The ASB wheel bearing has a magneticencoder fitted within the seal which, inconjunction with the ABS sensor, measuresthe speed of each wheel independently. This information is then used by the ECU for the vehicle’s ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System).
The technology was invented by SNR, one of Europe’s biggest producers of wheel bearings, and first introduced on the Renault Laguna back in 1997. Today the majority of new vehicles now fit ASB wheel bearings as standard.
5 Steps to a successful ASB bearing replacement
When you fit an ASB wheel bearing, as well as following the vehicle manufacturers’ assembly instructions, it is important to consider the following care points:
1. Ensure the knuckle, hub and the press are clean and free from swarf and other metallic particles.
2. Remove the plastic cover just prior to installation.
3. Keep ASB wheel bearings away from other magnetic sources (for example, magnetic screwdrivers), as this will erase the magnetic poles within the encoder.
4. Always install the wheel bearing with the magnetic encoder inboard side. You can check this with a metal paper clip.
5. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
