenever possible Should use bearing driver whenever possible Clean bearing and race Clean bearing and race Pack new grease in bearing Pack new grease in bearing Use high temp grease on disc brake equipped car. Use high temp grease on disc brake equipped car.