What is the production process of automotive wheel hubs?
2 Answers
The manufacturing processes of automotive wheel hubs mainly include forging, casting, and flow forming technologies. Below are the precautions for replacing wheel hubs and the maintenance methods for wheel hubs: Precautions for replacing wheel hubs: Pay attention to the size of the wheel diameter. If the wheel diameter is too large, it can cause discrepancies between the speedometer and the actual speed, leading to speeding on highways. There is also a risk of scraping the wheel arches and fenders. Be mindful of the wheel hub width; when purchasing wheel hubs, ensure the bolt pattern size is appropriate to avoid the hassle of buying the wrong ones. Maintenance methods for wheel hubs: When the wheel hub temperature is high, allow it to cool naturally before cleaning. Never use cold water to clean it. If the wheel hub is stained with stubborn tar that cannot be removed with regular cleaners, try using a brush to clean it. However, avoid using overly stiff brushes, especially metal brushes, to prevent damage to the wheel hub surface.
In the wheel hub production process, the most common method I encounter is low-pressure casting. The basic procedure involves preparing molds, typically made of steel, followed by melting aluminum alloy while maintaining an appropriate temperature to ensure smooth flow of the molten aluminum. During injection, air pressure is used to slowly fill the mold, ensuring complete filling without air bubbles. After cooling, the component is removed, often requiring deburring to achieve a smooth finish. Subsequent heat treatment enhances hardness, while surface painting or anodizing improves aesthetics and corrosion resistance. Safety precautions are crucial, with workers wearing protective gear to prevent burns in high-temperature environments. Strength testing of the wheel hub is essential, simulating driving loads to ensure no fractures occur. Casting is cost-effective and fast, suitable for mass-producing family car models, though it doesn't match the strength of forged wheels—adequate for standard vehicles. Maintenance observations show that cast wheels are lightweight and fuel-efficient but prone to deformation upon impact, recommending regular inspections.
