How to install wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are subject to wear and tear and must be checked during every maintenance inspection. They are a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle, enabling the wheel to rotate smoothly with a minimum of friction. For more information about maintenance and replacement intervals, read our article on
wheel end bearings

As suspension systems have become increasingly complex in order to improve car handling and driving comfort, manufacturers have developed several generations of wheel bearings. The first versions – generation 0 and 1 – functioned well, but can be difficult and time-consuming to install. In response, car manufacturers developed hub units, easy to install, pre-adjusted and lubricated bearing assembly. These hub units also offer better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics which increases the lifetime of the bearing, as well as improving comfort and fuel consumption. 

This blog gives an overview of the different generations, as well as explaining how to install them. You can also check out the installation instructions on MOOG TV. Please note that installation details both below and in the video are indicative of each wheel and bearing generation. The actual installation instructions can vary depending on the type of car and the fitting position (front or rear axle and driven or non-driven axle).

Wheel bearing generation 0

Description 

Wheel bearings gen 0 are a pair of single row bearings with either ball bearings or tapered rollers, which are not locked in a cartridge. They are mainly found in cars manufactured until 2000.

Benefits

The main benefit of wheel bearings gen 0 is their low cost. However, they require more experience to install, need to be lubricated, adjusted to the right play and sealed by the installer and require regular maintenance. 

How to install wheel bearings generation 0:

1. Remove the brake parts.
2. Remove the accessories and the hub containing the wheel bearings
3. Clean the spindle with brake parts cleaner and check for wear or damage. Replace the spindle if it is worn or damaged.
4. Remove the bearings from the hub and clean the hub with brake parts cleaner. Be careful not to damage the hub. 
   
5. Tap in the inner and outer replacement raceways. Use the appropriate tool to avoid damaging the raceways.
6. Generously apply grease to the bearings and the spindle. Make sure to lubricate the wheel bearings completely (i.e. 150g of grease per wheel), using the grease type recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Install the inner bearing and the replacement seal. Use the appropriate tool to avoid damaging the seal.
8. Re-install the hub and put grease on the spindle.
9. Install the outer bearing and pre-load by installing the nut on the spindle hand-tight and turn a quarter back so the nut has sufficient slack for when the bearing expands as it heats up.
10. Secure the nut with a new split pin and install a new dust cap to prevent water and dirt entering the wheel bearing.

Wheel bearing generation 1

Description

Wheel bearings gen 1 are based on a double row ball or taper roller design. They are used mainly for driven wheels. They can also be found in integral drum designs on the non-driven wheels of smaller cars. This type of wheel bearing is common for cars manufactured till 2005 but even today they are still in use.

Benefits

The bearing pre-load, lubrication and sealing is integrated in the production process of wheel bearings 1 st gen. This means they are pre-lubricated and sealed for life, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance. They provide specific support at the moment the load is applied to the bearing during cornering. And, even though the installation is still sensitive, they are easier to install than generation 0 models.

How to install wheel bearings generation 1:

1. Remove the brake parts.
2. Remove the driveshaft nut and press out the driveshaft.
3. Remove the wheel hub to get access to the steering knuckle/ bearing hub.
4. Remove the circlip and press out the bearing from the knuckle/hub. Be careful not to damage the hub and clean it with brake parts cleaner.
5. Apply anti-fretting paste on the inside of the hub and on the outer surface edge of the bearing. Be careful not to put grease on the bearing seals.
6. Install the bearing (with the greased side on the inside) in the steering knuckle/ hub.
7. Press the bearing into the steering knuckle at an angle of 90°. Only apply pressure on the outer ring. 
8. Install a new snap ring/ circlip. 
9. Re-install the wheel hub.
10. Re-install the drive shaft and secure with a new locking nut. Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut as specified by the car manufacturer.

Wheel bearing generation 2

Description

Wheel bearings gen 2 are based on a double row ball or taper roller design and feature an outer ring with an integral flange, which replaces the function of a separate hub. They are typically used for non-driven front or rear wheels. The flanged ring is a lightweight structural component and incorporates threaded holes to centre and mount the brake and wheel. This type of wheel end bearing has mainly been used on cars manufactured as of 2005 and is still common in recent and new cars. 

Benefits

Wheel bearings 2^nd gen are easier and less time consuming to install than previous generations.

How to install wheel bearings generation 2:

1. Remove the brake parts.
2. Undo the nut.
3. Pull off the old wheel bearing.
   
4. Clean the spindle with brake parts cleaner and check for wear or damage. Replace the spindle if it is worn or damaged.
5. Install the new wheel end bearing. Check if the wheel bearing is properly placed by turning it round to detect any potential resistance or wobble.
6. Install a new nut and tighten according to the car manufacturer's recommendations by using a torque wrench.

Wheel bearing generation 3

Description

Wheel bearings gen 3 are based on a double row ball or taper roller design, and feature a flange for wheel and brake attachment and a second flange for fixing the unit to the suspension. They are used for both driven and non-driven wheel applications. For driven wheel applications, torque is transmitted to the inner ring via a spline. Additionally, wheel bearings gen 3 often contain an integrated ABS sensor. This type of wheel bearing is mainly used for cars manufactured since 2010 and is commonly used on new vehicles.

Benefits

Wheel bearings 3 rd gen are very easy and quick to install, don’t require installation adjustments or maintenance and have an extended lifespan.

How to install wheel bearings generation 3:

1. Remove the brake parts.
2. Remove the bolts that attach the hub bearing to the knuckle / hub carrier and remove the wheel bearing.
3. Clean the knuckle / hub carrier thoroughly, making sure all dirt or rust is removed.
4. Apply a 3mm band of anti-fretting paste to the contact surface of the wheel bearing and the knuckle / hub carrier.
5. Attach the new wheel bearing to the knuckle / hub carrier by tightening the new nuts according to the car manufacturer's recommendations by using a torque wrench.

Wheel bearing generation 4

Description

Wheel bearings gen 4 are bearings that are fully integrated into the brake disc. They are only used on rear, non-driven axles of Peugeot, Citroën and Renault models.

Benefits

Wheel bearings 4 th gen are extremely easy to install, and more durable with a longer lifespan. They are also a lot a lot lighter than a separate hub-wheel bearing-brake disc design. However, they are the most expensive type of wheel end bearing assemblies.

How to install wheel bearings generation 4:

1. Remove the brake parts.
2. Clean the spindle and check for damage or rust. Replace the spindle in case of damage.
3. Clean the new brake disc with brake parts cleaner. 
4. Install the new brake disc with integrated bearing.
5. Install the new nut using a torque wrench to torque it according to the car manufacturer's recommendation.

MOOG wheel end bearings

MOOG has a range of precision engineered wheel bearings of all generations. These quality components offer lower friction, minimised vibrations, maintenance-free operation and a longer lifespan. Plus, inside every MOOG box you will find all the parts and accessories you need for the full job. For more information on the MOOG range, visit our website