Abstract: In one aspect, a wheel hub apparatus including a wheel hub that is rotatable about a central axis and has a unitary, one-piece construction. The wheel hub apparatus further includes a circular brake element having a unitary, one-piece construction and extending about the wheel hub. The wheel hub and the circular brake element include engaged portions securing the wheel hub and the circular brake element together. The engaged portions of the wheel hub and the circular brake element fix the circular brake element against axial movement along the wheel hub. In this manner, the engaged portions of the wheel hub and the circular brake element provide a mechanical joint that connects the wheel hub and the circular brake element using the material of the wheel hub and the circular brake element.

Abstract: A novel, preassembled hub assembly is presented having all the standard components (including the inboard and outboard bearings, spacer, and lubricant seal) preassembled inside the hub at the manufacturing facility. In addition, the manufacturing facility also affixes a pre-positioned spindle nut assembly to the hub assembly. In this embodiment, the preassembled hub assembly (with the pre-positioned spindle nut assembly affixed to the hub) has no separate or loose parts, facilitating shipment and installation of the hub assembly. Installation only requires placement of the novel hub assembly on the spindle and the tightening of the factory installed, pre-positioned retaining nut.