Thread: Burning through wheel bearings?

I've got an 03 GT and this is now my fourth replacement for the front wheel bearing (two left, two right). I've had them all done at Big O' Tires (I don't have time), and the replacements have been under warranty (< 1 year). I've got 242k miles, but most everything up front is new: shocks, control arms, CV axles, tires, etc. Steering isn't loose, alignment is perfect. Is it something they're doing that's burning these up? I'm using the lower-end stuff from CarQuest (it's next door to them, so that's where they buy), but I'm thinking of having them upgrade to a Moog assembly. Can installation problems lead to a bad bearing?

Thanks for the ideas. Is there a quick reference on the torque specs? I think I'll have them fix it, pay the difference on the part for a Moog upgrade, and hand them the torque specs. Maybe I'll even bring the part in myself. They treat me really well there, but I get the feeling their techs are not ASE certed.

147 ft lbs. get SKF parts for wheel bearings only.

I've only heard hood things about SKF and Timken. I went with the Timken for my rear right because it was cheaper on Rock auto.

Funny thing is I replaced my front right with a cheaper Cardone wheel hub from Amazon back when I first got the car, and a year and a half later it's fine. I got lucky so far...

Originally Posted by ericspecullaas

its could be they have no clue how to install them strait. If they are not intalled correctly or packed right then it would cause premature ware and failure. Ask them if they are packing them.

The OP's car has hub and bearing assemblies.

You can't really screw it up unless you don't tighten the bolts or leave layers of crap between the hub and spindle.

Originally Posted by Teancum

I'm using the lower-end stuff from CarQuest (it's next door to them, so that's where they buy), but I'm thinking of having them upgrade to a Moog assembly.

Sounds like a good idea.

i only run "used" oem bearings from low mile cars.

get oem parts =[

I've run nothing bit Moog and have no problems here. The box they come in have the torque specs in them for either reusing old cv nut or buying a new nut. I always buy a new nut as its recommended to be replaced. Coming from auto parts background the cheap bearing on gm is a definite no. I warrantied them all the time and every time told them to upgrade... it took a few time but eventually they did.

I broke down and took it to the dealer. OEM has a lifetime warranty, and after it and an oil change it'll be about $550.00, but right now I have plenty of money and very little free time. Plus I love the idea of a lifetime bearing. That's assurance, right there. Considering I've dropped $360 with two previous bearings I'd rather do it once more and do it right. Wish I could've saved money doing it myself, but this is one of those rare times where money availability trumps free time.

about $550.00

Yeah, I know. But they're offering shuttle service so I can actually work instead of taking the day off to fix my car. When I factor in the money or time off I'd lose trying to fix it then it pays off.