Your vehicle’s wheel hub assemblies are critical components that bear the weight of your car and ensure smooth, safe rotation. When these parts wear out, they can lead to noise, vibration, and even safety hazards. Choosing a durable, reliable replacement is not just about performance; it’s about peace of mind on every journey.
ACDelco has built a strong reputation for manufacturing robust automotive parts that meet rigorous standards. Their Gold line and GM Original Equipment parts are designed for longevity and dependable service. This roundup focuses on nine of their best wheel hub assemblies, helping you select the right component for your vehicle’s needs.
Our Top ACDelco Wheel Hub Picks
- ACDelco Gold 515097 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
- ACDelco Gold 513121A Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
- ACDelco Gold 513288 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
- ACDelco FW435 GM Original Equipment Front Wheel Hub Assembly
- ACDelco Gold 515054 Wheel Hub with Wheel Speed Sensor
- ACDelco Gold 513277 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
- ACDelco Gold 513124 Front Wheel Hub with Wheel Speed Sensor
- ACDelco Gold 513188 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
- ACDelco Gold 513289 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly
ACDelco Gold 515097 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
Engineered for resilience, the ACDelco Gold 515097 assembly is built to handle the harsh conditions of daily driving. Its multi-lip seal design, combined with materials rated for extreme temperatures, creates a formidable barrier against road contaminants like water, salt, and dirt. This protection is vital for maintaining the integrity of the bearing over the long term.
Inside, the use of high-carbon clean steel contributes to a noticeably smooth and quiet operation. This focus on material quality reduces vibration and noise, providing a more comfortable ride. As a dependable replacement part, it is designed to restore your vehicle’s front-end performance reliably.
ACDelco Gold 513121A Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
The ACDelco Gold 513121A is another robust option from the Gold series, emphasizing durability and performance. It shares the same advanced sealing technology, using a multi-lip configuration and high-temperature resistant materials to effectively keep contaminants from compromising the bearing assembly. This design is critical for extending the service life of the component.
Constructed with high carbon clean steel, this hub assembly promotes a quiet and smooth rotation, which helps minimize wear on other connected suspension parts. It is manufactured as a dependable solution for drivers seeking a balance of quality and value, ensuring your vehicle maintains its handling characteristics.
ACDelco Gold 513288 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
This assembly benefits from ACDelco’s position as a leading manufacturer with international renown. The company’s diverse range of award-winning products reflects a commitment to innovation and quality that is built into every part, including the 513288 model. You are installing a component backed by a legacy of engineering expertise.
The production of this hub assembly utilizes state-of-the-art technology, ensuring precise manufacturing tolerances and consistent quality. This results in a part that fits correctly and performs as intended, providing a reliable solution for your vehicle’s wheel bearing needs without compromise.
ACDelco FW435 GM Original Equipment Front Wheel Hub Assembly
For vehicle owners seeking a factory-level replacement, the ACDelco FW435 is a GM Original Equipment part. This means it is the same component that was originally installed on your GM vehicle at the factory. The use of high-quality materials is specified to ensure a long service life, matching the durability of the original part.
As a GM-recommended replacement, this hub assembly with integrated wheel speed sensor and wheel studs guarantees compatibility and performance. It offers the quality, reliability, and durability that you expect from GM OE parts, making it an excellent choice for maintaining the original character and safety of your vehicle.
ACDelco Gold 515054 Wheel Hub with Wheel Speed Sensor
The ACDelco Gold 515054 is a comprehensive solution that includes an integrated wheel speed sensor. This is crucial for modern vehicles, as the sensor provides vital data to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control systems. The multi-lip seal design protects both the bearing and the sensitive sensor from contamination.
Like other Gold series hubs, it features high carbon clean steel for smooth, quiet operation, reducing noise and vibration. This assembly is engineered as a dependable, all-in-one replacement that addresses both the mechanical bearing function and the electronic monitoring needs of your vehicle.
ACDelco Gold 513277 Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
Durability is a key feature of the ACDelco Gold 513277 assembly. Its construction incorporates the proven multi-lip seal configuration and specialized materials that stand up to extreme temperatures, effectively preventing the entry of contaminants that can cause premature bearing failure. This focus on sealing technology directly contributes to its long service life.
The internal components made from high carbon clean steel ensure the hub rotates smoothly and quietly, enhancing driving comfort. It is designed as a dependable replacement that restores the performance and reliability of your vehicle’s wheel assembly.
ACDelco Gold 513124 Front Wheel Hub with Wheel Speed Sensor
This assembly combines the mechanical strength of a wheel bearing with the integrated functionality of a wheel speed sensor. The multi-lip design and extreme-temperature seal materials work to protect the entire assembly from road debris and moisture, which is especially important for the sensitive electronic sensor.
The substantial build quality is reflected in its weight, coming in at nine pounds. This heft often indicates robust construction and the use of solid materials. It is engineered as a complete, dependable unit that ensures both your vehicle’s physical stability and its electronic safety systems function correctly.
ACDelco Gold 513188 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing Assembly
As part of the esteemed Gold series, the ACDelco 513188 is built to the high standards that professional technicians and knowledgeable DIYers trust. This line is known for its focus on durability and reliable performance under various driving conditions, making it a solid choice for a front-wheel hub replacement.
The assembly is designed to provide a precise fit and restore the original handling and quiet operation of your vehicle. By choosing a Gold series part, you are selecting a component that has been engineered to meet the demands of daily use, helping to ensure long-term performance and driver confidence.
ACDelco Gold 513289 Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly
The ACDelco Gold 513289 continues the tradition of quality associated with the Gold product line. It is manufactured to provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for front wheel bearing replacement, aiming to deliver performance that vehicle owners can depend on for thousands of miles.
This assembly is constructed to withstand the stresses of road travel, including impacts from potholes and exposure to the elements. Its design focuses on maintaining smooth rotation and stability, which are essential for safe vehicle operation and overall driving comfort.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right ACDelco Wheel Hub
When it comes to replacing a wheel hub assembly, you want a part you can install and then forget about for a long, long time. I have found that ACDelco is a go-to brand for a solid balance of quality and value. But even within their lineup, there are different tiers, and picking the right one can feel a bit confusing. Let me walk you through what I look for when choosing an ACDelco wheel hub to ensure durable vehicle performance.
First, you need to understand the different ACDelco lines. They are not all created equal. The ACDelco Gold series is their premium line. These are designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. If your vehicle came with ACDelco parts from the factory, this is the line that replicates that quality. I typically recommend Gold series for daily drivers where you want maximum longevity and a quiet, smooth ride. The bearings are high-quality, and the seals are robust to keep contaminants out.
Next is the ACDelco Silver line. These are professional-grade parts that offer great performance but at a more accessible price point than the Gold series. They are a fantastic option if you are on a budget but still refuse to compromise on basic quality and safety. I have used Silver hubs on older vehicles or fleet cars where cost is a significant factor, and they have held up exceptionally well under normal driving conditions.
Finally, there is the ACDelco Advantage line. These are their value-oriented parts, ideal for older vehicles where you might not need the absolute pinnacle of performance but still want a reliable brand name. I would consider these for a car you plan to sell soon or a secondary vehicle that sees limited use.
Beyond the product line, the installation itself is critical for durability. A perfect hub can fail prematurely if it is not installed correctly. I always use a torque wrench to ensure the axle nut is tightened to the vehicle manufacturer’s exact specification. Over-torquing can damage the new bearing, and under-torquing can lead to a loose assembly and catastrophic failure. Also, if your hub is press-fit into the knuckle, make sure the mating surfaces are perfectly clean and free of rust or old material. A small piece of debris can cause the hub to sit crooked, leading to a very short lifespan.
My final piece of advice is to pay attention to the included hardware. Many higher-end ACDelco hubs come with a new axle nut, which is a must-use item as these are often designed as single-use locknuts. Using the old nut can be a safety risk. Some kits also include new bolts for the hub-to-knuckle connection. If they are included, use them. If not, inspect your old bolts for any stretching or corrosion and replace them if there is any doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ACDelco Gold and Silver wheel hubs?
The main difference boils down to the target performance level and construction. ACDelco Gold is their top-tier line, built to meet the original equipment (OE) specifications for your vehicle. This often means higher-grade bearings, better seals, and more rigorous testing. The Silver line is their professional-grade option, offering solid durability and performance for a lower price. It is a great, reliable choice, but the Gold series typically uses materials and tolerances that are a closer match to what your car had when it was new.
How long should an ACDelco wheel hub last?
There is no single mileage number, as it depends heavily on your driving conditions. However, a properly installed ACDelco hub, especially from their Gold or Silver lines, should easily last for tens of thousands of miles. I have seen them go well over 80,000 to 100,000 miles on vehicles that primarily drive on smooth highways. If you frequently drive on rough, pothole-ridden roads, or through deep water or salt, the lifespan will understandably be shorter due to the increased stress and exposure to contaminants.
Can I replace just one wheel hub, or should I do them in pairs?
This is a common debate. Technically, you only need to replace the one that is failing. The other side might have many miles of life left. However, I often consider a few factors. If the car has very high mileage and the hubs are original, the opposite side is likely not far behind. Replacing both at the same time can save on labor costs down the road. For a lower-mileage vehicle where one failed prematurely due to a bad impact or defect, just replacing the one is usually perfectly fine. It is a judgment call based on your budget and the vehicle’s history.
What are the signs of a failing wheel hub assembly?
The most common symptom I look for is a growling or humming noise that gets louder with speed and may change slightly when turning. A classic test is to drive and swerve gently left and right; if the noise gets louder when turning right (putting more load on the left wheel), it often points to a bad left hub bearing, and vice versa. Other signs include feeling a vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard, or in severe cases, play in the wheel when you jack up the car and try to wobble it from the top and bottom.
Do I need any special tools to replace a wheel hub myself?
It depends on your vehicle’s design. For a bolt-on hub assembly, you might get by with standard socket sets, a breaker bar, and a torque wrench. However, many modern front-wheel-drive cars have a press-in bearing, which requires a hydraulic press and specific adapters to remove and install without damaging the new part. You will also almost always need a large socket (often 30mm+ ) for the axle nut and a torque wrench capable of handling high foot-pounds of torque. For the press-fit styles, I usually recommend leaving it to a professional shop unless you have access to the right press equipment.