The wheel hub on your vehicle plays a very important role in keeping your wheel bolted to your vehicle while also allowing your wheel to turn freely. A wheel hub also plays an integral role in your vehicle’s anti-lock braking and traction control system. Wheel hubs attach to the steering knuckle, and your rotors and wheels bolt to the hub. Since the wheel hub is a wear item, it will go bad over time, so it is essential to know what symptoms to look for. Today, we will look at 4 symptoms of a bad wheel hub.

ABS Light Turns On

If you have noticed that the ABS light has turned on in your dashboard, this clearly indicates an issue with the anti-lock braking system. Many times, you will notice that your braking performance feels different as well once it is illuminated. If this light illuminates, you must take your vehicle to a mechanic or inspect your vehicle's wheel hubs/speed sensors for damage.

A Metal-On-Metal Screeching Sound At Lower Speeds

If you notice a screeching sound while driving at lower speeds, like a metal-on-metal sound, the bearings in your wheel hub are most likely wearing. Inside a wheel hub, bearings rotate consistently and are packed with grease to allow for smooth operation. Once this grease starts to leak out or gets contaminated, these bearings will rub against each other, creating a screeching sound, and wear very quickly.

Shaking/Vibrating Steering Wheel When Driving

Since your wheel hub will be mounted between your steering knuckle and your wheel, it will be susceptible to any bumps you may feel while driving. As your wheel hub starts to wear, it can become loose, causing a vibration that transfers to your steering wheel. If your steering wheel is vibrating when driving, your wheel hub is a great place to start with your diagnostics.

Audible Sounds Coming From Wheel When Driving

Much like the metal-on-metal sound, a worn wheel hub can cause a variety of unusual noises at moderate speeds. From screeching to clunking and even knocking sounds, a wheel hub that needs to be replaced can lead to various noises. Depending on the design of the wheel hub, you may have to have a mechanic diagnose a worn wheel hub.

High-Quality Wheel Hubs From GSP Latin America

GSP Latin America offers some of the highest-quality wheel hubs in the industry. GSP offers both wheel hub and knuckle hub assemblies.

Vulcanization Process - All Hub Assemblies go through a vacuum vulcanization process to enhance the structural integrity of the seal and rubber components.

Quality Control - In order to increase longevity and resist abrasion, GSP’s ball bearings are spaced precisely to the appropriate clearance for smooth rotation.

Durability & Performance - Hub bearings use high-quality rubber to optimize the seal’s performance and durability against high temperatures and weathering.

Premium Materials - To ensure a smooth surface, free from defects, burrs, and cracks, all bearing housings are manufactured with polyamides for added impact toughness and age resistance.