When you think of a vehicle's most important components, what comes to mind?
The engine? The transmission? What about the wheels?
Yes, it is hard to imagine a car without wheels. Although the engine and transmission are key components of any vehicle transmission system, without wheels, the vehicle cannot roll from one place to another. But in order to have a functional, rolling wheel, you first need a viable hub assembly. Without a viable wheel hub assembly (WHA), the wheels of the vehicle will not function properly, which limits the potential of the vehicle itself.
The Importance of the Wheel Hub
We already told how important a wheel hub is as it pertains to a properly functioning vehicle, but there's a lot more to the automotive component than what may initially meet the eye. A well functioning wheel hub assembly doesn't just ensure the wheels roll properly, but that they roll smoothly as well.
Wheel hubs are located in the center of the car's wheels. Specifically, you can find them situated between the drive axle and brake drums. Essentially, wheel hub assemblies work to connect the wheel to the vehicle body. The assembly contains bearings to make the wheels roll quietly and efficiently. As you might have guessed, wheel hubs are a mainstay on the vast majority of cars, light and heavy-duty trucks, and passenger vehicles to boot.
Like most automotive components, however, wheel hubs don't last forever. And when you notice signs of wheel hub assembly wear, it's important to act swiftly to avoid potential serious issues. In the next section, we take a closer look at how to tell the difference between a bad wheel hub and a good wheel hub.
How to Tell a Good Wheel Hub vs a Bad Wheel Hub
In order to understand how to distinguish a good wheel hub from a bad one, it is easier to look at some signs and symptoms that a hub needs to be repaired or replaced. This is largely because a good wheel hubs is not necessarily something we noticed, but a bad wheel hub is quite easy if you know what to watch and listen to.
So how do you know when a wheel hub might be on the fritz? Here's a closer look at some signs:
An obvious grinding sound: When it comes to wheel hub assemblies, grinding or rubbing sounds usually indicate one of two things. One, this may mean that the wheel bearings are worn and need to be replaced. Two, it may indicate that the entire assembly needs to be replaced, especially when the vehicle is driving and the noise is noticeable.
Your ABS light comes on: Wheel hub assemblies are often connected to the vehicles anti-lock braking system. Often times, the ABS indicator will light up on the vehicle's dashboard when the diagnostic system detects an issue with the way the wheel assembly is operating.
The hum of the wheel: Although the sound of grinding or rubbing is the most obvious sign of a wheel problem, the hum of the wheel may also indicate a problem.
Wheel Hub Replacement Cost
Although automotive repairs are never fun, they are part of the car owner. Having said that, you may be wondering how much the assembly cost of a new wheel hub assembly. This is not an easy question to answer, mainly because it depends on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. For example, if you drive a truck, it may be more expensive than if you own a smaller car. If you have a vehicle with anti-lock brakes, it's also going to be more expensive, as there are more steps that must be taken to properly replace the assembly. Labor times are another factor to take into consideration when it comes to having the assembly replaced. A Chevy Silverado truck, for example, may take several hours to perform the work on. Conversely, a small passenger vehicle may only take an hour to complete the work on.
In a nutshell, replacing the wheel hub assembly can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars - it all depends on what you drive and the extent of the repair or replacement. One way, however, to save some money on new wheel hubs is to purchase them from a reputable retailer, such as HD Wheels. Purchasing through such a retailer versus a mechanic can often yield a significant savings when it comes to overall cost.
