Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander-Wheel hubs

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Yes, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander absolutely uses wheel hubs. Technical references that confirm this include the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual for the 2018 Outlander (chassis sections covering Front Axle and Rear Axle: Wheel Hub/Knuckle) and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, both of which identify a bolt-on hub and bearing unit at each corner, with an integrated ABS/ASC encoder. Major aftermarket catalogues commonly used by workshops in Australia and New Zealand also list front and rear wheel hub assemblies for 2018 Outlander models in both 2WD and AWD, further verifying fitment.

The Outlander’s wheel hubs are the solid bit that the wheels bolt onto. Inside each hub is a sealed bearing that lets the wheel spin smoothly while carrying the vehicle’s weight. They also house the encoder that the ABS and stability systems read to keep braking and traction sharp. On 2WD Outlanders, the front hubs connect to the driveshafts, on AWD models, all four corners are load-bearing with ABS signal rings.

Because they’re a sealed unit, there’s no greasing or adjustment to do. Good servicing is about inspection and prevention. At each service, a tech should road test for humming or droning that rises with speed, check for play with the wheel off the ground, and feel for roughness when the wheel is spun by hand. Any ABS warning light or pulsing at low speeds can also point to a hub encoder issue. If a hub is noisy, loose or contaminated, the fix is replacement of the hub assembly.

• Typical signs it’s time: speed-related humming, rumble that changes when turning, ABS light, uneven tyre wear, or vagueness in steering.
• Best practice: torque wheel nuts to the manufacturer spec in a criss-cross pattern, keep hub faces clean of rust and grit, and avoid pressure-washing directly at the bearing area.

Replacement on a 2018 Outlander is a bolt-off, bolt-on job: remove the caliper and rotor, disconnect the ABS lead, undo the hub bolts, and on the front, remove the axle nut to free the driveshaft from the hub. Corrosion can make hubs stubborn, so a puller and rust penetrant help. An alignment usually isn’t needed unless strut or control arm bolts are loosened. Choosing quality assemblies (with reputable bearings such as NTN/NSK/Koyo) keeps things quiet and durable for the long haul.

Expect well-looked-after hubs to last well over 100,000 kilometres on sealed roads. Regular checks during tyre rotations and brake services will catch issues early and keep the Outlander riding smooth and safe.

Popular questions

How long do wheel hubs typically last on a 2018 Outlander?
On well-maintained Outlanders driven mainly on sealed roads, hubs commonly run 100,000–200,000 km. Rough roads, heavy loads, worn tyres or frequent water crossings can shorten lifespan. Early diagnosis saves tyres and brakes from knock-on wear.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing an Outlander hub?
Generally, no. A hub swap doesn’t change suspension geometry. If the job involves loosening strut-to-knuckle bolts or control arms, or if there was prior uneven tyre wear, an alignment check is smart.

Can you change just the bearing, or is it the whole hub assembly?
On the 2018 Outlander, the bearing is integrated with the hub. It’s designed as a sealed, unitised assembly, so the correct repair is to replace the complete hub unit rather than pressing a separate bearing in.