What's wrong with this wheel bearing?

[widebody911]

I installed new front wheel bearings just a few months ago. When I took my rotor off, this is what the bearing looked like. What went wrong? Yes, I know how to pack and adjust bearings. I do track the car aggressively, but they shouldn't go bad this fast. The only other thing I can think of is excessive heat from the brakes dragging due to the Ti shield issue.

[pbs911]

It does look like a product of heat. What type of grease did you use? Also, is that from the side that was pulling when you braked?

[stormcrow]

Has the bearing in the pic been cleaned or washed in gas?

Steve

[Early_S_Man]

Thom,

What brand and type of wheel bearing grease did you use? Many have questioned my recommendations to use the highest-quality, high-temp rated moly grease on wheel bearings ... but your example of dragging rotors makes the case quite well! If you used a plain white, red, blue, or giolden-colored lithium grease ... I think you have your answer!

Whether or not the Ti shields played a role ... seems doubtful to me!

[widebody911]

This is from the side that pulls. I was using Valvoline HiTemp all-purpose bearing grease - the red stuff. I've been using this for years and haven't had bearings that looked this bad.

Where would one get the SuperDuper grease?

[Early_S_Man]

Thom,

I got my Valvoline #986 SynPower Synthetic Grease with moly ... claims to meet all US, Japanese, and European specs for CV-joint grease ... at Wal-Mart!

[rickeolis]

Could this be due to too much torque? (On the outer nut)

[dickster]

just a thought 'cause i'm just about to get mine done.

did you change the outer parts that are pressed into the hub? if so, how'd you get the old ones out of the hub and new in???

[widebody911]

Yes, I changed the races as well:

http://vintagebus.com/howto/wb/

Originally posted by richardnelson
just a thought 'cause i'm just about to get mine done.

did you change the outer parts that are pressed into the hub? if so, how'd you get the old ones out of the hub and new in???

[dickster]

what are the black speckles (just visible on the roller) just right of the centre roller?

[Tinker]

Are they German bearings??? They don't look discolored from overheating, just kind of worn. Are both sides the same? Can you feel any of the wear marks with your nail? How do the races look?

Tinker

[lexiconby]

the vintagebus link showing photos of bearing replacement has some issues. 2 problems. never remove race using a screw driver...you can see all the dings and scratches to the hub. also, don't use a socket to install the race. better to spend the money and get a bearing puller and use a race installer. it's important...photo shows a porsche...i think u can afford these special tools

[GaryR]

I use Mobil Red synthetic, never saw anything like that!

[HawgRyder]

If both the bearing and race were replaced....then I would suspect the bearing was installed just a little tight.
If you clamp the bearing too tightly...you force the grease out of the rollers.
Even experienced mechanics get it wrong sometimes....tighten until drag occurs then back off so that it rolls smoothly but not sloppy.
Bob

[kodioneill]

10 year old thread guy's.

[cobra935o]

Is there a problem with commenting on an old thread? Just wondering, I never saw this thread the first time (wasnt here 10 years ago), nice to know this info.

[john walker's workshop]

amazing that the picture survived 10 years. they're usually gone.

[rw7810]

To me that looks like a cast iron gage.... seems to me any bearing I have used has a chrome moly polished type cage.

[Ronnie's.930]

It seems strange that someone's first post on Pelican is a commentary on a 10-year-old thread . . .

[john walker's workshop]

shark music......