help 3 wheel bearings in a row bad in my beater

Billydroveit

Billydroveit

Club Member
97cavalier had a bearing go bad 2 years ago. Put in a new one drove it and it was making noise right away 3 months later I replaced it, same thing making noise first turn. Just got another one from Detroit axle and it's making noise too. Used torque wrench on the bolts, drew the bearing in the knuckle evenly, torqued the axle nut. Wtf am I doing wrong. Front right bearing.
 
I didn't think a Detroit axle part was a cheapo?

I've done both 145 and 185 on the torque and yes the washer is there. Going to rip it back out now and see if I can see anything. 20 years wrenching on cars never seen anything like it. 3 different suppliers. Maybe it's like a fuel pump and only a gm part will do.
 
Billydroveit said:
I didn't think a Detroit axle part was a cheapo?
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Garbage. Harley shop next door to me has installed 3 on his vehicle in 6 months (99 f250) Nice looking bearing, and they warranted them each time.
Timkens are middle of the road and tend to last a couple years on our michigan roads

I've seen vehicle where they made noise as soon as they were installed.
 
Detroit Gearbox said:
Garbage. Harley shop next door to me has installed 3 on his vehicle in 6 months (99 f250) Nice looking bearing, and they warranted them each time.
Timkens are middle of the road and tend to last a couple years on our michigan roads

I've seen vehicle where they made noise as soon as they were installed.
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That's what this one did. Soon as I hit the street. I just took it out and I can wiggle the bearing, I forgot to check it prior to install (was in a hurry). This is bullshit. Hope it lasts a week or so till the wife's car come out of the dealer. Lovely power shift trans Ford out in the fiesta is junk again.
 
I'm a test engineer for a wheel bearing supplier. Did some testing on aftermarket parts including Moog (which I thought was a better aftermarket brand) and they all failed miserably compared to our OEM spec bearing. I would stay with the GM OEM bearing, but GM wheel bearings from that era aren't all that great either.
 
CruisnCobra said:
I'm a test engineer for a wheel bearing supplier. Did some testing on aftermarket parts including Moog (which I thought was a better aftermarket brand) and they all failed miserably compared to our OEM spec bearing. I would stay with the GM OEM bearing, but GM wheel bearings from that era aren't all that great either.
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Pathetic.

So i pulled it back apart, surgically cleaned everything, pressed the assembly back tight and reinstalled. Must have done enough damage in teh first 1 mile test drive, the bearing is noisy. I HATE WHEEL BEARINGS!
 
Billydroveit said:
Pathetic.

So i pulled it back apart, surgically cleaned everything, pressed the assembly back tight and reinstalled. Must have done enough damage in teh first 1 mile test drive, the bearing is noisy. I HATE WHEEL BEARINGS!
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I have seen some bearings pretty tight right out of the box, are you inspecting them thoroughly? I assume you are, being on the 3rd. Once a bearing makes a noise it wont get any better.

How are you installing them? I have seen plenty of techs accidentally press on the inner race and that will damage a bearing enough right out of the gate.
 
mustangmike6996 said:
I have seen some bearings pretty tight right out of the box, are you inspecting them thoroughly? I assume you are, being on the 3rd. Once a bearing makes a noise it wont get any better.

How are you installing them? I have seen plenty of techs accidentally press on the inner race and that will damage a bearing enough right out of the gate.
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INstalling them by the book. I will admit i forgot to wiggle this one befor i put it in, i was in a rush that day. I didnt have any disillusion that it would make the bearing better, it was just a point of frustration.

ReiKo said:
Detroit Bearings aka Dearborn Axle... Fucking garbage...
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Yeah i see that! When i get tired of hearing this one i'll come see you. Just sucks i work the opposite direction of you now.
 
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I would try to keep your 120 mph Southfield Expressway Autobahn blasts to a minimum lol. Had the same issue with my 04 monte until I bought GM ones then the ABS sensor went bad in those ones. Just cant win these days.
 
I had the same issue on a Saturn with oem ones , I changed the knuckle and hub and never seen it back may want to try that
 
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