Parts for your 2014 Suzuki Splash-Wheel hubs

2014 Suzuki Splash wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources confirm the 2014 Suzuki Splash is fitted with wheel hubs. The Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue for the Splash (EU, 2008–2014) lists a front hub with pressed-in double-row bearing and a rear bolt-on hub bearing unit for drum-brake models, the Suzuki Service Manual (Front/Rear Axle sections) details the same. The Opel/Vauxhall Agila B (the Splash’s platform twin) shows identical hub-and-bearing assemblies in TIS documentation. So wheel hubs are absolutely relevant on this model.

On the Splash, the front hub is the splined centre that the driveshaft passes through, with a sealed bearing pressed into the steering knuckle. At the rear, the hub and bearing are an integrated bolt-on unit sitting inside the brake drum, usually with an ABS encoder ring built in. Their job is simple but critical: keep the wheels turning smoothly, accurately and quietly while carrying the car’s weight and handling cornering loads.

Because the bearings are sealed, there’s no periodic greasing — maintenance is about inspection. At regular services, it’s smart to check for play at the wheel (hold at 12 and 6 o’clock), listen for a speed-related hum or growl that gets louder when loading one side in a gentle swerve, and watch for ABS warnings that can be triggered by a damaged encoder ring. Uneven tyre wear or a hot brake drum can also hint at a failing rear hub bearing.

When replacement time comes, the rear hub unit is straightforward: remove the drum, unplug the ABS lead (if fitted), and unbolt the hub. The front needs proper press tools to swap the bearing and hub in the knuckle — not a job to tackle without the right gear. Always use new axle/hub nuts where specified and torque everything to factory spec, over-tightening or impact-gunning the axle nut can kill a new bearing in short order.

Good practice for longevity includes: keeping wheel studs and mating faces clean, torquing wheel nuts evenly, avoiding kerb hits, and checking alignment after any front-end work. Hubs aren’t on a fixed replacement interval, but many last well over 100,000–200,000 kilometres depending on roads, loads and wheel impacts. If a Splash starts humming or shows play, get it sorted promptly — it’ll drive nicer and protect tyres and brakes.

• Symptoms to watch: humming/growling with speed, ABS light, wheel play, uneven tyre wear.
• Tech tip: replace damaged ABS sensor seals and clips when doing rear hubs to keep moisture out.

Popular questions

How long do wheel hubs last on a 2014 Suzuki Splash?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi driving, many Splash hub bearings run 100,000–200,000 kilometres or more. Life varies with road quality, wheel impacts, wheel size, and how carefully wheel nuts and axle nuts are torqued. Sealed bearings don’t need greasing, but once they get noisy or develop play, replacement is the go — they won’t heal themselves.

Is it safe to drive with a noisy wheel bearing?
It’ll usually keep rolling for a while, but it’s not ideal. As the bearing degrades, heat and play increase, which can affect braking, tyre wear, and ABS performance. Leaving it too long risks collateral damage to the hub, knuckle or drum. Best bet: book it in soon after the first hum or wobble shows up.

Do I need a wheel alignment after changing hubs?
Rear hub replacement on the Splash generally doesn’t change alignment. Front bearing/hub work can disturb the knuckle or strut interface, so it’s wise to check alignment afterwards. A quick alignment protects tyres and makes sure the Splash tracks straight.