When it comes to failing components on your vehicle, there are some components that you can get away with driving on, and some that need immediate repair. It is always recommended when any component is failing to address the issue as soon as possible, but sometimes life happens. This usually depends on the extent of the damage and what type of component it is. As a rule of thumb, you should always take your vehicle to the mechanic if you detect that anything is wrong to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
What Does A Wheel Hub Do?
The wheel hub on a vehicle keeps your wheel attached to the vehicle and allows it to turn freely as you steer. Wheel hubs are located between the drive axle and the brake components and contain bearings for smooth rotation of the wheel. They will also have provisions for wheel studs to be mounted to in most cases.
Why Do Wheel Hubs Fail?
Wheel hubs can fail due to various reasons. Most fail due to old age as the bearings inside the wheel hubs wear out, causing binding and heat issues. Wheel hubs can also fail due to the exposure of contaminants getting inside the hub. Water, dirt, and other grime can get into the wheel hub, causing the grease to become littered with debris. This causes the grease to break down and the bearings to bind, leaving you with a wheel hub that will fail prematurely.
Can I Drive On A Bad Wheel Hub?
If you have noticed that your wheel hub or wheel bearings are failing, it is recommended to get them replaced as soon as possible. A failing wheel bearing that has a metallic scraping sound is an indication that your wheel bearings are binding or no longer properly greased. Driving on them for too long can cause them to fail completely and could result in long-term damage to other related parts and systems. If another component of your wheel hub has failed, such as a stud breaking or falling out, you should get the stud replaced as soon as possible. This will not cause severe damage at first but if not fixed right away it can result in extensive damage if neglected. You will not want to drive on a bad wheel hub for over 1,000 miles as a rule of thumb to prevent further damage.
High-Quality Replacement Wheel Hubs From GSP North America
GSP offers some of the highest-quality wheel hubs in the industry. GSP offers both wheel hub and knuckle hub assemblies.
Vulcanization Process - All Hub Assemblies go through a vacuum vulcanization process to enhance the structural integrity of the seal and rubber components.
Quality Control - In order to increase longevity and resist abrasion, GSP’s ball bearings are spaced precisely to the appropriate clearance for smooth rotation.
Durability & Performance - Hub bearings use high-quality rubber to optimize the seal’s performance and durability against high temperatures and weathering.
Premium Materials - To ensure a smooth surface, free from defects, burrs, and cracks, all bearing housings are manufactured with polyamides for added impact toughness and age resistance.
