Parts for your 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Wheel hubs

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross wheel-hubs: what they do and when to service them

Wheel-hubs are absolutely used on the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Technical references that confirm this include the Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Cross workshop manual (2018–2021, GK series) in the Front Axle and Rear Axle/Hub and Bearing sections, the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue listing front and rear hub and bearing assemblies for GK models, and major bearing manufacturers’ application catalogues that specify complete hub units for the 2021 model. These sources describe unitised hub-and-bearing assemblies with integrated wheel speed encoder rings that work with the ABS/ASC systems.

On a 2021 Eclipse Cross, the hub is the bit that the wheel bolts to, housing a sealed bearing so the wheel spins smoothly while keeping the brake rotor and ABS hardware in the right place. It also carries the encoder for the wheel speed sensor, feeding the car’s safety tech like ABS and stability control. In short, it’s central to ride comfort, braking confidence, and tyre life.

There isn’t a routine replacement interval for hub assemblies, they’re serviced on condition. Typical signs they’re due include a humming or growling noise that rises with road speed, play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, ABS or ASC lights triggered by a dodgy encoder signal, uneven tyre wear, or steering wheel vibration that isn’t tyres or balance.

When replacement is needed, a quality, vehicle-specific hub unit is the go. The Eclipse Cross uses a unitised design that bolts to the knuckle or rear carrier, so no pressing is usually required. Good practice for workshops includes:

• Confirming the fault with a road test, wheel play check, and scan tool data for wheel speed signals.
• Cleaning mating faces and removing rust so the new hub sits dead flat, preventing rotor runout.
• Replacing the axle nut (where applicable) and torquing all fasteners to factory specs, avoid rattle-gunning the axle nut.
• Protecting the ABS sensor and wiring, the encoder ring is easily damaged.
• Performing a short road test and ABS self-check, clear any stored codes.

For higher kilometres or if the vehicle’s seen plenty of rough roads, replacing hubs on the same axle as a pair can save a return visit. After front hub work, a wheel alignment check is smart to keep tyre wear tidy. Whether it’s front-wheel drive or S-AWC all-wheel drive, using the correct spec hub keeps the Eclipse Cross tracking straight and quiet on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if a wheel hub or bearing is failing on a 2021 Eclipse Cross?
Common clues are a droning or growling that changes with speed (not engine revs), a rumble when turning that eases when loading the opposite side, slight wheel play, and an ABS or ASC warning. A quick spin test on a hoist and scan tool checks for a noisy bearing or a flaky wheel speed signal.

Are the front and rear hubs the same on this model, and do AWD versions differ?
No, fronts and rears are different parts, and AWD (S-AWC) variants can use different hub specifications due to the driveline and ABS/traction control calibration. Always match the hub to the VIN or build code to ensure the correct encoder and mounting.

Should hubs be replaced in pairs?
It’s not mandatory, but if one side has failed at high kilometres, the other side is often not far behind. Replacing both on the same axle can reduce downtime and keep handling feel consistent.