do front wheel drive cars have a different name for a wheel bearing?

 

jjoel, it's been a long time since I work in a parts department, but I "think" it's called a bearing and hub assembly; but don't quote me on it.

 

Maybe you are thinking Constant Velocity Joint or CV Joint? This is note really part of the bearing as far as I know but this is a common problem/maintenance item for FWD cars. I Think they still use bearings on the wheel hub itself.

One thing to keep an eye on is the rubber boot around the CV joint. If it gets holes or splits, it will allow dirt and water to contaminate the joint which will lead to failure over time. So inspect regularly.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

Yes front wheel drive does have bearings and they are called bearings. Have replaced a few in my time but I think on some cars now you buy the hub and bearing complete.

 

"Hub assembly" comes to mind. Be careful, some assemblies (like on '90 ford taurus) have to have the bearing pressed onto the hub, trick is, the entire knuckle/spindle has to come off the car and the bearing is pressed onto the hub from the inside of the knuckle.

Some like late 80's GM, just bolt on.

One other tricky this is getting the CV shaft out of the center of the hub. Usually a three-arm puller will work. And I've had to use some heat from time to time

 

my dad wanted to know for our villager. fortunently my personal car is RWD!!! woohoo. im liking RWD but we'll see if i still like it after the first winter.

 

jjoel if you drive rationally when winter comes you will be fine. YEs I have had my share of FWD and they do great in the snow. BUt I like RWD drive better especially 4WD. JUst be carefull of stopping and starting on hills in winter.