Fix It Right The First Time: Wheel Bearing Replacement Tips

Wheel bearings are an integral component of the drivetrain and suspension system, but because they are positioned behind the braking assembly, they are often overlooked until a failure becomes audible. Whether the symptom is a subtle vibration or a distinct metallic growl, a failing bearing is an inconvenience and a safety risk that requires immediate mechanical attention.

We’ve put together this guide to help you talk shop with your coworkers and provide the best advice to your customers when it comes to wheel bearings.

Identifying Wheel Bearing Failure Symptoms: Asking the Right Questions

When a customer comes in complaining of road noise, the diagnosis starts at the service desk. Before you even lift the car, asking a few targeted questions can save you hours of teardown time.

• What does it sound like? Is it a low-frequency growl, a metallic grinding, or a high-pitched hum?
• Does the pitch change? Ask whether the noise gets louder with speed or shifts when they swerve slightly or take a curve.
• Has there been an “event”? Did the driver recently nail a deep pothole or curb a wheel? Physical impacts are one of the most common causes of premature bearing failure.
• Are there any warning lights? If the ABS or traction control light is on, there’s a high probability that the integrated sensor in the hub assembly has failed.

Wheel bearing noise is a warning sign that a vehicle’s handling and safety are being compromised, so the more information you can get, the better.

Why High-Quality Bearings Are A Must

It can be tempting for customers to look for the cheapest part available online, but as a pro, you know that budget bearings are a recipe for a comeback. Wheel bearings are under immense load and must maintain incredibly tight tolerances.

Pro-Tech Tip:

It’s important to make your customer aware that many modern cars require replacing the entire hub assembly, as the wheel bearings are integrated into the unit.

When it comes to components that keep your wheels on the road, they should never settle for substandard parts.

• Durability: GMB uses high-grade steel that resists pitting and fatigue.
• Precision: Tighter tolerances mean less play and a longer service life.
• Integration: Our hub units feature OE-style sensors to ensure the ABS and stability systems communicate perfectly with the ECU.

GMB hub assemblies and wheel bearings are engineered to meet or exceed OE specifications. We use premium materials and advanced heat-treating processes to ensure our bearings can handle the heat and stress of daily driving. When you install GMB wheel hub bearings you’re restoring the vehicle to its OEM specifications.

Wheel Hub Bearing Installation Best Practices

Even the best bearing in the world will fail prematurely if it isn’t installed correctly. To ensure a one-and-done repair, keep these professional tips in mind during the replacement process:

• Cleanliness is King: Use a wire brush or abrasive pad to clean all mating surfaces on the knuckle and hub. Any debris trapped between the surfaces can cause misalignment.
• New Hardware Only: Never reuse old retaining bolts, axle nuts, or clips. These are often torque-to-yield components that lose their clamping force once removed.
• The Torque Wrench is Your Best Friend: Always torque the axle nut to the exact manufacturer specifications using a calibrated torque wrench. Over-tightening can crush the inner races, while under-tightening leads to excessive play.
• Avoid the Hammer: Never use a hammer to seat a bearing. Use a press or an approved hub puller/installer tool to prevent internal damage.

The Value Of High-Quality GMB Parts

When explaining the benefits of a high-quality GMB bearing to a customer, focus on the total cost of ownership. A cheap bearing might save them a few dollars today, but if it fails in six months, they’ll be paying for the part and labor all over again. Its fine to go budget when you’re shopping for accessories or dress-up parts, but when it comes to the components that keep your wheels on the road, never settle for substandard parts.

Additionally, once one side has failed due to mileage, the other side likely isn’t far behind. Recommending wheel bearing replacement in pairs, especially on high-mileage vehicles, is the best way to ensure safety and prevent another trip to the shop in the near future. 

GMB has been an industry leading manufacturer of OE and aftermarket automotive products since 1943. Follow the links below to check out our full range of OEM-spec GMB replacement parts:

• Wheel Bearings and Hub Assemblies
• Timing Belt Kits with Water Pumps
• Tensioners and Idler Bearings
• Heavy Duty Parts
• Universal Joints
• Water Pumps
• Fan Clutches
• Fuel Pumps
• Batteries

Looking for more tips and info on wheel bearings and hubs? Check out our online archive. Contact our team for questions about the best quality wheel bearings and hub assemblies, and order online today!