About Used Wheel Hubs
The wheel hub carries the wheel and bearing and is where the wheel bolts on, and a worn hub bearing causes noise and play. A used hub or hub assembly restores smooth, safe rolling.
What a Wheel Hub Does
The wheel hub is the component the wheel bolts to, spinning on a bearing that lets the wheel turn freely while carrying the vehicle's weight. On many modern vehicles it is a hub-and-bearing assembly that also houses the wheel speed sensor for the ABS.
Signs Your Wheel Hub Is Failing
- A humming or growling that changes with speed or turning, from a worn bearing
- Play or wobble in the wheel
- An ABS or traction warning if the built-in sensor fails
- Damaged wheel studs or mounting flange
What to Check When Buying a Used Wheel Hub
- Spin the hub to feel for bearing roughness or noise
- Check the wheel studs and mounting flange
- Confirm the ABS sensor, if built in, is present and intact
- Match the exact hub for your vehicle, and note driven versus non-driven
Common Applications
Every wheel rides on a hub and bearing. Worn bearings that hum or growl are a very common repair, and on many vehicles the sealed hub-and-bearing assembly is replaced as a unit, with a used one saving money.
Related Parts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a bad wheel hub bearing?
A humming or growling noise that changes with speed or when you turn, and sometimes play or wobble in the wheel. A failing bearing can also trigger an ABS light if the speed sensor is built into the hub.
Is the hub the same as the bearing?
On many modern vehicles the hub and bearing are one sealed assembly replaced together. On others the bearing is separate and pressed into the hub. Confirm which your vehicle uses.
Does the hub affect the ABS?
It can. Many hub assemblies house the wheel speed sensor for the ABS. If that sensor fails, you get an ABS warning, and replacing the hub assembly restores it.
Are wheel hubs vehicle-specific?
Yes, and often front versus rear and driven versus non-driven. Match the correct hub for your exact vehicle and position.