Well somehowi managed to go through a rear wheel bearing after just a few months. Hopefully I'm now getting so practice at it it'll go smoothly.

At this point I'm just looking to replace it and get her on the road ASAP. I cant help but wonder what could have happened. Hypothetically could I have tightened the axle nut too much causing premature bearing failure? Without a torque wrench that'll go to 370 ft lbs (dont quote me, I'm writing that value from memory), I'm faced with using body weight, length of wrench formula to get it there. Don't laugh but I snapped a 1/2 inch ratchet extension doing this (yeah I know - less pizza more broccoli for dinner. . . ).

I guess driving a couple of miles with a lose axle nut couldn't have helped either! This is one of those dam nuts you have to replace after loosened.

Well I don't expect there's any way to figure out whyothe bearing failed so early, so this is all just anecdotal but I figured I'd ask.

This time I'm getting the bearing from a good mechanic. Maybe the longevity is brand dependent, well see.

John

 

Did you use the original spacer & shim?
The hub was setup at the factory with the correct preload so I always just replace the bearings/seals and use the original spacer/shim.

I have reused a nut in the past but it was not damaged and I used HIGH STRENGTH Loc-tite.(a new nut is preferable)

Is the 'sensor rotor' in good shape? I have seen damaged ones from failed bearings and they are part of the 'preload' parts through the hub.
You did pack the bearings with grease??
I have never seen anyone over tighten the hub nut with all the correct parts in place.

A loose nut will cause rapid bearing failure!!!

 

Bob, thank you. I finally got into the job today. The inner bearing was destroyed, as were both the seals.

Who knows, I did have to tighten the axle 1 or 2 times, then probably put too much torque on it unintentionally.

She should be reassembled in an hour or 2. Didn't want to miss the chance to say thanks.
oh sensor rotor is ok. Sure though I packed the bearings with grease.

John