Everything You Need to Know About Rear Hub Bearing Assemblies

The rear hub bearing assembly is a critical component of your vehicle's wheel system. It allows your wheels to rotate smoothly and safely while also supporting the weight of your vehicle. Worn or damaged rear hub bearing assemblies can lead to a variety of problems, including noise, vibration, and even wheel failure.

Symptoms of a Bad Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

• Noise: One of the most common symptoms of a bad rear hub bearing assembly is noise. You may hear a humming, grinding, or growling noise coming from the rear of your vehicle, especially when you're driving at higher speeds.
• Vibration: Another common symptom of a bad rear hub bearing assembly is vibration. You may feel a vibration in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard, especially when you're driving at higher speeds.
• Uneven tire wear: A bad rear hub bearing assembly can also cause uneven tire wear. You may notice that one tire is wearing more quickly than the others.
• Wheel play: If the rear hub bearing assembly is severely damaged, you may notice that the wheel has play in it. You can check for wheel play by grasping the top and bottom of the tire and trying to move it back and forth.

Causes of a Bad Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

• Wear and tear: Rear hub bearing assemblies can wear out over time, especially if you drive on rough roads or haul heavy loads.
• Impact damage: Impact damage from hitting a pothole or curb can damage the rear hub bearing assembly.
• Improper installation: If the rear hub bearing assembly is not installed correctly, it can cause premature wear and failure.
• Lack of lubrication: If the rear hub bearing assembly is not properly lubricated, it can overheat and fail.

Consequences of a Bad Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

• Wheel failure: A bad rear hub bearing assembly can lead to wheel failure. If the bearing fails completely, the wheel can come off of the vehicle, which can be very dangerous.
• Suspension damage: A bad rear hub bearing assembly can also damage the suspension system. The weight of the vehicle can put stress on the suspension components, which can cause them to fail prematurely.
• Increased repair costs: If you don't repair a bad rear hub bearing assembly, it can lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

How to Replace a Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

Replacing a rear hub bearing assembly is a job that is best left to a professional mechanic. However, if you're comfortable working on your vehicle, you can follow these steps:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a new rear hub bearing assembly, a socket wrench, a torque wrench, and a hammer.
2. Remove the rear wheel. Use the socket wrench to loosen the lug nuts, then remove the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Then, carefully lift the brake caliper off of the rotor and hang it out of the way.
4. Remove the rotor. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the rotor in place. Then, pull the rotor off of the hub.
5. Remove the old rear hub bearing assembly. Use the hammer to knock the old rear hub bearing assembly out of the hub.
6. Install the new rear hub bearing assembly. Tap the new rear hub bearing assembly into the hub using the hammer.
7. Reinstall the rotor. Place the rotor onto the hub and tighten the bolts.
8. Reinstall the brake caliper. Lift the brake caliper back onto the rotor and tighten the bolts.
9. Reinstall the rear wheel. Place the wheel on the hub and tighten the lug nuts.

Tips and Tricks

• When replacing a rear hub bearing assembly, it is important to use a new bearing assembly. Do not reuse the old bearing assembly.
• When tightening the lug nuts, be sure to torque them to the proper specifications. Overtightening the lug nuts can damage the wheel studs.
• If you are not comfortable working on your vehicle, you should take it to a professional mechanic to have the rear hub bearing assembly replaced.

Call to Action

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a bad rear hub bearing assembly, it is important to have it inspected and replaced by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a bad rear hub bearing assembly can lead to more serious problems down the road.

Cost of Replacing a Rear Hub Bearing Assembly

The cost of replacing a rear hub bearing assembly varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for the parts and labor.

Failure Rates of Rear Hub Bearing Assemblies

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear hub bearing assemblies fail at a rate of 0.05% per year. This means that for every 1,000 vehicles on the road, 5 rear hub bearing assemblies will fail each year.

Warranty Information for Rear Hub Bearing Assemblies

Most rear hub bearing assemblies come with a warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles. However, some manufacturers offer longer warranties, such as 24 months or 24,000 miles.

Preventive Maintenance for Rear Hub Bearing Assemblies

• Avoid driving on rough roads.
• Avoid hitting potholes and curbs.
• Keep your vehicle's suspension system in good condition.
• Lubricate the rear hub bearing assembly regularly.

Inspections for Rear Hub Bearing Assemblies

• Inspect the rear hub bearing assembly for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
• Check the rear hub bearing assembly for any play.
• Listen for any unusual noises coming from the rear of your vehicle.

Additional Information

• Rear hub bearing assemblies are also known as wheel bearings.
• Rear hub bearing assemblies are typically made of steel or aluminum.
• Rear hub bearing assemblies are usually located on the inside of the wheel.
• Rear hub bearing assemblies are lubricated with grease.
• Rear hub bearing assemblies can fail prematurely due to a lack of lubrication.

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