The rear-wheel-drive automobile will feature rear hubs that are comparable to those on the front wheels of front-wheel drive automobiles. The hub is not required to steer, but the mechanism is more basic in form.
Manufacturers have tinkered with unusual features on their driven rear hubs over the years. The Triumph Herald, for example, included a key that ran in a slot to transmit the drive between the hub and the drive shaft rather than conventional splines.
Some automobiles feature rear hubs that can self-steer over very modest angles, generally just a few degrees, to assist with stability when it comes to quick cornering. This helps to compensate for the tendency of certain vehicles to drift into oversteer when they are coming to a stop in the middle of the corner. This rear-wheel self-steering capacity works against this tendency.
What is the function of a rear-wheel hub?
Hubs are located inside the vehicle and aren’t visible until the wheel is removed. They connect each wheel to the car and are the important part of a set of wheels that allows the driver to control it by moving them about. As a result, ensuring that they function correctly is critical. When difficulties arise, the wheel may become wobbly and difficult to manage, posing problems with steering-wheel alignment. This can make driving more difficult and put too much strain on the wheel, making it dangerous.
The rear wheel-hub assembly ensures that your back wheel stays connected to the vehicle and allows for free movement of the wheels. The wheel hub assembly is also important for a car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS).
What are the risks if I drive with a faulty rear-wheel hub?
A bad rear-wheel hub might be hazardous to drive and comes with several dangers. The bearings within the assembly wear down over time, causing wheels to stop rotating smoothly. As a result, your car may become jittery. It can also imply that the wheels are not secure, as well as potential fracture of the steel if the hub assembly deteriorates any further.
Where is the rear-wheel hub located?
The rear-wheel hub, as the name implies, is in the vehicle’s centre. Between the drive axle and the brake drums, they may be found. The wheel hub assemblies, whether front or rear, connect the wheels to the car body. The rear-wheel hub component consists of bearings. These allow the wheels to move freely without making much noise or slowing down much. They’re used on almost all automobiles (as well as light and heavy-duty trucks and buses).
What is the rear-wheel hub assembly, and how does it work?
Whether you’re putting it on the front or rear wheels, the wheel hub assembly is a pre-built component with precision bearings, seals, and sensors. It’s commonly referred to as a wheel hub bearing, wheel hub unit, or hub and bearing assembly.
What are some of the tell-tale indicators that my rear-wheel hub assembly is defective?
The first indications of a failing rear-wheel hub assembly may be a variety of noises and commotion. The tires may make a growling, humming, squeaking, chirping, or squealing sound. Typically, they will manifest themselves at around 30-45 miles per hour. If the sensor isn’t reading correctly or if the signal is lost, the ABS light will come on.
What is the cost of replacing a rear wheel hub?
The total cost of a rear wheel-hub assembly is determined to a large extent by the type, brand, and model of the automobile. Different cars require various sizes and bearings, which can run up significant costs.
Replacing a rear wheel-hub assembly isn’t prohibitively costly, but it isn’t the cheapest component you can buy for your vehicle. This makes sense when you consider how essential they are and the amount of work they have to do. They will range in price between £225 and £575 on average. If you only need to replace the wheel bearings, however, you should expect to pay less than £100.
If you think that your rear wheel hub is faulty, then you should have it examined as soon as possible.
