How Many Kilometers Should a Truck's Wheel Hubs Be Maintained?
3 Answers
The manufacturer recommends maintenance every 20,000 kilometers. As long as the brakes do not return properly and the vehicle does not slide on slopes, maintenance is required, regardless of the specific mileage. Vehicle inspection items are as follows: 1. Tires: Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure if necessary; 2. Lights: Inspect the working condition of the lighting system (headlights, indicator lights, emergency signal lights, trunk lights, passenger compartment lights, glove box lights, dashboard warning lights, etc.); 3. Washing Equipment: Check the working condition of the windshield wipers and washing equipment/inspect wiper blade position/wear; 4. Exterior Body: Visually inspect the exterior body, underbody protective components, pipes/hoses (exhaust---fuel lines---brake lines), and the condition of rubber components (dust covers, bushings, spacers, etc.).
As a veteran truck driver with over a decade of experience, I'd say there's no fixed rule for wheel hub maintenance—it all depends on actual usage. The standard practice is to inspect bearings and grease every 50,000 to 70,000 km, but for frequent mountain driving or heavy loads, I recommend advancing it to 30,000 km to prevent severe bearing wear and accidents. Safety comes first—unstable wheel hubs on highways can be dangerous, so make it a habit to check wheel rotation for stiffness or odd noises during car washes. This simple routine saves big money. Pro tip: Always adjust maintenance intervals per actual road conditions, even if they differ from the manual's numbers. Prevention beats cure every time.
When I first got my used pickup truck, my friend emphasized that wheel hub maintenance shouldn't be neglected. Typically, you should check the grease and seals every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, and repair immediately if you feel wheel vibration or abnormal noises. I make it a habit to take a quick look before every long trip, especially since bearings wear out faster with frequent highway driving - it's better to shorten the inspection interval to around 50,000 kilometers. Safety comes first. Although wheel hub issues may seem minor, a seized hub can be dangerous and also affects fuel efficiency. Replacing a new bearing only costs a few hundred bucks - not expensive but totally worth it. Don't try to save money and wait until it breaks down on the road causing bigger trouble.
