Can you change the hub assembly?
A wheel hub assembly is a vital part on a vehicle, particularly in regards to how the vehicle feels while driving and how it handles. These assemblies are exactly the same as a normal wheel bearing and hub, except they can be changed out by just removing a few bolts.
Is it safe to drive with a bad hub assembly?
Q: Is it safe to drive with a bad wheel bearing? A: No. It can, in fact, be very dangerous to drive if one of your bearings is worn out, especially since it may cause the wheel to stop while driving. Additionally, a damaged wheel bearing puts a lot of stress on the hub, the CV joint, and the transmission itself.
How can you tell if your hub assembly is bad?
Signs of Hub Damage During Normal Driving
- Snapping, clicking or popping noises when cornering or making sharp turns.
- Grinding noise when the vehicle is moving.
- Knocking or clunking sensation from the vehicle.
- Wheel vibration and/or wobble.
- Poor steering control.
- Shudder, shimmy or vibration at a constant speed.
How much does it cost to replace a front hub assembly?
For a 2012 Chevrolet 1500 with four-wheel drive, the labor time for the front hub assembly replacement is 1 hour. The factory replacement part costs about $370, or a Raybestoes hub assembly costs about $220. This makes the job about $470 using OE parts, or about $320 using aftermarket parts. On the rear of the vehicle axle bearings are used.
What happens when a wheel hub assembly goes bad?
Typically when a wheel hub assembly goes bad it’s actually the wheel bearing inside the single assembly that is damaged. This part will make a roaring sound, similar to a metal-to-metal grinding sound when the bearing is wearing out.
What kind of hub assembly does a car have?
Today’s modern cars, and those manufactured after 1997 are equipped with a single bearing and hub assembly that is attached to each wheel and tire on a vehicle.
When is the best time to replace a hub assembly?
A hub assembly that has a bearing problem should be replaced as soon as possible and driven as little as possible until it is replaced. Too much play can prevent the brakes from functioning normally, and if left long enough even allow the wheel assembly to break free.