What is a rear wheel bearing, how does it work and how to replace it?

Table of contents:

What is a rear wheel bearing, how does it work and how to replace it?
What is a rear wheel bearing, how does it work and how to replace it?
Anonim

The running system performs many functions, the main of which is to ensure vehicle controllability. To make the machine maneuverable and safe, it is equipped with a special steering knuckle and a hub between the axles. In order for them to be as reliable as possible, they include two bearings each. Both parts may differ in size and cost, but their design remains unchanged. Both the front and back are tapered. Although some motorists claim that the rear hub bearing is easier to operate than the front one. To finally find out the answer to this question, in today's article we will look at all the features of this part.

rear wheel bearing
rear wheel bearing

First, let's understand the design of this element. As we have already found out, the rear hub bearing has a conical shape. So - it is attached to the axis with the help ofspecial thrust nut or washer. The more this part is tightened, the tighter the rollers will be pressed. Thanks to this, the possibility of backlash of the mechanism can be excluded.

how to change rear wheel bearing
how to change rear wheel bearing

So why is the rear hub bearing easier to operate?

The design of the front and rear parts are very similar to each other, but there are some differences. The fact is that the rear hub bearing does not have a steering knuckle, so it is easier to operate. Now several types of these parts are installed on cars:

  • radial ball bearings (most often for machines with dependent suspension);
  • tapered (for independent).

The first mechanisms differ from the second ones in that they cannot be adjusted according to the degree of pressing the rollers to the clips. They are much cheaper, and you can buy them absolutely in any town.

Why does a rear wheel bearing fail?

It often happens that this part fails due to road dust that has got into its body. This can be due to leaking oil, but most often it is due to water getting onto the hub. Well, no one is safe from hitting a puddle. So it turns out that it is best to have a couple more such details in your trunk so that at one fine moment you don’t have to go home on a tow truck. But having a set of new parts with you is half the battle. You also need to know how to change the rear wheel bearing. Therefore, below we will give a small instruction on the removal andinstallation of this part.

rear wheel bearing replacement
rear wheel bearing replacement

Replacing the rear wheel bearing - step by step process

First, remove the protective cap of the hub nut and lower the tightening of the wheel bolts and the mechanism itself. After that, we take a jack and raise the car by 5-10 centimeters. In this case, do not forget about additional supports. Next, turn on the first gear and put the substrate under the front wheels. Then remove the wheel, brake drum and pads. Next, using a puller, dismantle the hub from the trunnion and the inner race of the bearing. The next step is to remove the retaining ring and then the bearing itself. All mechanisms are thoroughly washed, and a new part is pressed into the hub. Install rear wheel bearing in reverse order.

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