A knuckle-hub assembly including a knuckle and wheel bearing, and a retainer that is preferably arranged within a radial recess of the knuckle and a radial recess of the wheel bearing. The knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, the inner radial surface having a first radial recess. The first radial recess is preferably located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage. The wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the bearing. The radial recesses of the knuckle and wheel bearing are generally axially-aligned upon installing the bearing in the knuckle's passage. The retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference and includes an inner wall surface having a second portion and the first portion that is disposed at an angle relative to a first portion.