Have you ever wondered how your car's wheels spin effortlessly? If so, you might have heard the term 'wheel hubs'. But what are wheel hubs? How do they work? Simply put, wheel hubs act as the connecting link between the wheels and the car's axle. They are essential components that ensure the smooth rotation of wheels and directional movement of the vehicle. In this blog, we will look at the inner workings of wheel hubs and discuss how they work.
The Basics of Wheel Hubs
Wheel hubs are cylindrical structures that fit around the axle's end and allow the wheels to mount securely onto them. They come in different designs, including internal and external bearing types, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The wheel bearings are the primary components of these hub assemblies that support the wheels' weight, allowing them to rotate freely.
The wheel hub assembly consists of several parts that work in tandem to create a uniform mechanism to support the wheels. These parts include the hub shell, wheel studs, bearings, flanges, and seals. All of these components have specific functions that contribute to the overall working of the wheel hub.
How Do Wheel Hubs Work?
The wheel hub assembly works by allowing the wheels to rotate smoothly along the axle while also supporting the vehicle's weight. The hub shell fits around the axle end and houses the wheel bearing (internal or external) that supports the wheel's rotational motion. It houses the wheel studs that facilitate the connection between the wheels and the hub assembly.
The wheel bearing contains several small steel balls that roll continuously over the raceway, which is the ring-shaped groove inside the bearing. The bearing allows the wheel to rotate freely while also absorbing the vertical and lateral forces that arise while driving. These forces include the weight of the vehicle, the road irregularities, and the cornering forces that act on the wheels during driving.
The flanges on the wheel hub assembly help connect the brake disc or drum to the wheel hub, allowing the vehicle's braking system to work efficiently. The wheel studs hold the wheels in place and ensure that they rotate freely while mounted on the hub assembly.
Wheel hubs also contain seals to prevent dirt, grime, and other foreign particles from entering the bearing, which can cause damage and reduce the wheel assembly's lifespan. The seal also prevents moisture from entering the hub, which can rust the bearing and cause significant damage.
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