wheel bearing problems

Posted by: michigangp

wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 10:29 AM

I'v owned my 2000 grand prix se for about a year now and have had to replace the wheel bearings three times. This last time the shop I go to called up the rep from the company that made the wheel bearings and got him to come to their shop and look at them. The rep said that when gm designed the car they made it with the wrong size bearings and that there destine to where out every 6 to 9 months. I was just wondering if any one had run into this problem, or if there is a part update to fix this problem?
Posted by: zuulmusic

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 11:57 AM

I have an 01 and I haven't had to replace them. 6-7 years old now.
Posted by: ThunderBat

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 01:40 PM

I've heard that some of the cheaper aftermarket bearing are real junk...but even still they shouldnt be wearing out that fast unless you have some really huge and sticking out offset wheels on the car that are putting a lot of stress on them...if thats not the case then double check the install process to see if its seated well and tight enough (torque to spec)...from the concensus on the board, Timken is the bearing/hub of choice.
Posted by: drummerboy1307

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 02:07 PM

No issues here and I have the parts store brand bearings... sounds like a possible bad alignment or improper installation like t-bat mentioned.
Posted by: ordonez1307

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 02:50 PM

I have heard a bad ground for the bearing causing them to go bad prematurely. Check the front pass. side bearing gound for it
Posted by: *Nice-Try*

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 03:10 PM

I would hvae 2 say that this premature failure is due to install. Not to put ur mechanic down, but I have never heard of this many failures on one bearing!
Make sure they are not getting installed with an impact and that the C/V is torqued properly!!
also u get what u pay for...domestic made parts are a must!
Posted by: michigangp

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 04:43 PM

Thanks for the ideas. The car is all stock but i did notice that the insides of the tires are wearing faster than the outsides. I will get an algnment done.
Posted by: HercMan(Rob)

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/16/07 07:32 PM

I replaced mine with Timkins at about 75-80k and havent' had a problem since.
Posted by: quark_man

Re: wheel bearing problems - 06/17/07 12:30 AM

Do you have the same shop change the bearings? The rep would say that you need to purchase his bearings every 9 months and the shop would be happy to change them for you. I certainly agree with Nice-Try. Installation care is a must with these. Better spend three hours and do it yourself then a 1/2 impact at full blast with one bolt at a time at the shop!