Car wheel hubs: what are they?

Question

Accepted Answer

A car hub is the part of the wheel, usually the center part of the wheel, that connects to the axle and supports the entire wheel. Wheel hubs are usually made of metal, such as aluminum alloy or steel, to provide sufficient strength and durability. Differences in wheel design can affect the appearance, performance and driving experience of your car. Some wheel designs have better aerodynamic properties to improve fuel efficiency, while other designs focus on improving the vehicle's sporty performance or appearance.

What are the obvious symptoms of car wheel problems?

Obvious symptoms of wheel problems are:

Squeaking noises from the car's tire/wheel area;

The steering wheel vibrates or feels loose;

Tire/wheel wobbling when the vehicle is suspended from a car lift or hydraulic jack;

The wheels made a louder and louder sound as they turned.

If you notice uneven tire wear, it may be due to a wheel hub problem. This may indicate that the wheel hub is installed incorrectly or has another fault that is causing uneven contact between the tire and the road.

Wheel hub failure may cause the tire's seal to be compromised, causing a drop in air pressure and a flat tire.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to car wheels?

Things you should pay attention to when it comes to car wheels are as follows:

Do not overtighten the nuts;

Use only replacement parts recommended by the vehicle manufacturer;

Apply manufacturer's recommended torque;

Inspect all nuts after assembly or maintenance.

How to remove a wheel using a wheel puller?

Preparation:

Park the vehicle on flat ground and apply the handbrake.

Use a jack to raise the vehicle, making sure the wheels are off the ground.

Remove the wheels:

Use the appropriate tool (usually a wrench or air tool) to unscrew the bolts or nuts from the wheel and remove the wheel. Make sure to place the wheels in a safe position.

Prepare the hub puller:

Make sure the hub puller is installed in the correct position on the wheel hub based on its design. Typically, a wheel puller will have a clamp or clamping device used to secure it to the wheel hub.

To use a hub puller:

Once the hub puller is installed and secured to the wheel hub, begin applying force with the puller. This usually involves pulling down on a handle or lever on the puller, thereby detaching the connection between the wheel hub and axle. Note that this may require some force, and it may take several attempts to successfully detach the hub. Make sure you apply even force and be careful not to damage the wheel hub or axle.

Remove hub:

Once the hub has been successfully separated, the hub can be removed from the axle. Remove the hub carefully, making sure not to damage the hub or other related parts during the operation