Automotive Wheel Bearings
Bearing Basics
Things roll better than they slide. Rolling
friction has less resistance that sliding
friction. Parts last longer!
 Bearings do this by providing smooth balls
or rollers, and inner and outer surfaces for
the them to roll against.
 These balls or rollers “bear” the load.
 Two kinds of loading – Radial and Thrust

Radial Loads

Radial
loads
have the
load
pulling
from one
side
Thrust Loads

Thrust loads
have the weight
of the entire
load applied to
the surface of
all the bearing.
Roller Bearings
Can handle
very heavy
radial loads.
Load is
spread out
over a large
area
 3 types –
Flat, tapered
and needle

Ball Bearings
Most common type
 Can handle both radial
and thrust loads of
moderate weight
 Very small contact point

Typical Front Tapered Roller Bearings
Typical Front Tapered Roller Bearings
Exploded View
Hub/Cartridge Bearings
Cartridge – Sealed,
pressed in place
 Two rows of ball
bearings
 Used on both front
and rear wheels

Front Hub Bearing
Hub – Sealed,
Bolted in place
 Two rows of ball
bearings
 Has integral ABS
sensor
 Splinted to Axle
shaft
 Contains flange for
wheel to bolt up to

Rear Hub Bearing
Hub – Sealed,
Bolted in place
 Two rows of
ball bearings
 Has integral
ABS sensor
 Contains flange
for wheel to bolt
up to

BEARING SERVICE
Should use brass drift punch
 Should use bearing driver whenever
possible
 Clean bearing and race
 Pack new grease in bearing
 Use high temp grease on disc brake
equipped car.
