The speed of wheel hub technology development for the modern vehicle, with weight saving and safety at the forefront, has meant changes for suppliers of wheel components too. First Line’s aftermarket range of wheel bearings reflect a decade of significant changes with the original single-row ball/taper roller bearings undergoing three generations of evolution to cater for the advance in automotive technology.

The first wheel bearings – generation 0 – were single row ball and single row taper bearings. Although not commonly used now, the former is typically used in solid axle applications including the early Ford Transits and MG Midget. Whereas, the single row taper bearing is used in non-driven axle applications such as Volkswagen Polo.

This was succeeded by the dual row angular contact ball/dual row taper roller bearing – generation 1 – developed to be adaptable for both driven and non-driven axle vehicles, such as the Ford Ka and Volkswagen Golf.

Following the development of these bearings came a single flange hub – generation 2 – consisting of either a wheel/drive flange or mounting flange integrated with a dual row ball/taper bearing, commonly found in the Audi A4 or Honda Civic. The single flange hub was developed further, with the drive flange integrated within the inner race. These are generation 2.1 and are found in various Ford Focus and Volvo C30 applications.

Generation 3 bearings are known as double flange hubs and have either a double row ball or taper roller bearing, usually with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor or with an integrated magnetic seal that permits accurate and reliable measurement of wheel speed rotation for operation of ABS, ESP and Electronic Traction Control. 

Some variants feature a thicker flange and a larger outer race that allows the fitment of more rolling elements, to improve stiffness.  This latest generation 3 hub, fitted in vehicles such as the Vauxhall Insignia, reduces brake caliper ‘knock-back’ to improve braking performance.

First Line states that it continues to stay abreast of trends to ensure that motor factors and installers are well prepared when the new technologies hit the aftermarket, by providing premium quality bearings that are manufactured to the highest of standards.

To ensure that replacements are fitted correctly, First Line provides complete kit solutions, rather than single bearings. These wheel bearing kits include all the necessary components, which may not always be included in the original equipment (OE) or competitor equivalent. The bearings come pre-lubricated and, where applicable, also include an additional grease sachet.

First Line’s commitment to providing comprehensive and easy to follow solutions are reflected in its extensive catalogue, which includes technical data, cross references and images of kit contents, for easy identification and installation. In addition, each one is supported by a two year/24,000-mile warranty.

The company’s latest new-to-range update contains bearings for a number of vehicles such as, front wheel bearing kits for Alfa Romeo Guilia, Stelvio (FBK1495), as well as the rear wheel bearing kit for the Jaguar XK 2006 (FBK1407).