SKF Wheel Bearings how many miles

[mike sampsel]

Started the arduous task of cleaning and packing front wheel bearings.

Both my used inner bearings are stamped Germany. I'll assume they are original to the car and have ~ 120K miles and have been packed at least once (by me) after 70 K miles.

The outer bearings:

One is SKF stamped Italy.
The other is unsigned (maybe its a Picaso and worth lots )

The races and the bearings all look good to me. I'm not sure but suspect they will go another 100 K miles.

So while I'm in here, should I use the new SKF bearings I have (new) stamped Mexico? Not sure where the new (current) Pelican bearings come from, one says Japan (Genuine Porsche inner) the other says India (Genuine Porsche outer).

I hate to order new ones and find out they are from Mexico or Brazil. And removal of the races has some risks, but I think I can handle it.

Thinking I'll just pack my used ones with Red line synthetic grease and move on.

Thoughts ... I've read the opinion in other threads. Nothing specific to bearings from Mexico. Panorama suggests: "Now is a good time to change the wheel bearings". Although the article suggests changing the front and rear ball Joints too. Hum ...

PS everything was fine no issues with current wheels, but I've been meaning to repack the wheel bearings and do some other front suspension stuff too. Oh well ...

[PeteKz]

If they are well-greased, they should last "forever." I have only replaced front wheel bearings a couple times in my life. And those probably got dirt in them.

[Alan L]

Agree - if they adjust up with no issues they should outlast the spindles basically. They are not a high wear item if done properly.
I have a 1991 car (not Porsche ) with umpteen thousands of Ks and original bearings. I know because I am 2nd owner.
If you don't need to change them, don't.
Alan

[smadsen]

My '71 Ford Econoline has 300,000 miles on the original wheel bearings. The '82 911 has 265,000 miles on the original wheel bearings. (I'm pretty much a buy & hold kind of guy). Modern grease and proper maintenance makes them last forever.

[proporsche]

Mike ..if it ain't broken why fix it......i have the original on my 911 ..did some greasing about 1/2 year ago still perfect..
ivan

[Ian Comerford]

As you have already said, re-pack with Red Line and motor on.

[mike sampsel]

Pete, Alan, smadsen, Ivan and Ian

Thanks guys, definitely nice to get confirmations to my thoughts! Pack and play it is.

[dannobee]

I'd use them if they're in good shape.

As others have said, use synthetic wheel bearing grease instead of the original dino stuff. It really does make a difference. I'm partial to Lucas X-tra Heavy Duty grease because I've used it on the track for decades and any wheel bearing problems went away after we started using it.