Parts for your 2000 Nissan Bluebird-Wheel hubs

2000 Nissan Bluebird Wheel Hubs

Based on the Nissan Bluebird U14 Factory Service Manual (1999–2001 editions, Front Axle and Rear Axle sections) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for the U14 series, the 2000 Nissan Bluebird is fitted with front and rear wheel hubs that house the wheel bearings and wheel studs, with ABS models using hubs that incorporate a tone ring or encoder. So, wheel hubs are absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2000 Bluebird, the wheel hub is the solid mounting point for the wheel and tyre, keeping everything centred and rotating smoothly. Up front, the hub is splined to the driveshaft and supported by a press-in bearing within the steering knuckle, at the rear, many trims use a bolt-on hub and bearing assembly. The studs are part of the hub, taking the clamp load from the wheel nuts, while ABS-equipped cars rely on the hub’s tone ring for accurate wheel-speed data.

Good hubs and bearings mean quiet running, stable braking and even tyre wear. When wear sets in, the tell-tales include a droning or humming that ramps up with road speed, looseness felt as play when checked at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, a pulsing ABS light if the encoder is damaged, and sometimes heat at the hub after a drive. Technicians generally confirm issues with a road test, lift check, and a dial indicator for runout.

Replacement on the Bluebird involves different approaches front to rear. The front typically requires pressing the old bearing out of the knuckle and pressing a new quality bearing in square, then refitting the hub and torquing the axle nut to factory spec with a new cotter/split pin where applicable. The rear, where a unitised hub/bearing assembly is used, is usually a bolt-off, bolt-on job, followed by torqueing the fasteners and verifying ABS pickup alignment.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check for noise, play, seal leaks and rusty studs. Keep the wheel nuts torqued evenly, avoid rattle-gunning them to extremes, and replace damaged studs rather than forcing them. Use reputable bearings and hubs, and always follow the FSM torque specs and procedures. While bearings can last well past 150,000 km, harsh roads, water ingress or incorrect wheel-nut torque will shorten their life, so periodic inspection pays off.

• Common signs of hub/bearing wear: speed-related hum, wheel play, ABS faults, uneven tyre wear.
• Service tips: use new axle nuts/pins, press bearings square, torque to spec, and check alignment after reassembly.

Popular questions about 2000 Nissan Bluebird wheel hubs

Are the front wheel hubs on a 2000 Bluebird a bolt-on unit or a press-in bearing?
For most U14 Bluebird trims, the front uses a separate hub with a press-in bearing seated in the steering knuckle. That means a shop press and correct drifts are needed. The rear is more commonly a bolt-on hub and bearing assembly, simplifying replacement.

What noises point to a failing hub or bearing on a Bluebird?
A low-pitch hum or drone that rises with road speed and changes when the steering is gently loaded side-to-side is classic bearing noise. It may be accompanied by light vibration or slight ABS irregularities on cars with damaged encoders. Tyre roar can mimic the sound, so a proper lift check helps confirm it.

Should both sides be replaced at once?
It’s not mandatory to replace both sides, but if one side has failed at high kilometres, the opposite side may not be far behind. Many workshops inspect the other side carefully and advise replacement if there’s noise, play or roughness.