The usage method of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings mainly includes installation, pre tension adjustment, and maintenance steps. The following is a detailed introduction:
Installation method
Preparation work:
Ensure that all tools and equipment are complete, including lifting machines, disassembly tools (such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.), and special tools (such as sockets, pullers, etc.). If there are no specialized tools, you can use the recently removed used bearings as a substitute. Drive the vehicle onto the lift and secure it safely.
Disassemble the old bearing:
Remove the front wheel and the self-locking nut at the end of the half shaft.
. Remove the brake caliper and hang it on the vehicle body using a wire hook. Remove the nut under the steering rod ball joint and use ball joint pliers to separate the steering knuckle from the steering rod. Remove the bolts connecting the steering knuckle to the shock absorber, and the steering knuckle to the lower swing arm.Use a special tool or alternative tool to push the wheel hub out of the steering knuckle, and at the same time, the inner ring of the bearing will fall off with the wheel hub.
. Use a puller to remove the inner ring of the hub bearing from the hub.Use clamp pliers to remove the clamp used to locate the bearing.
. Use a press and circular pads to press out the old wheel hub bearings from the steering knuckle.Cleaning and lubrication:
Clean the bearing seat holes on the steering knuckle to ensure that there are no impurities or dirt.
. Fully lubricate the bearing seat holes to facilitate the installation of new bearings.Install new bearings:
Install the retaining spring on the outside of the steering knuckle to position the new wheel hub bearings.
. Use the old outer ring of the wheel hub bearin g as a pad and press the new wheel hub bearing into the steering knuckle. After the bearing is fully pressed in, install the retaining spring on the other side in place. Use the old inner ring of the wheel hub bearing as a pad and press the wheel hub into the steering knuckle. After installation, rotate the wheel hub to check if it is installed properly and check if the oil seal is intact. Reset installation:Install the bolts that connect the lower swing arm to the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle to the shock absorber, the lower end nut of the steering rod, the brake caliper, and the steering knuckle in the reverse order of disassembly.
. Install the self-locking nut at the end of the half shaft and tighten it to the specified torque. Install the tire and tighten the tire bolts to the specified torque.Adjusting the preload
Adjusting the preload of the wheel hub bearings is a key step in ensuring smooth operation of the car.
. The specific steps are as follows:Place the outer bearing of the wheel hub in the correct position. While rotating the wheel hub, gradually tighten the adjustment nut of the bearing. After the wheel hub reaches a stable state, rotate the adjusting nut in the opposite direction by one sixth to one fourth of a turn. Perform a pull test with a force of 200-300 Newtons. Once the wheel hub can rotate slightly, stop tightening the nut. Rotate the wheel hub 2-3 times left and right. Gradually loosen the adjustment nut until only 10-25 Newtons of force is needed to rotate the wheel hub.
Maintenance and InspectionRegular Inspection: Regularly inspect the operation of the wheel hub bearings, including wear, looseness, and abnormal noise of the bearings.
.Lubrication treatment: Early wheel hub bearings may require regular lubrication, but modern car wheel hub bearings are mostly maintenance free types, with grease sealed inside and no need for additional lubrication.
. If lubrication is indeed necessary, an appropriate amount of specialized grease should be used, and the cleanliness and quality of the grease should be ensured. Timely replacement: Once serious wear, looseness, or abnormal noise issues are found in the wheel hub bearings, they should be replaced or repaired in a timely manner.