Rear Wheel Bearings

Tapered roller bearings are popular in automotive applications. Upon adding the maximum number of tapered roller bearings between the inner races, the roller is spaced by a cage evenly around the races. The cage serves the essential function of keeping the roller from coming into contact with each other, but some sliding contact exists and consequent friction between the roller and the cage, so lubrication is necessary for a long life. Tapered roller bearings have a very high radial charge capacity and a high axial charge capacity. Tapered roller bearings are often used in the cars and heavy truck wheel bearings. This type of bearing is mostly used on the rear wheel, where these bearings are mounted on the hub of the axle, the outer racer is mounted on the brake drum, which slips on the bearing when mounting the drum. It is also fitted with a bearing lock, which does not allow the grease to come out. If the rear wheel bearing is poor it will make noise as the gas pedal is pressed when driving this noise is high. Lubrication is important for the bearing's long longevity. This takes heat away from bearings which are heavily loaded and avoids corrosion. Fat and oil are ideal bearing lubricants. The wheel seal is supposed to fit very tightly in the wheel assembly and protects the wheel bearings against dirt, water and other debris which can cause damage. There is an enormous amount of grease inside the wheel bearing which keeps the bearings running smoothly, coolly and secure. Nevertheless, the grease can and often does escape from the wheel bearing when the seal of the wheel is loose. This could weaken the bearing of the wheel, and might even stop the vehicle.