Wheel Hubs & Bearings

Understanding Wheel Hubs and Bearings

The Nissan of Alhambra parts team has all the parts you're looking for your restoration, modification, or repair project. Wheel hubs and bearings allow your wheels to rotate freely while supporting the vehicle's weight. They endure tremendous forces during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Worn bearings create safety hazards and damage other components.

The Function of Hubs and Bearings

Wheel bearings are precision-machined steel balls or rollers that reduce friction between rotating and stationary parts. The hub assembly houses these bearings and provides the mounting surface for the wheel. Vehicles like the Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima use sealed bearing assemblies that require no maintenance. Bearings must handle radial and axial loads simultaneously during normal driving. They spin thousands of times per minute at highway speeds.

What Causes Bearing and Hub Failure

Contamination from water and dirt breaks down bearing grease, increasing friction and heat. Impact damage from potholes creates flat spots on bearing surfaces. Improper installation torque damages seals or preloads bearings incorrectly. Age and mileage gradually wear down the precision surfaces. Aftermarket bearings often use lower-grade steel that wears faster than genuine parts. We replace many failed generic bearings that should have lasted significantly longer.

Warning Signs of Bearing Problems

Growling or humming noises that increase with vehicle speed indicate bearing wear. Wheel wobble or excessive play when you grab the tire suggests loose bearings. Heat buildup you can feel on the wheel after driving points to bearing friction. Most wheel bearings need replacement between 75,000 and 150,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Genuine Nissan wheel hubs and bearings meet strict tolerances that ensure proper fit with your suspension components. Generic versions might bolt on but often create premature wear issues.

Trust Nissan of Alhambra to provide the quality components that'll keep you moving forward.