Saab Wheel Bearing - Febi 04838

Product Information

Wheel bearings support the vehicle's weight and reduce rotational friction, located within the wheel hub/spindle. European car manufacturers typically use three types of wheel bearings: unsealed, sealed press-in, and wheel bearing/hub assemblies.

Unsealed bearings, common in pre-1990 cars, require regular greasing, while sealed bearings, used from the 1990s onward, are maintenance-free and must be replaced when worn. The most modern approach integrates the wheel bearing into the hub assembly, simplifying replacement by bolting in a new unit.

Signs of failure include a grinding noise, which worsens over time. Diagnosing involves lifting the car to check for wheel play and noise. Replacement processes differ: unsealed bearings need cleaning and proper alignment, sealed bearings require pressing out, and hub assemblies are straightforward to unbolt and replace. Correct torque application is vital for all types to prevent premature failure.

• Grinding or growling: A bad wheel bearing will first reveal itself by making a growling or grinding noise when unloaded, IE if turning right, the right side will make noise. Eventually, as it gets worse, so will the sound until it’s replaced
• Play in the wheel: With the wheel off the ground, you will detect play from a worn wheel bearing. This is because the internal bearings have worn away and are no longer perfectly tight.
• Vibration or wobble: While much less frequent, if a wheel bearing is very bad or has an excessive amount of play in it, it will cause issues with the vehicle's handling, including vibration or wobble noticeably through the steering wheel.
• Uneven Tire Wear: A faulty Wheel Bearing can adversely affect tire wear and cause uneven wear across the tire contact patch.
• ABS warning light: If you are chasing an ABS issue and you have sorted out the sensors, it’s not impossible that damage has occurred to the ABS tone ring inside of the wheel bearing. If you have a single corner fault but the ABS sensor checks out, replace the wheel bearing and in turn the tone ring.

About Febi Bilstein

Ferdinand Bilstein’s febi brand is a global leader in the replacement parts market, known for offering high-quality alternatives to original equipment (OE) parts. With a range of over 50,000 technical replacement parts for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and trucks, febi ensures that consumers and professionals have access to reliable solutions for maintaining and repairing vehicles. The brand is committed to staying at the forefront of automotive technology, providing parts for hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, and continuously expanding its product offerings to meet the demands of the evolving aftermarket. febi’s global presence spans over 170 countries, supported by advanced logistics centers that ensure fast delivery and product availability worldwide.

A strong focus on quality sets febi apart, as their products match or exceed OE standards, backed by rigorous quality control and in-house manufacturing capabilities. febi offers comprehensive repair solutions for all major vehicle brands and models, ensuring that critical parts are readily available for professional workshops. With a deep-rooted tradition in mobility and a future-oriented approach, febi is a trusted partner in keeping vehicles performing optimally, regardless of their powertrain or application.