Mechanics: FWD bearing caps?

[cKGunslinger]

I've got a 2000 Mazda Protege. A few weeks ago, I had the front bearings replaced at a mechanic.

The other day, I lost a hubcap and looked that the front wheel for the first time in a while. On previous vehicles, I'm used to seeing a cover or cap in the center of the wheel that serves to keep dirt out of the bearings and keep the grease in. Neither of my front wheels have such. I can't see the actual bearings, so maybe they are inside and protected somewhere?

Now I guess I'm wondering if maybe I don't need them (and never had them on this car) or the mechanic forgot to replace them. I'll try to call them this evening, but I'd like to not sound like a total noob. Maybe it's a FWD thing?

I'm at work right now, so no pics. The rear wheels seem to have silver caps - or perhaps it's just the ends of the axle.


<-- car noob

 

[nakedfrog]

Um... pics? 😛

 

[j00fek]

call a dealship parts dept and tell them what you told us, they might be able to helpk you 🙂

 

[slag]

they aren't on every vehicle, especially front wheel drive vehicles.

I just replaced a front halfshaft on my sister's honda odyssey van and it had no bearing dust cap.

Dust caps are primarily on front wheels on RWD cars. The bearings on your car are sealed and there are probably dust seals around it so no chance of contamination from road gunk.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: slag
they aren't on every vehicle, especially front wheel drive vehicles.

I just replaced a front halfshaft on my sister's honda odyssey van and it had no bearing dust cap.

Dust caps are primarily on front wheels on RWD cars. The bearings on your car are sealed and there are probably dust seals around it so no chance of contamination from road gunk.

That makes me feel better. I'll still check into it, just to be sure.

Thanks.

 

[funboy6942]

Front bearings are sealed type and dont require a dust cap like the rears do. Your tottaly fine and wouldt worry no more about it.