Every vehicle uses wheel bearings at each wheel to reduce friction. Most modern vehicles will use a hub assembly that contains the hub and wheel bearing. Some older vehicles will use wheel bearings that are separate components and are installed in the hub, rotor or spindle. Shop Advance Auto Parts for OEM-quality parts from Driveworks, Carquest, MOOG, National, ACDelco and more.
Some wheel bearings are integrated with the brake rotor, but many aren't. The wheel bearing cuts friction between the wheel and spindle, and a worn or failed wheel bearing can be downright dangerous. Wheel bearings are essential to reducing friction between your wheel's hubs and the spindle. Signs of wear can be difficult to pin down, but a foolproof way to check is to grab a suspended wheel by the top and bottom, and tip it in and out to look for excessive wear.
Replacing hub assemblies and wheel bearings can be a DIY job, but the level of difficulty varies depending on the vehicle. Always remember to check your vehicle's repair manual first to ensure you are using the right tools and parts to complete the job.
If you need to use high-temp grease for your repair, remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when choosing the right grease. Shop Advance Auto Parts for OEM-quality wheel bearing kits.