Click to Subscribe
Register | Log in

Reply To: what benefits do Bearing kits have for my 4×4

Dirk Ringlib
Dirk
Dirk on

Wheel Bearing Kits

Wheel bearings allow a wheel to turn at high speeds and at a very low friction rate, despite the heavy loads they have to bear when your rig is kitted out with packed fridges, rooftop tents, roof racks etc… the weight could quickly reach maximum capacity and that will have a serious effect on your bearings.   The typical wheel bearing consist of two rings with “rolling objects” in between, being balls or cones. As the balls or cones don’t slide but roll, they hardly generate any friction.

The weights of the car, the suspension action as well as the driving and braking forces are transmitted over the bearings. That means all the forces are transferred by the miniscule touching areas of the rollers and the inner and outer bearing rings (racers). Therefore, the bearings have to be made from the strongest, most durable steel, while the running surfaces have to be polished and hardened to keep wear down to a minimum, aided by an efficient coat of grease. A pair of seals prevents grease from leaving the hub and dirt from entering the bearings.

Wheel bearings are a very important safety item of a car. A failing bearing usually starts with a humming sound. However, if wear leads to excessive play, stability may be endangered. In worst cases, the wheel may lock up by seizing rollers, or even come off entirely. Needless to say that at the earliest signs of bearing failure, the bearings must be replaced.