Check out the top 10 best wheel bearings & hub assembly for getting excellent performance. We have assembled a list of high-quality wheel bearing depending on performance, durability as well as budget also.
Wheel bearings are one of the lowest maintenance parts on your vehicle, but that doesn’t mean they last forever, and it also means that the wheel bearings you choose for your car need to be top of the line to ensure durability, safety a longer lifespan while on the road.
We have compiled a list of the best wheel bearings currently available on the market to help you in your decision to purchase new wheel bearings for your vehicle.
In each review, we will cover notable features as well as quality to provide you with the essential information you need to make your decision as we did previously for the best fuel pump selection.
Page Contents
Top 10 Best Wheel Bearings Reviews
01. Timken SP500300 Bearing and Hub Assembly – Editor’s Pick
Those are the best wheel bearings that offer longevity and durability while on the road, which the Timken SP500300 Axle Bearing and Hub Assembly have in spades.
Timken is well known for its high-quality bearings, and this particular model is no exception.
It is made from durable materials and features tight construction for safe and worry-free driving.
It can fit in a range of car models, both old and new, and has a relatively easy installation when compared to other types of bearings.
As we’ve mentioned, installation for this part is relatively easy due to the quality craftsmanship from Timken.
You should ideally purchase a 6-point 15mm wrench to help you along, though, as it will help tighten the three bolts more than other wrenches.
You will need the necessary mechanical skills and a steady hand for installation; the most challenging aspect of lighting tends to be removing the old bearings rather than installing the new Timken SP500300 bearings.
Highlighted Features:
- Dimensions: 9.4″ x 8.9″ x 6.1″
- Manufactured in the United States
- Coated with corrosion-resistant material
- Sealed interior keeps the inside clean and improves lifetime performance
- Durable construction makes it ideal for cars that tend to get a lot of miles
02. Detroit Front Driver & Passenger Side Wheel Bearing – Best Quality Wheel Bearing
The best wheel bearings are those that provide security and quality craftsmanship through-and-through.
These qualities are exemplified in the Detroit Axle Driver & Passenger Side Wheel Hub and Bearing Assemblies set.
Detroit Axle is well known for its high-quality wheel bearings, and this particular model is no exception.
It is meant to handle certain levels of heavier loads, making it ideal for AWD/4×4 models for which it was designed.
This particular product is ideal if you require both driver and passenger side hubs and bearings in one-go or if you would prefer to replace both sets of wheel bearings at the same time for consistency’s sake.
You won’t find many companies that offer a great deal like this, which is one of the great appeals of Detroit Axle.
It should be noted that this hub and bearing set does not come with the mounting bolts, so you will need to make sure you have them on hand before you start the installation.
The lug bolts are included, however, so you won’t need to purchase those additionally.
Assembly is relatively easy if you have mechanical experience, and most buyers should be able to get them on without much trouble.
Highlighted Features:
- Designed for 4×4/AWD car models
- 6 Lug application
- Direct fit OEM Design
- Built in an ISO9002 certified facility
- Durable construction for greater security and longevity
03. Timken SP580310 Wheel Bearing – Easy to Install
We can say those wheel bearings are excellent, which provides features designed to improve longevity, which reduces the need for unnecessary replacements and ensures safe, smooth driving for tens of thousands of miles on the road.
The Timken SP580310 is designed with a tight, secure fit that will ward off the build-up of various road debris, including dust, mud, road salt, and water; this, in turn, reduces the chances for corrosion and other damage to the bearing.
Another key benefit of this particular wheel bearing is the anti-corrosion coating. This special coating makes it much more difficult for rust to form on the exterior or interior of the bearing.
Rust is one of the most common reasons why wheel bearings fail and require replacement—a potentially costly replacement, especially if it hasn’t been used for very long—so the addition of this coating adds both security on the road and a more sound financial investment.
Highlighted Features:
- Sealed bearings to ensure the inside remains free from debris
- Tight fit design for added control and stability
- Corrosion preventative coating reduces chances of rusting
- High-quality, durable materials last longer with regular wear and tear
- Designed to be installed easily
04. Detroit Axcle 515058 Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly – High Abrasion Resistance
You need those bearing assembly, which will give you a consistent operation that can be counted on time and time again.
The Detroit 515058 Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly is a roll form wheel bearing that is specifically designed to provide the most optimum preload and logical function during use.
The bearing itself is designed with highly strict specifications, which are meant to exactly match the raceway and rollway elements of the baring design.
This ensures an exceptionally quiet, smooth performance when compared to the bearing’s competitor models.
One of the unique aspects of this particular bearing is the blended material used to make it.
This mixed material is designed to help increase the abrasion resistance of the bearing while also protecting the bearing from wear and tear due to abrasion.
This type of resistance is especially helpful in more impoverished road conditions, such as roads covered in road salt or ways that frequently kick up dust and small rocks.
Highlighted Features:
- Quad-seal design for the reduced interior build-up and less friction during use
- ABS function ensures quiet, smooth operation during regular operation
- Roll form bearing design for maximized preloading and consistent function
- Blended material allows for greater resistance to abrasion while protecting from debris
05. Detroit Axle – 4×4 (Both) Front Wheel Hub And Bearing Assembly
The best wheel bearings are those that provide a smooth ride through good design and modern features.
This Detroit Axle Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Pair features a compact design for flat rides during operation combined with quality materials that are designed to last your car for years to come.
This particular model can fit several different cars makes and models, as it is one of the most versatile options from Detroit Axle’s current offerings.
One of the critical features of this wheel bearing is the 5-lug design with ABS functions. The design and ABS function allow for greater and tighter steering wheel control, which is essential for driving your car safely and securely.
This particular bearing model can be somewhat challenging to install if you don’t have prior experience installing bearings, but this is not a significant drawback.
This specific set comes with two bearings and hubs for both of your front wheels, so you will only need to purchase it once for a matching set.
Highlighted Features:
- ABS function with sensory wire
- Comes with 5 lug design (lugs included)
- FWD or AWD options
- Tight design for added smoothness and friction reduction
- Includes 2 front wheel hub and bearing assembly
06. Motorman 513121 Wheel Hub and Bearing
This bearing set is designed to ensure their products are safe, top quality, and provide the best operating experience possible.
The Motorman 513121 Front ABS wheel and the bearing set are designed within a unique testing facility that allows the company to simulate real-life pressure and stress on the bearing; this is done to spot flaws and weaknesses in the design so they can be corrected before the product being finalized.
This level of care and dedication shows in the overall quality of this wheel bearing model, which is made with sturdy materials and a tight-fitting design that fits your car in an almost custom-made manner.
Another significant benefit of this wheel bearing model is that it is sold in pairs and can be versatile.
You can use this model to replace the two front position wheels—passenger and driver—on FWD and 2WD car models; you can use them to replace the rear position wheels on 42D or AWD models.
Highlighted Features:
- 5-Lug design with ABS sensor wiring
- Front position wheels on FWD/2WD models or rear position wheels on 4WD/AWD models
- The tight fit design ensures smooth operation
- The company utilizes premium testing facilities that simulate real-life stressors on wheel bearings to pinpoint design weaknesses and resolve them before bearing designs are finalized
07. Detroit Axle Front Wheel Bearing
To ensure the smoothest ride possible during regular operation, this model of Detroit is an excellent choice.
This wheel bearing and hub set from Detroit Axle features a top-notch tight fit design that will help keep your rides as smooth as possible when you’re riding on regular roads.
Like all Detroit Axle wheel bearings, this model is made with high-quality metals that are designed to last as long as possible with regular use. It also features ABS function with sensor wire for maximum control over your steering wheel during your drives.
One key feature of this particular model is that it is sold in pairs; it can be used either for 4×4 or 2WD, making it an optimum choice when you need a versatile wheel bearing. It is designed to be used for front wheels only.
The only potential downside to this model is that, like some of Detroit Axle’s other wheel bearing models, it can be challenging to install if you don’t have prior experience installing wheel bearings on your car.
However, this small downside is vastly outweighed by the benefits of this wheel bearing.
Highlighted Features:
- ABS function with sensor wire
- 6 Stud design
- Tight fit design helps ensure smooth rides during operation
- 4X4 and 2WD capability
- Designed for left or right front wheels
08. Mostplus Wheel Bearing & Hub Bearing Assembly
Most plus bearing combines versatility with an easy-to-install design. This wheel bearing model from Mostplus is meant to be easy to install for most car owners with some essential mechanical experience; it is also versatile since it can fit both AWD and most 4WD car models.
Buyers should ensure that their car make and model can fit with this wheel bearing, however, since not all 4WD models are compatible.
It includes a six-lug design for maximum security, though buyers should note that the set does not come with axle nuts—they must be purchased separately.
The most notable feature of this particular wheel bearing is the tight-fitting quality design, which will help ensure smooth operation during car rides.
This tight fit design is combined with quality ABS sensor wire; these two design features combined help to provide a fine-tuned control over the steering wheel when you are driving your car.
This particular model is sold in sets of 2 and is meant to fit in either the front driver and front passenger-side tires.
Highlighted Features:
- Fits AWD or 4WD car models
- 6 Lug design for maximum security
- ABS function with sensor wire for added control
- Tight fitting design for optimum smoothness during operation
- Designed to be easy to install
09. ECCPP Wheel Hub Bearing
A perfect bearing set features meant to improve the longevity of the bearing, saving consumers time and money in the long run.
This wheel bearing model from ECCPP features a quality anti-corrosion coating that will help prevent rust from forming on the wheel bearing; rust is one of the most common causes behind wheel bearing failure, so this coating will go a long way towards ensuring a longer lifespan for the bearing itself.
This bearing is sold in sets of 2 and is designed to be used with the front passenger and front driver side wheels.
Another notable feature of this wheel bearing model is a high-quality material, which is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
It features a 6-lug design and tight fit, which ensure maximum smoothness when the car is being driven; it also includes ABS function with sensor wire for maximum control over the steering wheel.
This ECCPP wheel bearing is designed to be easy to install and can be installed by most car owners with essential mechanical experience.
Highlighted Features:
- 6 Lug design
- ABS function with sensor wire
- Designed to be easy to install
- Corrosion resistant coating helps prevent rusting
- High-quality material ensures greater longevity
10. Polaris Turbo Front and Rear Wheel Hub
Those are called the best wheel bearings that combine durability and quality with maximum convenience. This wheel bearing set from Polaris features all four-wheel bearings necessary for your car: front driver’s side, front passenger side, and two rear wheel bearings.
Polaris wheel bearings are made from premium metal materials, which ensure greater longevity and durability when compared to bearings made with fewer quality materials.
One notable feature of this particular wheel bearing is the tight fit design, which ensures a smooth ride from start to finish during operation.
The close fit design also helps to reduce the amount of dust, mud, and other debris that may get inside the wheel bearing, causing corrosion or other damage, which can shorten the life of a wheel bearing.
The bearing is also designed to be easy to install for anyone with essential mechanical experience, which makes this set even more convenient as all four-wheel bearings can be replaced at once for a more consistent ride.
Highlighted Features:
- Premium quality metal ensures longevity and durability
- Features full bearing set for all four tires
- Tight fit design for maximum smoothness during car operation
- Designed to be easy to install
Things to Look For When Choosing Best Wheel Bearings
Choosing the best wheel bearings isn’t always easy, but the decision will be much easier when you understand the fundamental factors that you should consider when making your decision. The following are the most important factors to consider when you are choosing new wheel bearings.
1. Your car’s make and model
This is essential because if a wheel bearing doesn’t properly fit, it cannot be safely used in your vehicle.
Different makes and models will require different types of wheel bearings, so this is the very first thing you will need to consider when making your decision.
You will also need to take note of your car’s weight and load capability, which can impact the bearing you choose as well.
As a general rule, many retail sites where you purchase wheel bearings will have a tool that lets you check whether or not the bearing can be used with your car’s make and model, so this shouldn’t be too easy to find out if you’re willing to spend a minute searching.
2. The bearing’s material
Not all bearings are made out of the same material, and this can impact the durability of the bearing as well as its general longevity.
First, you should look for material that allows for elasticity, since the bearing needs to return to its original shape to function appropriately; less flexibility in a bearing generally reduces its lifespan.
You should also look for material that is designed to bear the appropriate weight load; this can vary depending on the size, make, and model of your vehicle.
For instance, wheel bearings for semi-trucks will require vastly more durable material than wheel bearings for a small personal automobile, so you should avoid using bearings made with material ideal for smaller cars in a semi-truck.
3. The amount of corrosion resistance
Corrosion resistance is a serious consideration with bearings, as corrosion is one of the leading causes of bearing failure.
Bearings are most often corroded by water and moisture, but some can even be corroded by the oil you use to lubricate the bearings.
You should look for a bearing that is made with a corrosion-resistant material, as they will be less likely to destroy without excessive exposure to water.
4. How much thermal conductivity the bearing makes?
Thermal conductivity is not at the forefront of most people’s minds when buying wheel bearings. Still, it can have a severe impact on the safety and durability of the bearing itself.
When tires are rotated during a drive, they sometimes produce friction-based heat; this heat could potentially warp wheel bearings, causing them to become damaged and eventually require replacement.
Bearings that are made from a material with a high thermal conductivity level are less likely to become warped due to this heat, so you should look for a wheel bearing with a higher thermal conductivity rating.
5. How easy it is to get serviced and cleaned
Wheel bearings should be professionally serviced and cleaned about every 30,000 miles.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the lifespan and durability of a wheel bearing, especially if you live in an area or have a profession where the bearings will see regular exposure to dirt, dust, mud, road salt, and rainwater.
This type of containment exposure can significantly reduce your car’s lifespan if it isn’t regularly removed.
You should check to see if the bearing features an easy-clean design and is made with material that can be cleaned using standard car part cleaners, as these are preferable over bearings which will otherwise be forced to accumulate dirt, dust, grime and other debris that will go a long way towards damaging the bearing.
FAQ Wheel Bearings And Hub Assembly
1. How to Tell If Wheel Bearings Need to Be Replaced
Wheel bearings that need to be replaced can cause serious issues, including accidents, so you must know the signs that your wheel bearings have gone wrong and need to be fixed. This way, you will be able to address the issue as soon as possible.
Signs of wheel bearings that need a replacement include:
- Unusual noises: you may hear consistent “clunk” noises when driving over a road surface that isn’t entirely even; you may listen to grinding or whining noise while driving the car, yet over smooth road surfaces; or you may hear a distinct rumbling sound that gets more distinct when you turn the vehicle or speed up the car.
- Steering wheel issues: steering, which seems loose or even vague and doesn’t always respond accurately to your motions; or a vibrating steering wheel when you turn or speed up the car.
- ABS problems: damaged wheel bearings can cause your ABS to fail; this typically means that the ABS sensor integrated into the wheel bearing has failed.
If you have noticed any of these symptoms in your vehicle, be sure to have your car inspected promptly.
It is highly unlikely that the bearings will fail immediately after you first notice any of these signs, but the longer you wait to address the issue of damaged wheel bearings, the more likely it is that the damage will get worse.
Wheel bearings connect your steering wheel to the rest of your car, and if left unchecked, a damaged wheel bearing could cause you to lose control and get into a severe accident.
2. Most Common Types of Wheel Bearings
There are several different types of wheel bearings available, which wheel bearing you choose will vary depending on your car’s make, model, weight capacity, and more. Here are the most common types of wheel bearings you’ll see in today’s vehicle market:
- Ball bearings: ball bearings are meant to manage radial and thrust loads while promoting smooth wheel spins and reducing heat and physical friction. Ball bearings are the most common wheel bearing you’ll see used in vehicles today.
- Roller thrust bearings: roller thrust bearings are meant for vehicles that handle large and heavier loads; they are made with solid material that helps bear higher loads and reduce friction during operation.
- Ball thrust bearings: ball thrust bearings are mechanically similar to standard ball bearings, except they are designed for low weight and low-speed vehicles.
- Roller bearings: roller bearings feature a distinct design that can be used in vehicles with large or standard loads; unlike roller thrust bearings, they can be used in cars of various makes, models, and load capacities.
- Tapered roller bearings: Tapered roller bearings are very versatile bearings that can manage thrust and radial loads, as well as heavy loads.
If you are unsure about which type of wheel bearing is best for your vehicle, consult with the vehicle manufacturer guidelines or a professional.
Both options will be able to provide you with recommendations about which type of bearing is best—and safest—for your vehicle.
3. How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?
In general, wheel bearings are designed to last for around 85,000 to 100,000 miles.
However, the lifespan of wheel bearings can vary depending on a few factors, including the quality of the roads; frequent exposure to debris such as mud, road salt, water, and dust.
The load-bearing capacity of the bearing vs. the average load in the vehicle; potential faulty installation or system failures; the quality of the wheel bearing itself.
You can help prolong the longevity of your wheel bearings by ensuring you have the right wheel bearings installed in your vehicle, avoiding poor road conditions, and having your wheel bearings regularly serviced every 30,000 miles or so.
4. What Causes the Most Damage to Wheel Bearings?
Many factors can damage even the best wheel bearings. The most common ways that wheel bearings become damaged are:
- Environmental impact: every time your car drives over potholes, hits curbs, or even goes too quickly over speed bumps, the effect can cause damage to your wheel bearing. Frequent exposure to this type of physical impact can lead to significantly reduced longevity.
- Inferior quality materials: a wheel bearing that is made from inferior quality materials will likely have weak resistance to heat, less corrosion resistance, and overall be more likely to break down much sooner than bearings made from high-quality materials.
- Exposure to poor conditions: if you drive through poor weather conditions, this can cause damage to your wheel bearing over time. The most important terms that impact wheel bearings are mud, dust, road salt, as well as water.
- Improper car modifications: improper car modifications, such as exchanging manufacturer rims for broader or larger rims, reducing the threads walls of fires, using stiff shock absorbers, and numerous suspension springs can all result in a higher weight load against the wheel bearing during use.
- This will substantially speed up the wear and tear process, resulting in bearings that are worn out earlier than they would otherwise be worn out.
- Improper installation: Another common culprit for damaged wheel bearings is improper installation.
Bearings that are installed on vehicles that are not designed to fit, bearings that are installed incorrectly by amateurs or professionals, as well as bearings installed on cars that have been modified will all result in damage from improper installation.
By avoiding the above factors in mind, you will be able to reduce unnecessary damage on wheel bearings.
Final Verdict
Choosing the best wheel bearings is not always an easy task. However, when you understand what factors you need to consider when picking a wheel bearing for your vehicle, you will be able to make a much more informed choice.
Remember to consider important factors such as your car’s make and model, the load capacity, as well as the general conditions of the roads you drive on every day when choosing a wheel bearing.
The wheel bearing you choose must be durable, high-quality, and above all, designed to fit inside your car.
If you are looking for a high-quality wheel bearing that will go above and beyond to keep your vehicle riding smoothly for years to come, then the above ten wheel bearings are the best options currently available today.
