Quick Overview
The Nissan 370Z's wheel bearing & hub assembly-also called a wheel hub, hub bearing, or hub unit-bolts to the knuckle and lets each wheel spin smoothly while supporting the car's weight. The sealed design houses precision ball bearings, an inner & outer race, wheel studs, and on rear models an internal splined bore for the axle shaft. Some aftermarket units also include the ABS tone ring. A noisy or loose hub can hurt handling and brake performance, so understanding symptoms, torque specs, fitment years, and maintenance tips helps owners keep their Z34 safe and fun to drive.
What It Does
A wheel hub assembly keeps the wheel attached to the car and allows it to rotate with minimal friction. It also carries the brake rotor and provides a mounting surface for the wheel studs, while built-in speed-sensor rings feed data to the ABS and traction control systems. Wheel hub assemblies are maintenance-free but must be replaced as a unit when wear occurs.
MOOG explains that the sealed hub approach improves reliability by keeping grease in and moisture out, eliminating the need for periodic repacking. (moogparts.com)
Fitment Guide
Common Symptoms
Causes & Lifespan
Wheel bearings are designed to last over 100 k miles, but pothole impacts, track use, oversized wheels, or a prior collision can dent the races and accelerate wear-an issue highlighted in Nissan's own collision-damage bulletin. (NHTSA)
Inspection Tips
Raise the wheel, grasp it at 12 & 6 o'clock, and rock. Any clunk or in-out movement suggests play. Spinning the wheel should feel smooth and quiet; gritty feedback indicates pitting on the bearing race. If suspected, remove the caliper & rotor to pinpoint the hub itself. (vehicleaftermarket.skf.com)
Torque Specs
Proper torque is critical for bearing preload and stud life:
Installation Steps
Cost Estimates
A professional hub replacement on a 370Z averages $420-$515-about $110-$160 labor and $310-$355 parts, per RepairPal.
National averages for a single wheel-bearing job hover near $350 when combining DIY parts and shop labor. Kelley Blue Book concurs with those figures. (Kbb.com)
Maintenance Advice
Routine wheel-torque checks, avoiding potholes, and inspecting seals during brake jobs help extend bearing life. Nissan's factory manual lists a seal check and free-spin test at each major service. (HeyDownloads - Manual Downloads)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should a 370Z hub bearing last?
A: Many last 100,000 miles or more, but aggressive driving, impacts, or oversized wheels can shorten life. (Reddit)
Q: Can I drive with a noisy bearing?
A: It's risky. Heat builds quickly, which can seize the hub and cause wheel loss. Schedule repair as soon as hums or growls appear. (Meineke)
Q: Do I need an alignment afterward?
A: Hub replacement does not alter suspension angles on the 370Z, so an alignment isn't usually required unless other components were disturbed.
Q: Is the front hub different from the rear?
A: Yes. Front units mount to a spindle with a center cap, while rear hubs have an internal spline that mates to the drive axle. (eBay)
Q: Are hubs serviceable?
A: No. The sealed design means the bearing, flange, and studs come as an integrated unit-once worn, replace the assembly. (moogparts.com)
Q: What other cars share this assembly?
A: Rear-wheel-drive Infiniti G37, Q50, and Q60 models use the same 40202-4GA0A hub, making parts easier to source. (Concept Z Performance)
Q: Does the hub include the wheel-speed sensor?
A: The sensor is separate and reusable, but aftermarket kits sometimes bundle a new sensor ring or wiring pigtail. (eBay)
Keeping these facts in mind will help any Nissan 370Z owner diagnose noises, choose the right replacement hub, and torque everything correctly for reliable cruising and spirited track days alike.
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