Wheel bearings are low maintenance parts, but that doesn't mean they last forever. So, what does a wheel bearing actually do? How long does it last? And how can you help extend its lifespan?
A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings), held together by a metal ring. It enables the wheel to rotate smoothly with a minimum of friction. Wheel bearings are safety critical components designed to sustain radial and axial loads caused by gravitation, acceleration, breaking & cornering forces, so they need to be replaced when they stop working properly.
Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.
The main reasons that a wheel bearing fails are:
ㆍFaulty installation - inappropriate tools such as a hammer or an impact wrench can cause damage to the exterior and or interior of the wheel end bearing causing the wheel bearing to fail prematurely. Also, re-using the old accessories such as bolts, nuts, circlips, split pins, seals,… instead of replacing them with new ones can cause the wheel end bearing to operate under abnormal or unsafe conditions, increasing wheel end bearing wear and risk of a car accident.
ㆍImpact damage or poor road quality - all impacts from driving through a pothole, driving over speed bumps or hitting the curbstone can damage a wheel bearing and reduce its lifespan.
ㆍPoor quality wheel bearing - a wheel bearing is continuously under enormous pressure. Wheel bearings constructed of low-quality materials can have poor heat-treatment, resulting in premature wear and failure.
ㆍDriving conditions - driving through deep water or mud can cause your wheel bearings to fail. Water, mud or other contaminants such as dust or road salt could get past the seals and enter the bearing, polluting the grease and wearing away the bearings.
ㆍCar modifications - fitting bigger or wider rims, tires with lower thread walls, stiffer shock absorbers and suspension springs cause higher loads on the wheel bearing and can accelerate wear. Stick to rims, tires, shock absorbers and springs that are specified by the car manufacturer to minimize the impact on the longevity of the wheel bearings.
There are certain practices that will help extend the lifespan of your wheel bearings and preserve their performance as they put on the miles and years.
Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your wheel bearings:
Drive Carefully
The harder the wheel bearing works, the faster it wears out. You can reduce the bearing's workload by driving carefully. Avoid rough maneuvers like abrupt acceleration and sharp turns, which can put a lot of physical stress on the wheel bearings.
Similarly, try to avoid driving on uneven road surfaces.
Avoid Deep Water or Mud
Most wheel bearings can handle getting splashed by water or mud. However, steer clear of deep puddles of water or mud patches that can sink the wheels up to the hub. Dunking the wheel hubs makes it more likely for contaminants to get inside the bearings.
Replace Wheel Bearings In Pairs
If you're replacing an old or broken wheel bearing, it's a good idea to change the bearing on the opposite side of the vehicle. If both bearings were installed at the same time, they would have gone through the same conditions and usage.
Ensure the Quality of Replacement Wheel Bearings
It's possible to get a high-quality wheel bearing replacement without going over your budget. It helps to research different brands and read customer reviews about the quality of their wheel bearings.
Like most auto parts, wheel bearings usually come with a product warranty. A brand that offers some type of guarantee shows the manufacturer's confidence in its product.
When replacing your wheel bearings, it is essential to look for high quality parts. NiuShang offers a complete range of easy to install, premium quality, long-lasting wheel end bearings that are engineered, manufactured, tested and validated to OEM standards for maximum performance and durability. Contact us now!
