Parts for your 2008 Nissan Maxima-Wheel bearings

2008 Nissan Maxima wheel bearings: purpose, care and replacement

Wheel bearings are absolutely fitted to the 2008 Nissan Maxima. Nissan’s factory service information identifies bolt-in hub and bearing units front and rear (see the Front Axle [FA] and Rear Axle [RAX] sections of the 2008 Maxima service manual), confirming they’re a standard, non-serviceable, sealed design.

On this Maxima, each hub assembly houses a sealed bearing that lets the wheel and hub spin smoothly while carrying the car’s weight. It keeps rolling resistance low, maintains precise wheel alignment, and works with ABS/traction control via an integrated encoder ring. Because they’re sealed, there’s no greasing or adjustment—when a bearing wears out, the whole hub assembly is replaced.

There’s no fixed replacement interval. In normal Aussie and Kiwi conditions, bearings can last well over 120,000–200,000 km, but rough roads, big potholes, floodwater, oversized wheels, or over-tightened wheel nuts can shorten life. During routine servicing, it’s smart to listen for noise on a road test and check for play with the wheel off the ground.

• Typical signs of wear: a humming or growling that rises with speed, changing pitch when turning, light vibration, ABS light faults, heat at the hub after a drive, or detectable play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock.
• Care tips: avoid blasting the hub with a pressure washer, torque wheel nuts correctly, steer clear of kerb impacts, and inspect after deep water crossings.

When replacement’s due, the job involves removing the brake assembly and driveshaft nut (front) or axle hardware (rear), unbolting the hub, cleaning the knuckle face, and installing a quality hub/bearing unit. Always follow factory torque specs, seat the axle properly, and align the ABS encoder/sensor correctly. Final torque on the axle nut should be done with the vehicle’s weight on the wheel, not solely with a rattle gun, to protect the new bearing.

It’s not essential to replace bearings in pairs, but if the vehicle’s done high kilometres and one side has failed, budgeting for the other side soon isn’t a bad shout. After front bearing work, a quick alignment check helps keep tyre wear tidy and steering feel crisp.

Popular questions

What are the common symptoms of a bad wheel bearing on a 2008 Maxima?
Owners usually notice a steady humming or growling that gets louder with speed and may change when turning left or right. There can also be slight vibration through the cabin, an ABS warning if the encoder ring signal is affected, or warmth at the hub after driving. Any wheel play when rocked by hand is a red flag.

Is it safe to drive with a noisy wheel bearing?
It’s not recommended. A worn bearing can overheat, increase stopping distance, upset ABS/traction behaviour, and in the worst case fail, which risks wheel or hub damage. Short trips to a workshop are generally okay if driven gently, but book repair promptly.

Do the front and rear bearings differ, and do they include ABS sensors?
Yes. The 2008 Maxima uses different hub/bearing units front to rear. Each side integrates a sealed bearing and an ABS encoder ring that works with the wheel speed sensor mounted nearby. Always match the correct hub for the axle position and ensure the encoder faces the sensor.