GSP, a manufacturer of drivetrain and suspension replacement parts, offers a comprehensive catalog of CV axles and components. Among their offerings are wheel hub assemblies, which they are keen to highlight—for very good reasons.

The wheel hub is an assembly of parts that serves as the connection between the wheel and the vehicle’s chassis. It is designed to be strong enough to support the vehicle’s weight and withstand the forces exerted on the wheels during turns. However, it also needs to offer as little resistance as possible to maximize fuel efficiency.

Tom Galla, Senior Product Manager at GSP, is a specialist in this product category. “GSP has been in business for 40 years, and we have been designing and manufacturing wheel hub assemblies for 20 years,” he explains. “We do this as original equipment in collaboration with automakers, and we bring that same expertise to developing parts for the aftermarket.” In short, when it comes to wheel hubs, GSP doesn’t need lessons from anyone.

Wheel hubs come in three generations, ranging from the simplest bearings to the most complex assemblies that integrate ABS brake sensors. Moreover, GSP offers a user-friendly online search tool (https://www.gspnorthamerica.com/find-my-part) to help shop technicians quickly find the exact replacement part for their vehicle.

When to Replace

According to Mr. Galla, independent repair shops should start paying close attention to the condition of this part after five to six years of use or around 115,000 kilometers. “Obviously, using the vehicle in extreme conditions—such as on construction sites or off-road—will wear these parts out more quickly.” The same applies if the wheel center is submerged in water or thick snow for long periods, such as during floods or heavy snowstorms, increasingly common extreme weather events.

GSP stocks replacement parts that meet the specifications of 99% of vehicles in these replacement sweetspots.

Customers might report hearing squeaking when turning or a rumbling or vibration at cruising speed. These warning signs can be confirmed with a road test at the shop. If the vehicle is on a lift, any abnormal play in the wheel assembly or unusual bearing noises detected via a stethoscope are further indicators that replacement is needed. Sometimes, it’s simply a dashboard warning light pointing to an ABS issue, potentially linked to a fault in the assembly or its wiring.

It’s also worth noting that the added weight of electric vehicles—if not accounted for by the OEM—can accelerate wear on these components.

Choosing Quality

Canadian drivers are keeping their vehicles longer. Concerns about the economy and the intimidating cost of new vehicles make them hesitate to commit to a new purchase and financing. “That’s very good news for the automotive aftermarket,” says Mr. Galla. “Wheel hubs should be part of routine inspections for aging vehicles coming into these shops. They’re critical components—replacing them is a matter of safety, but also a way to prevent much more expensive damage.”

Because these parts play such a crucial role in vehicle performance, the expert recommends offering customers high-quality components. He emphasizes this, noting that these parts typically only need to be replaced once during a vehicle’s lifetime.

Since GSP’s parts are designed to OEM specifications and undergo rigorous quality control, installation is straightforward. Even for assemblies with electronic components, they are often “plug & play” parts, typically recognized by the vehicle’s system without the need for programming.

In summary, according to Tom Galla, the wheel hub is a vital part of vehicles that customers entrust to independent repair shops. And GSP is there to provide the high-quality parts needed to ensure those vehicles keep running safely for years to come.