The usage method of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings

The usage method of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings mainly involves installation, adjustment of pre tension, and subsequent maintenance. The following is a detailed explanation of these aspects:

1、 Installation method

Prepare tools and equipment:

Lifting machine

Dismantling tools (such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.)

Special tools (such as sleeves, pullers, etc., if not available, alternative tools can be found)

Dismantling old bearings:

Drive the vehicle onto the lift and secure it safely.

Remove the front wheels.

Remove the self-locking nut at the end of the half shaft (another person may need to step on the brake pedal to provide reverse torque).

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 specialized or alternative tools to push the wheel hub out of the steering knuckle, while the inner ring of the bearing will detach along with the wheel hub.

Use a puller to remove the inner ring of the hub bearing from the hub.

Use snap pliers to remove the snap spring used to locate the bearing.

Use a press and circular pads to press out the old wheel hub bearings from the steering knuckle.

Install new bearings:

Clean the bearing seat holes on the steering knuckle.

Install the retaining spring on the outer side of the steering knuckle to position the new wheel hub bearing.

Use the old wheel hub bearing outer ring 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.

Install other components:

Install the bolts connecting the lower swing arm and steering knuckle, steering knuckle and shock absorber, lower end nut of steering rod, brake caliper, and steering knuckle in 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.

2、 Adjust the preload

Adjusting the preload of the wheel hub bearings is a key step in ensuring smooth operation of the car. Here are two adjustment methods:

Method 1:

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 pulling test with a force of 200-300 Newtons. Once the wheel hub can rotate slightly, stop tightening the nut.

Method 2:

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.

3、 Maintenance and upkeep

Regular inspection:

Regularly check the operation of the wheel hub bearings, including wear, looseness, and abnormal noise of the bearings.

Regularly check the cleanliness and integrity of the bearing seat holes and oil seals.

Lubrication and maintenance:

It should be noted that early wheel hub bearings may require regular lubrication, but wheel hub bearings on modern cars 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.

Replacement and repair:

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.

When replacing or repairing, make sure to use new bearings of the same specifications and model as the original bearings, and follow the correct installation method and adjustment steps.

In summary, the usage method of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings involves installation, adjustment of preload, and subsequent maintenance and upkeep. When using, it is necessary to strictly follow the operating steps and ensure the use of the correct tools and equipment. At the same time, attention should also be paid to the maintenance and upkeep of bearings to extend their service life and ensure the smooth operation of the car.