The Essentials of a Car Hub Unit

The car hub unit is one of those components you may not hear about, until you really need to. This vital car part is a critical part of your vehicle’s wheel assembly, and ensuring its proper function and condition is essential to your car's overall performance and safety.

Why Do You Need a Car Hub Unit

Your car's wheels literally revolve around the hub unit. The hub contains the wheel bearings which enable the wheel to spin freely but in controlled fashion. Without a functional hub unit, your drive can become uneven, wobbly, and ultimately hazardous. If you hear strange sounds such as grinding or humming from your wheels, or notice that your ABS light is constantly on, it could be a sign that your hub unit requires attention.

How the Hub Unit Works

The hub unit is designed to keep your wheels running smoothly and efficiently. It is connected to both the axle and the brake calipers, enabling it to bear the load of the vehicle while allowing the wheel to rotate with minimal friction. The wheel bearings within the hub are lubricated with high-temperature grease to reduce friction and prevent overheating. When functioning correctly, the hub unit contributes to your car's optimal fuel efficiency, smooth handling, and effective braking.

What Happens if The Hub Unit Breaks?

If the hub unit is damaged or worn out, the most immediate outcome is typically an increase in rolling resistance, making the vehicle harder to drive. This can lead to a drop in fuel efficiency, reduced handling precision, and longer braking distances. In extreme cases, a complete hub unit failure could result in the wheel becoming detached from the vehicle, leading to a potentially catastrophic loss of control.

• Subaru Impreza