1997 Dodge Intrepid Hubs and Related Components
What Are Hubs and Related Components?
Every time your vehicle moves down the road, its wheels depend on a precise, well-engineered connection point between the rotating wheel and the stationary suspension or axle. That connection point is the wheel hub and its associated bearing components. Hubs and related components encompass the hardware that allows your wheels to spin freely while supporting the full weight of the vehicle, absorbing road loads, and — in most modern vehicles — communicating wheel-speed data to ABS and traction control systems.
Wheel bearing and hub assemblies are the single most common part in this category. These pre-assembled units combine the hub flange, bearing races, rolling elements, seals, and (where applicable) ABS wheel-speed sensors into a single, drop-in replacement module. Alongside them, standalone wheel hubs are available for applications where the bearing is replaced separately. For trucks, SUVs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles, axle bearing and hub assemblies address the unique demands of driven solid axles. Specialty items like wheel hub extensions help with wheel offset adjustments, while bearing protectors shield grease-packed hubs from water and contaminants — a must for boat trailers and off-road rigs.
Why Hub and Bearing Health Matters
A worn or damaged hub bearing is more than a nuisance — it's a safety concern. A failing bearing typically announces itself with a humming or grinding noise that changes pitch with vehicle speed, or with subtle looseness in the steering. Left unaddressed, bearing failure can compromise brake performance, trigger false ABS fault codes, and in extreme cases lead to complete wheel separation. Replacing a hub assembly at the first sign of trouble is one of the most straightforward ways to preserve ride quality and vehicle safety.
Top Brands in Hubs and Related Components
SKF is the category leader by a wide margin, and for good reason. SKF developed the first-generation hub bearing unit in the late 1960s in response to automotive industry interest in pre-adjusted wheel bearing assemblies. Today, SKF supplies wheel bearings to most OE car manufacturers in the world, and more than 90 million cars run on their bearings. Their aftermarket units are 100% tested to actual OE specifications for fit, form, and function, and come pre-adjusted and lubricated for life.
Moog Chassis Parts brings its legendary problem-solving philosophy to hub assemblies. Moog has earned its reputation as the chassis industry's problem solver for over 100 years by continuously introducing design enhancements that extend product life or simplify installation. Moog hub assemblies feature application-specific designs to improve performance, extend service life, keep water and dirt out, and resist corrosion.
Timken Bearings leverages deep OE engineering expertise in every aftermarket hub unit. Timken's Generation 3 hub assemblies feature integrated sensors for ABS and traction control, combining high-strength materials with optimized sealing to protect against contaminants and extend service life, even under harsh road conditions. Their units are designed to restore a vehicle's smooth and safe ride, made to meet or exceed OEM specifications for a variety of domestic and import vehicles.
GSP North America offers a broad catalog of hub assemblies with strong coverage across domestic and import nameplates, making them a reliable choice when fit and value are top priorities. NSK is a globally respected precision-bearing manufacturer whose automotive hub units reflect the same exacting tolerances used in their industrial and OE-supply bearings.
Key Considerations When Shopping
- Pre-assembled vs. component replacement: Hub assemblies simplify the job significantly; component-only hubs may suit applications where only the bearing itself has failed.
- ABS sensor integration: Many modern vehicles rely on wheel-speed sensors built into the hub. Confirm whether your replacement includes the correct sensor type for your vehicle's ABS system.
- Drive vs. non-drive wheels: Front-drive hubs, rear-drive hubs, and four-wheel-drive axle assemblies have different spline, flange, and load-rating requirements.
- Torque specifications: Proper installation torque is critical — an under-torqued hub can cause premature bearing failure, while over-torquing can damage the assembly.