Is it ok to paint wheel hub assembly?

[YoshiMoshi3]

I got new wheel hub assembly. Brake drums. Previous one very rusty. Seized into plate. Would like to prevent new one from getting rusty. Is it ok to paint the wheel hub with just regular spray paint. As long as I avoid the threads of the study. Would it be an issue? Should I use like high temperature paint, or just regular spray paint?

 

[The Cobbler]

I think paint will make it worse as it will make the diameter of the part larger

 

[david3921]

Anti-seize. I use it on a few places on my vehicle. Hubs is one of them. I also use it to combat galvanic reaction between aluminum wheels and steel rotors.

What Is Anti-Seize Compound and Why Should I Use It?

Any veteran auto mechanic can tell you that bolts are always rusting on vehicles and why they consider anti-seize compound an essential tool.

www.familyhandyman.com

 

[WWheeler]

Spray the hub down with with Fluid Film before installing the rotor.

 

[xjfish]

Yes paint would be fine. I use anti-seize, liberally.

 

[seber]

Paint won't hurt it, but a rust preventive film will do a better job.

 

[SusKatCas]

Paint the exposed parts and apply anti-seize to the clamped faces.

 

[WWheeler]

I would never consider using anything like paint, just because if there's even the slightest run or unevenness on the hub face it could, and probably will, cause problems with wheel vibration. I would never consider anything but a rust preventative like Fluid Film which is what the product is designed for. I've never used it but perhaps a spray antiseize would work similar. Something that is not going to dry hard and will compress evenly as you tighten the lugs.

 

[LWB]

Another vote for fluid film.

 

[pbon]

I use never seize on the hub to rotor surface. I would not paint the surface for the reasons expressed above though I have used painted wheel spacers before with no ill effects. They were professional powder coated by the manufacturer. To make paint stick, I’d scuff the surfaces.

 

[tak1313]

Rust seizes the hub to the knuckle here:



Rusting expands the metal, which in turn creates a grip in corresponding hole in the knuckle. It actually rarely seizes via the flange here:



You can see the "mechanism" by watching South Main Auto's video where he uses an Astro air hammer to rotate the hub in a Prius in trying to remove it. From the video you can see the flange is not seized to the knuckle (because it rotates fairly easily) but rather the rim area. Note, I am just mentioning the video as the example to see how what part of the hub usually seizes.

That being said, I use anti seize on BOTH the rim area and flange to be sure, AFTER wire brushing the entire area of the knuckle. I also use a nickle based anti-seize because of it's ability to resist corrosion better and is able to withstand higher temps before breaking down (which is one reason it's used in nuclear reactors).

If you are concerned with the WHEEL seizing to the hub, the main culprit is here:



Where again, rusting (either on the hub or the wheel (or both) expands the metal in the area to cause things to squeeze together. I use the same nickel anti seize there and the surface where it would contact the back of the wheel (to be sure).

Edit - although I (and a lot of other people) use anti seize, something like Fluid Film, etc. mentioned by others would likely work (or limit the seizing) because it would, at least for awhile, prevent the metal from rusting and start the process of expanding and locking itself in.

 

[WWheeler]

FWIW, I also spray the bearing assembly mounting side and a little toot down the speed sensor hole with fluid film, not just the hub face. It was common practice in every shop I worked at in my rust belt days. Makes a world of difference getting things back apart.