Front Wheel bearing troubles

[Wanabe_Garage]

Hey all,

Ive got a pickle of a problem... Ive replaced the front outer bearings and it still squeeks and makes scratching noises. Ive put a generous amount of the recommended grease and everything.

just today the bearing I replaced yesterday literally broke apart... not a fun experience on the freeway!

but this is the second time the outer bearings fell apart.

anyways... I just wanted some tips or maybe there is something I'm missing.

thanks

[egg_83]

how tight did you do the bolt up? overtightening the bolt could cause this

[Gunner]

and did u pack the bearings correctly?

[Wanabe_Garage]

umm... well... ive tighten it about hand tight

the bearings are the right way... angled side facing inward

real scared to drive atm

[af300e]

Also, over packing can be as bad as under packing. As for tensioning the nut, well it comes with experience but try this.
After packing the bearings, put the nut on and tighten it reasonable tight to seat the bearings correctly. The disc should be stiff to turn. Give it a few turns to make sure they seat. If the disc loosens as you turn it, it means the bearings are seating further and you need to add more tension. Do this until they don't loosen when you turn them anymore. Then, back off the nut until they turn freely. This is the part that comes with experience. The nut should be firm but not nipped up. Use a large shifter and the weight of your hand on it will usually be close to right. It's difficult to explain. The best is to have someone who has experience to show you and then feel how tight they do it.
The disc should be free when you spin it but have no lateral movement or end play at all.

[Jonny Rochester]

The problem is you only changed the outer bearings. You are ment to take the whole hub off the car (remove the brakes), and replace both bearings and oil seal. And by bearings, I mean also replace the 'cups' which are pressed into the hub. The cups are removed with a punch and hammer. They are installed with a press and large socket.

But the sounds of it you havn't even looked at the inner bearings, which are probably as bad as the outer ones you replaced.

[Wanabe_Garage]

Ive removed it all... the innerbearings seem fine but I guess i will replace it all with careful consideration to the nut tension.

thanks guys

[roady]

usually when u get a bearing kit it comes with both of them, its the same as brakes u change both not just one side well all most the same