Automotive Car Wheel Bearing
A Typical Car Wheel Bearing
On most cars whether front or rear wheel drive the hub to which the front wheel is bolted spins on a stub axle. The wheel can turn because the hub is mounted on inner and outer bearings.
Depending on the type and make of car, these bearings may either be caged ball bearings or, more commonly, roller bearings which move against inner and outer races fitted to each side of the hub.
Usually these roller bearings are tapered so that adjustment is possible. lhe bearings are packed with grease to keep them constantly lubricated. The correct adjustment of tapered earings is very important and, in most cases, this is a job which can be done by a DIY mechanic.
Bearings that have either too little or too much clearance will rapidly wear out and will often start to make a rumbling or clicking noise which may be particularly noticeable when the car is cornering. Bearing noise is usually a sign that the bearing is badly worn and in need of renewal.