Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Wheel hubs

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer wheel hubs: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual for the 2013 Lancer (CJ/CF series, front axle and rear axle/brake sections) and the Mitsubishi ASA genuine parts catalogue, wheel hubs are definitely fitted to the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer. The front uses a hub pressed into a sealed bearing within the steering knuckle, while the rear uses an integrated hub/bearing assembly (varies by drum or disc brake setup). So, wheel hubs are relevant to this vehicle.

The wheel hub is the solid bit that your wheel bolts onto. It keeps the rotor or drum centred, houses the wheel bearing, and provides the mounting face for the wheel studs. On Lancer models with ABS, the hub/bearing also incorporates a magnetic encoder that feeds wheel speed to the ABS/ASC systems. In short, it’s what lets the wheel spin smoothly while staying properly aligned to the suspension and brakes.

There’s no set replacement interval for Lancer wheel hubs because the bearings are sealed-for-life. They’re serviced on condition. Typical signs it’s time include:

• A low growl or humming that rises with road speed and often changes when gently swerving left or right
• Play felt when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock with the car safely lifted
• ABS warning light, or erratic ABS/traction behaviour (from a failed encoder in the bearing)
• Uneven tyre wear or a hot hub after a drive

When replacing, go for quality OEM-equivalent hub/bearing units. On the front of many Lancers, the bearing is pressed into the knuckle and the hub is pressed into the bearing, so a proper press and support tools are required—no belting it with a hammer. On rear bolt-on hub assemblies, clean the mating faces on the trailing arm/knuckle, apply a light anti-seize to the flange (not the studs or threads), and torque all fasteners to the workshop manual specs. Always replace single-use fasteners like axle nuts, and don’t preload the bearing with the vehicle’s weight before tightening to spec.

After front hub or knuckle work, a wheel alignment check is wise. If brakes were removed, clean and re-torque the caliper bracket bolts, and inspect rotors or drums. Finish with a quiet road test on smooth bitumen, gradually building speed to confirm there’s no hum, vibration, or ABS fault.

FAQs

How can someone tell if their 2013 Lancer’s wheel hub is failing?
Most drivers notice a steady hum that gets louder with speed and may change when gently weaving the car. Play at the wheel when lifted, ABS warnings, or a hot hub after a drive are other clues. A mechanic can confirm by spinning the wheel by hand and checking for roughness or free play.

Does a wheel alignment need to be done after a hub replacement?
Often, yes for front hubs—especially if the knuckle or strut bolts were loosened. Even if it looks fine, an alignment check is cheap insurance for tyre life and straight tracking. Rear bolt-on hubs typically don’t affect alignment unless suspension arms were moved.

What’s a typical cost and time for replacement in Australia or New Zealand?
It varies by model grade and whether the front needs press work. As a ballpark, quality parts are commonly in the $180–$450 per corner range, with labour from about 1–3 hours. Shops will quote more precisely after confirming drum vs disc rear and front bearing style.