Wheel Bearing Seals
The wheel bearings support two very important jobs for a vehicle's suspension. They allow wheels to rotate with minimal friction as well as support the weight of the vehicle on top of them while in use. To function correctly, the bearings must remain in near perfect condition and no leaks or contaminants must occur. This is where the role of wheel bearing seals come into place as they ensure that the wheel bearings contain the right amount of lubrication (by preventing leaks) to ensure fluid movement when in use as well as keeping debris and other contaminants out of the bearings. This makes a wheel bearing seal almost as important as the wheel bearings themselves because without the seal, the bearings would crust over and lose lubrication very quickly.
Although sealed wheel bearings will last much longer than any exposed bearing usage, they will eventually need to be replaced with new wheel bearings to ensure that a vehicle runs as smoothly as possible as well as increasing the efficiency of the motor and fuel economy of the vehicle. Older bearings with debris may actually cause the wheel response to not be as precise as needed and can actually cause accidents if they are not working at their optimum. It is important that the wheel bearings that work with wheel bearing seals are replaced at the recommended time increments to keep a vehicle running nice and smoothly. This is true for every type of vehicle from the lightest cars, to the heaviest trucks as well as massive RVs and buses if they are used frequently enough.
The process to replace wheel bearings with wheel bearing seals is usually very easy and can be done with a simple jack and the right tools to work on the vehicle. The process is usually to loosen the axle hub nuts while the wheel is on the ground to prevent unnecessary wheel movements and jack up the vehicle with proper placement of the extension bar so that you do not shock the CV joints. Raising the vehicle to remove the wheel is next and proper removal of the wheel is important in the procedure. Place the wheel where it will not obstruct work on the caliper and knuckle while removing the rotor. After the removal of the rotor is complete and the caliper parts are safely put to the side, removal of the axle hub nut ensues.
The removal of the hub and bearing assembly is crucial and careful work on the knuckle when pulled out allows for the replacement wheel bearing and wheel bearing seal to be installed. One of the most common problems is a rusted in place bearing assembly which will need to be hammered out with a pry bar. The careful replacement of the new bearing assembly needs to be done by not bending the flinger which is used to keep dirt and other debris out of the bearings. Replacement of the wheel bearing seal in a clean environment free of debris, nicks and dents in the bearing and hub mating surfaces should be done if possible. Torque hub nuts must be replaced with new ones and torque to the needed specifications.
Purchasing new wheel bearings with a wheel bearing seal is possible through online outlets. Make sure that you choose the right size and options specific to your vehicle needs. Incorrect sizes or options may harm the axle and most will not even fit into the knuckle or bearing assembly locations. Purchasing the highest quality options that are specific to your vehicle ensure the longest replacement life as well as the easiest installation of wheel bearing seals when done correctly.