As a car owner, one of the most critical components you should regularly check are the wheel hubs. These small but mighty components are crucial in ensuring that your wheels stay attached to the car and rotate smoothly, making them essential for your vehicle's overall performance and safety. In this blog, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to check your wheel hubs, ensuring that they are well-maintained, safe, and functioning correctly.

What Are Wheel Hubs?

Wheel hubs are metal structures at the center of your car's wheels. These components are responsible for maintaining the connection between the wheel and the axle and helping it rotate smoothly without any resistance. Wheel hubs are also designed to support the vehicle's weight and reduce friction, making them an integral part of your car's suspension system.

Steps To Check Your Wheel Hubs

Step 1: Jack Up Your Car

The first step in checking your wheel hubs is to jack up your car and secure it with jack stands. This will allow you to access and rotate the wheel hubs.

Step 2: Inspect for Physical Damage

Once the car is jacked up, inspect the wheel hub for any visible physical damage, such as signs of crack, chips, or scratches. If you notice any damage, the wheel hub will need to be replaced immediately, as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

Step 3: Check for Bearing Play

The next step is to check for bearing play. To do this, wiggle the wheel side to side and then top to bottom. If you feel any movement or hear any noise, this is a sign that the bearing might be worn out, and the wheel hub will need to be replaced.

Step 4: Check for Corrosion

Corrosion is another common issue that affects wheel hubs. Check for rust or any signs of corrosion on the wheel hub. If you detect any corrosion, replacing the wheel hub is best to prevent further damage.

Step 5: Determine If The Wheel Hubs Need Greasing

Next, you need to determine if the wheel hubs need greasing. Check if the wheel hub is equipped with a grease fitting, and if it is, apply sufficient grease to lubricate the hub. This will help reduce friction, extend the life of the wheel bearings, and ensure the smooth rotation of the wheel.

Step 6: Check for Leaks

Finally, check for any leaks around the wheel hub area. If you notice any leaks, this may indicate a problem with the wheel seal, which could allow contaminants to enter the bearing and eventually cause the wheel hub to fail. To fix this, you will need to replace the wheel seal.

High-Quality Wheel Hubs From GSP North America

Checking your wheel hubs is a crucial part of maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance. Regularly inspecting your wheel hubs will help you identify any issues early before they cause further damage. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your car's wheel hubs are in good condition and provide for a safe and smooth ride. If you need to replace your wheel hubs, choose a direct replacement, upgraded wheel hubs from GSP North America.