2012 Nissan March Wheel Hub

On the 2012 Nissan March, the rear wheel hub is a Unitized Generation 3 Assembly. This means the bearing, the hub (where the wheel studs sit), and the ABS sensor ring are all manufactured as a single, sealed unit.

• Bolt-On Simplicity: At Ksh 4,000, you are likely buying a part that is very easy to install. Your mechanic just unbolts the old unit and bolts on the new one—no hydraulic press required.

• Sealed for Life: These hubs are packed with specialized grease and protected by high-quality rubber seals. In an Ex-Japan unit, this grease is often still in near-perfect condition because the cars haven’t been driven through deep water or extreme mud.

2. Magnetic ABS Sensor Ring

The 2012 March is heavily reliant on its electronic safety systems.

• The “Tone” Ring: Inside the hub is a magnetic ring that tells the car’s computer how fast each wheel is turning.

• Compatibility: Cheap, low-quality bearings (often sold for under 2,500/-) frequently have magnetic rings that are too weak or the wrong “polarity.” This results in a permanent ABS warning light on your dashboard. At 4,000/-, you are typically getting a unit (like an original NTN) that has the correct magnetic strength for the Nissan ECU.

3. Metallurgy and Heat Resistance

The K13 March is a light car, but its bearings are subjected to significant lateral force during cornering.

• Hardened Steel: Quality bearings at this price point use high-carbon chrome steel. This metal is treated to prevent “pitting” or “spalling,” which is when the smooth internal track of the bearing starts to flake off, creating that “airplane engine” drone at 60 km/h.

• Low Rolling Resistance: A high-quality 4,000/- bearing helps maintain the March’s fuel efficiency (especially for the DIG-S or Idling Stop models) by reducing friction at the wheels.

4. Front vs. Rear: The “Press-Fit” Difference

• Front (Bearing Only): If you are fixing the front, the 4,000/- buys you a new Japanese bearing (e.g., NTN AU0504). This must be pressed into your existing knuckle.

• Rear (Complete Hub): For the rear, the 4,000/- buys the entire hub.

Symptoms of Failure in a 2012 March

1. The Drone: A humming noise that gets louder as you go faster, but disappears or changes pitch when you swerve slightly to the left or right.

2. Dashboard Lights: The ABS, Traction Control, or “Brake” light coming on intermittently.

3. Wheel Play: If the car is on a jack, you can feel the wheel “rock” when you push and pull it.