1. Product Overview
The TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing is a precision-engineered component designed for automotive applications. Its primary function is to allow the wheel to rotate smoothly and efficiently with minimal friction, supporting the vehicle's weight and ensuring proper wheel alignment. This bearing is constructed from durable alloy steel to provide long-term reliability and performance.
Figure 1.1: The TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing. This image displays the cylindrical bearing unit, made of alloy steel, designed to facilitate smooth wheel rotation.
2. Product Features
- Smooth Operation: Engineered to enable car wheels to spin smoothly and quietly, reducing operational noise.
- Optimal Oil Clearance: Designed to maintain proper oil clearance, which is crucial for bearing longevity and performance.
- Reduced Friction: Minimizes friction between rotating parts, contributing to fuel efficiency and reduced wear.
- Enhanced Durability: Offers long-term reliability through robust construction and quality materials.
- Improved Performance: Contributes to overall vehicle performance and extends tire life by ensuring stable wheel rotation.
3. What's in the Box
Each package of the TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing typically contains the following:
- One (1) TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing unit.
Figure 3.1: Example of TIMKEN Wheel Bearing packaging. The packaging helps identify the genuine TIMKEN product and provides basic product information.
4. Installation Guidelines
Important Safety Notice: Installation of wheel bearings requires specialized tools, technical knowledge, and adherence to specific vehicle manufacturer procedures. Improper installation can lead to serious vehicle malfunction, injury, or death. It is highly recommended that installation be performed by a qualified automotive technician.
4.1 Pre-Installation Checks
- Verify Part Compatibility: Ensure the TIMKEN 510059 bearing is the correct part for your specific vehicle make, model, and year. Consult your vehicle's service manual or a reputable parts catalog.
- Inspect Components: Before installation, carefully inspect the new bearing for any signs of damage during shipping. Also, inspect the mating surfaces on the vehicle (knuckle, hub, axle) for cleanliness, corrosion, or damage.
- Gather Tools: Have all necessary tools ready, including a press (if required for your vehicle type), torque wrench, sockets, and safety equipment.
4.2 General Installation Steps (Consult Vehicle Service Manual for Specifics)
- Vehicle Preparation: Safely lift and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
- Disassembly: Remove brake components (caliper, rotor), then disconnect any sensors (ABS) and remove the axle nut or hub retaining bolts. Carefully remove the old wheel hub and bearing assembly.
- Bearing Removal (if applicable): If the bearing is pressed into the knuckle, use a hydraulic press or specialized bearing removal tools to extract the old bearing.
- Surface Preparation: Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly to ensure proper seating of the new bearing. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris.
- New Bearing Installation:
- For press-in bearings: Use a bearing press to carefully press the new TIMKEN 510059 bearing into the knuckle. Ensure even pressure is applied only to the outer race to prevent damage.
- For hub assemblies: Install the new hub assembly onto the spindle or knuckle, ensuring proper alignment.
- Reassembly: Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal. This includes the axle nut (if applicable), brake components, and ABS sensor.
- Torque Specifications: Tighten all fasteners, especially the axle nut and hub bolts, to the vehicle manufacturer's specified torque values using a calibrated torque wrench. Overtightening or undertightening can lead to premature failure.
- Final Checks: Lower the vehicle. Test drive the vehicle at low speeds to check for any abnormal noises or vibrations. Recheck torque specifications after a short drive if recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
5. Operating Principles
The TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing operates as a critical interface between the stationary axle and the rotating wheel. It contains precision-engineered rolling elements (balls or rollers) that reduce friction, allowing the wheel to spin freely. The bearing is designed to withstand radial loads (vertical forces from the vehicle's weight) and axial loads (side-to-side forces from cornering). Proper functioning ensures stable handling, efficient power transfer, and a quiet ride.
This bearing is a sealed unit, meaning it is pre-lubricated and designed to be maintenance-free under normal operating conditions. Its internal design helps maintain consistent performance throughout its service life.
6. Maintenance
The TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing is designed as a sealed, maintenance-free unit. Therefore, no routine lubrication or adjustment is required after proper installation.
6.1 Inspection
Regular inspection of your vehicle's suspension and steering components, including wheel bearings, is recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance. Listen for unusual noises and feel for vibrations that may indicate bearing wear.
- Noise: A common symptom of a failing wheel bearing is a humming, grinding, or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed or when turning.
- Vibration: Excessive vibration felt through the steering wheel or floorboard can also indicate a worn bearing.
- Looseness: With the vehicle safely lifted, check for excessive play in the wheel by grasping the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it. Any significant movement may indicate a worn bearing.
6.2 Replacement
If a wheel bearing shows signs of wear or failure, it must be replaced promptly. Continuing to drive with a faulty wheel bearing can lead to further damage to other vehicle components and compromise vehicle safety. Always replace bearings in pairs on the same axle if one side shows significant wear, as the other side may soon follow.
7. Troubleshooting
This section outlines common issues associated with wheel bearings and potential causes. Note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other vehicle problems, so a thorough diagnosis by a qualified technician is recommended.
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, grinding, or growling noise from wheel area | Worn or damaged wheel bearing. | Inspect wheel bearing for play and noise. Replace if faulty. |
| Vibration in steering wheel or floorboard | Worn wheel bearing, unbalanced tire, or bent wheel. | Check wheel bearing, tire balance, and wheel condition. |
| Loose steering or excessive wheel play | Severely worn wheel bearing, loose suspension components. | Immediately inspect and replace faulty components. |
| ABS light illuminated | Damaged ABS sensor or tone ring (often integrated with bearing). | Scan for ABS fault codes. Inspect sensor and bearing. |
8. Specifications
The following are technical specifications for the TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing:
- Brand: TIMKEN
- Model Number: 510059
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Bearing Type: Ball Bearing
- Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches
- Item Weight: 2.35 Pounds
- Item Thickness: 2.4 Inches
- Compatible Lubricant: Oil (pre-lubricated, sealed unit)
- UPC: 053893941806
- Manufacturer Part Number: 510059
9. Warranty Information
For specific warranty terms and conditions regarding the TIMKEN 510059 Wheel Bearing, please refer to the official TIMKEN website or contact the authorized dealer from whom the product was purchased. Warranty coverage typically addresses manufacturing defects and material flaws under normal use and proper installation.
10. Support and Contact
If you require technical assistance, have questions about product compatibility, or need to report an issue, please contact TIMKEN customer support or your authorized TIMKEN product distributor. Contact information can typically be found on the official TIMKEN website (www.timken.com) or on your purchase documentation.
