Do I Need to Change the Wheel Hubs When Rotating Tires?
2 Answers
Tire rotation does not require changing the wheel hubs. The principle of tire rotation: The working conditions and load of each tire are different. The rear wheels of a car bear more load than the front wheels, while during driving, the front wheels bear more load than the rear wheels. Since the driver's position is on the left, the speed when turning left is usually higher than when turning right, causing the right-side tires to endure greater pressure during left turns than the left-side tires. After driving a certain distance, the right edges of the right-side tires will experience more severe wear. Tire rotation methods include: 1. Forward cross rotation; 2. X-pattern rotation; 3. Modified X-pattern rotation; 4. Side-to-side rotation; 5. Non-directional tire rotation for bias-ply tires; 6. Radial tire rotation.
I've been driving my own car for several years and often rotate the tires myself. Simply put, tire rotation doesn't require changing the rims. The rim is the metal part fixed to the wheel axle, which remains stationary during the entire process—only the tire itself is moved. When performing the operation, use a jack to lift the car, remove the lug nuts, take the tire off the current rim, and then mount it onto the rim at another position. For example, swapping the front and rear tires can balance wear and extend the tire's lifespan. Changing the rims would be costly and could easily disrupt the balance—unless the rims are visibly damaged or corroded, replacement isn't necessary. I rotate my tires every 8,000 kilometers, saving money and ensuring safety by doing it myself. Pay attention to the tread direction or directional tires, making sure they're installed with the correct orientation to avoid affecting traction. The process is straightforward, helps prevent uneven wear, avoids premature tire replacement costs, and keeps the car driving more steadily.
