Wheel Bearing failures on GM product

[Hugh R]

OK, this one has me stumped. 1972 Olds Cutlass, I repacked the wheel bearings when I bought it and its eaten, literally 2 or 3 sets of front wheel bearings (left and right) in less than 5,000 miles per set of new bearings. I know how to pack wheel bearings, and adjust the wheel play. Replaced one spindlebe cause it was welded to the bearing residual. I used Valvoline General Duty wheel bearing grease (red color) which is for disc brake cars, which this car has. New rotors and new bearing races, and it eats the smaller outer bearing first, with the inner, larger bearing failing as a result. I've had problems with excessive tire wear as well, and Firestone has aligned several times. Could the alignment be so far off that the bearings are getting a side load that eats the bearings? The front end has been rebuilt as well by me. New bushings and ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings, the works.

[john70t]

I used the Valvoline red grease a while ago and wasen't impressed with it either. Seemed to be increased friction after a few miles.
Repacked with the Swepco moly and noticed a big improvement.

[red-beard]

Contact Lubemaster77. He's our grease man!

[Rot 911]

I find it hard to believe that it is the grease you are using. I remember replacing wheel bearing on these cars back in the '70's using the cheapest Western Auto grease I could find. Never had any problems. Hell on my '66 Impala I had a bearing race welded to the spindle just like Hugh describes. I took a chisel and cut it off, used some emery cloth on the spindle, put in some new bearings and drove it for many more miles with no problems. As to the problem, I have no idea.