Are wheel bearing and hub the same?

Wheel bearings and hubs are not the same component, but they are closely related in the vehicle wheel system. Wheel bearings are the core rotating components responsible for reducing friction and supporting axial and radial loads, typically composed of steel balls or tapered rollers. Their standalone form was common in early vehicle models, requiring press-fitting into the hub or steering knuckle. Modern vehicles, however, generally adopt integrated wheel hub assemblies that combine the bearing, hub, and flange into a single unit, often incorporating the ABS sensor. This design simplifies installation and enhances reliability. The second generation integrated the hub flange, while the third generation further unified the hub with the bearing's inner and outer rings, connecting to the steering knuckle via bolts. Note that damage to the bearing in an integrated wheel hub assembly typically necessitates complete replacement, with costs ranging from 300 to 800 Malaysian ringgit depending on the vehicle model.