Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer-Wheel hubs

1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Wheel Hubs

Wheel hubs are absolutely relevant to the 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Lancer CE (1996–2003) Workshop Manual (Group 26: Front Axle/Hub and Knuckle, Group 27: Rear Axle/Hub), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for CE/CK series, and general repair guides such as the Haynes Lancer manual confirm that this model uses wheel hubs front and rear. On the front, the hub flange is pressed into a sealed, double‑row ball bearing housed in the steering knuckle. Depending on trim, the rear is either a bolt-on hub and bearing unit (drum brake models) or a hub with a pressed bearing (disc brake models), with ABS tone rings where fitted.

On a ’97 Lancer, the wheel hub’s job is to give the wheel and tyre a sturdy, true mounting surface, transfer braking and cornering loads into the suspension, and support the sealed bearing that lets the wheel spin smoothly. If the car has ABS, the hub or bearing will carry a tone ring for the wheel speed sensor, so a crook hub can also trigger an ABS light.

For servicing, there’s no periodic greasing or adjustment on these sealed bearings, but a quick check every service pays off. Listen for a humming or growling that rises with speed, feel for roughness when spinning the wheel off the ground, and check for play by rocking the tyre at 12 and 6 o’clock. Heat at the hub after a drive, uneven tyre wear, or an ABS fault can also point to hub or bearing drama.

Replacement advice varies by end of the car. Fronts typically need a press to remove the hub from the knuckle and to press the new bearing in—support the correct race when pressing, always fit a new circlip, and torque the driveshaft nut and wheel nuts to the factory specs. The rears on drum-brake Lancers are often a bolt-off, bolt-on hub/bearing unit, on disc-brake versions it’s more like the front. It’s not mandatory to replace both sides, but many techs do if kilometres are high. Use quality bearings (NTN, Koyo, NSK) and avoid rattle‑gun tightening of the axle nut to protect the new bearing. A road test and tyre balance check after the job helps confirm all’s well.

• Common symptoms: droning noise with speed, wheel play, ABS light, hot hub.
• Typical lifespan: often 100,000–200,000 km, depending on roads, loads, and tyres.
• Tip: Keep splash shields intact and avoid kerb hits to extend bearing life.

Popular questions about 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer wheel hubs

Do the 1997 Lancer’s wheel bearings need adjustment or greasing?
They’re sealed bearings, so there’s no routine greasing or preload adjustment. The best maintenance is regular inspections for noise or play and correct torque on the axle and wheel nuts after any brake or suspension work.

How do you tell if a Lancer hub or bearing is failing?
A steady drone that changes with road speed, not engine speed, is the classic sign. Play at the wheel when rocked top to bottom, a rumble when spinning by hand, heat at the hub after a drive, or an ABS light (on ABS cars) are also red flags.

Is the rear hub on drum-brake models a bolt-on unit?
Yes, most CE Lancers with rear drums use a bolt-on hub and bearing assembly, which simplifies replacement. Disc-brake rears are more like the front, with a pressed bearing and separate hub, so a press and careful setup are needed.