larryfs

my C4 rear wheel bearings have play after only 2 track events and 35,000 miles !

who makes rear wheel bearings that can withstand "abuse"... I can't even call it abuse, but you know what I mean. obviously the GM units aren't that hardy if they loosen up in low mileage....

h rocks

Nobody. You are just noticing the wear/play now that you are prudently checking them due to the track use. They are only ball bearings, and small at that considering the loads of a heavy sports car. Don't expect to get another 35k out of your replacements if you are gong to be doing track events. Just look at it as the price of "E" ticket admission! :D

larryfs

yeah.. but how much play is acceptable?
I had 2 different corvette shops give me their opinions.
both said the play is within normal limits, and they would have no problem taking it out on the track.

obviously I plan on changing them out real soon just to make me feel better, but I got to wonder if a little play is normal?

h rocks

What's "a little"? Most shops regardless of specialty, are not in tune with anything other than what's acceptable for street use. There is a runout spec in the shop manual. The short answer, about a 1/32" is too much. Don't fight it. You got more than your $$ worth out of a set of hubs used at the track.

larryfs

what brand do you run? .... and what kind of life do you get out of them?
thx

BrianCunningham

Anyone here ducting air to them ala Z06?

h rocks

The NDH hubs. Life is probably around 4,000 track miles or so.

larryfs

I'm going take a trip to NAPA right now.
NAPA gives AAA members a nice discount :cool:

GM units are about $250 each :_dupe:

No Go

I don't believe the bearings overheat, they are just worn out from being overstressed...my guess anyway.

NDH bearings-Pep Boys with Lifetime Warranty! $150 initial price...gone thru 5 so far...

:)

larryfs

>>NDH bearings-Pep Boys with Lifetime Warranty! $150 initial price...gone thru 5 so far...<<

That's not worth it to me. My time is more valuable than to be swapping bearings so often. I'd rather pay $250 for a decent bearing and not have to worry about it so much. toooo many things to do with the house, family, etc..... we'll see how the NAPA bearing holds up :steering:

No Go

:banghead:

You are missing the point. NDH are the same ones that came on your car (OEM)...if you drive your car aggressively the smallish wheel bearing will wearout quickly-requiring you to replace it more often that apparently you think.

It is a design flaw in the car design not the PEP BOYS bearings...

:)

larryfs

There is no point to miss. :banghead: You never made the point NDH was the same as OE !

and besides they may have 2 grades. 1 for pepboys and one spec grade for GM. you never know......

are the 1988 bearings the same as the 1996?

gcrouse

There is only one company that makes C4 bearing assemblies: NDH.

And they're the same crappy bearings no matter how much you pay for them; at least with PepBoys the replacements are free.

So what was wrong with old school anyway: tapered rollers and races that could take the side loads, and be replaced for $20 a side? GM really blew it on this one......

JasonL

I don't know about that, George... The first pair of Pep Boyz assemblies I got was NDH, same as stock. The 2nd pair was definately not NDH; housing looked completely different (mostly painted black). To be honest I don't know if I'm going to install them, they don't look confidence inspiring for some reason...

larryfs

I just picked up my NAPA bearings. They are made by SKF, or SFK. Something like that.. They look decent. we'll see how they hold up......

h rocks

So what did NAPA charge you for the privilege of purchasing from them?

larryfs

$180.41 each
1 year warrenty

mk2001c

I am getting a continuous chirp from my right rear side of the car while cruising at highway speeds. Would a worn wheel bearing do that?

Zpeedstr

What bearing grease are your using?
There is a new Dupont Krytox high temperature grease that might make a difference.

ZR1 MK

Sealed bearings are not serviceable. Its been reported by a few that anything less than GM bearings for track use is ill-advised. Bearing had seperated into two parts while at the track. This means your wheel/tire will seperate from the car.
I still have my original bearings on my 1990 with 36k miles, approx 3600 miles of track use.
This is news that GM bearings are from the same manufacturer as mentioned. More details?
Mike