Tool Review: Mueller Kueps Wheel Hub Grinder

March 11, 2014
Specialty tool works well for hub grinding wheel work

The Mueller Kueps Wheel Hub Grinder Type 1 includes a special grinder for cleaning the wheel centering device as well as the attachment area between wheel and hub. This tool allows technicians to completely remove burned-in corrosion residues in a quick and easy process. Actual process time per hub only takes about 3-25 seconds, depending on residue thickness.

The review

Tom Karagianis, owner of Tarkus Automotive in Milwaukee, WI, thought the Mueller Kueps Wheel Hub Grinder worked well, and he was able to quickly buff out rust and smooth the surface for brake work.

"(I've used) this tool for German cars without studs," explained Tom. "All the German cars come with no studs. When you get rust on the hub, you should clean it off. That’s what this tool does.

"It’s important to get the rust off behind the brake rotor, because you want a smooth surface when you’re starting over with fresh brakes."

Tom explained users can attach the wheel hub grinder to a number of power tools in the shop, including a cordless drill or die grinder.

"Works great. I’ve used it on about 20 cars, and it’s barely worn at all," said Tom. "It’s a great tool to have."

"I think it’s going to last a long time. It’s barely even worn. This abrasive on it is really tough."

Tom has used the Wheel Hub Grinder on a number of German and Swedish makes and models, including VW, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, SAAB and Volvo. "Any of the studless brake hub rotor designed (vehicles)."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC),  the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).  

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.

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