Wheel bearing purpose in a car
Wheel bearings are essential in the operation of your vehicle. More precisely, a wheel bearing is crucial for the hub's proper function, tire and wheel assemblies to work together. A wheel bearing locates close to the wheel of the car. It's generally mounted close to the brake drum or brake disc and the vehicle's knuckle arm.
This component plays a vital role in smoothing the engine power flow from the transmission to rotate the wheels and make the car move. The wheel bearing allows friction-free movement and rotation of the hub assembly, and thereby provides smooth tire and wheel rotation.
Because of their vital role for the vehicle, wheel bearings require adequate attention, especially for cars that use tapered roller bearings.
Every vehicle that uses this bearing (tapered roller bearing) requires resetting the preload and regularly replacing the bearing grease. If you are unconcerned about this type of bearings, don't be surprised if you will find rumbling sounds and vibrations from the wheels due to the worn and damaged bearings.
So, what exactly is the purpose of a car wheel bearing? In this article, we will share information about the three purposes of car wheel bearings in vehicles. Below are the purposes of car wheel bearings.
1. To ensure the wheels can rotate and spin smoothly.
The first function of car wheel bearings is to ensure the wheels can rotate and spin smoothly. Wheel bearings have different shapes and types, depending on the car's needs and models. Some use single flow ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, and some use tapered roller bearings.
However, this wheel bearing is designed to be less friction so that the speed and rotation of the wheels remain smooth and under the speed conditions that occur without significant obstacles from the wheel bearings.
2. Support the vehicle weight together with the suspension.
The second purpose of car wheel bearings is to support the vehicle's weight together with the suspension. Yes, the wheel bearings on a car work with the suspension (especially on the knuckle arm or spindle) to support the car's overall weight.
Car wheel bearings are generally attached to the knuckle arms or the spindle component connected to springs and other suspension components. Together with all of these suspension components, wheel bearings will support the car's weight through the wheels.
Therefore, the car wheel bearing is designed to withstand the weight and heat that occurs due to wheel rotation and its impact while the car is running.
Also read:3. Keep the axle shaft not directly to rub against the wheel housing.
The last purpose of car wheel bearings is keeping the axle shaft in contact with the wheel housing. This purpose is commonly found in cars that use rear axles where the axle is covered by the wheel housing integrated with the car's axle cover.
Yes, this car wheel bearing is positioned right at the end of the axle near the tire so that it can keep the tire axle from rubbing directly against the wheel housing.