Front Wheel Hub Problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Newark CA
Front Wheel Hub Problem
Any thoughts on what might be causing a reoccurring problem I have had with my driver side front wheel bearing hub assembly? I have now went through my 4th assembly in about as many years.
I replaced the original with an aftermarket part - it failed at an autox, snapped in half.
Figuring that it was a freak accident I installed another free replacement part - which also failed at an autox, again snapped in half.
Replace with an AC Deco part, which was provided by supplier at no charge - this has now failed fortunately I caught it before it broke.
I have now installed a Timken assembly.
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
I replaced the original with an aftermarket part - it failed at an autox, snapped in half.
Figuring that it was a freak accident I installed another free replacement part - which also failed at an autox, again snapped in half.
Replace with an AC Deco part, which was provided by supplier at no charge - this has now failed fortunately I caught it before it broke.
I have now installed a Timken assembly.
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
Suckin' gas, haulin' ass.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 8
From: Newport News Virginia
I can't think of anything that would make the wheel bearing just die that fast. You can't overtorque it because it's held on by a flange. I think only a gross misalignment would only accelerate wear in the smallest amount. You would be going through tires like there's no tomorrow if it was off that much.
The only thing I can think of is a run of bad luck.
The only thing I can think of is a run of bad luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
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Are you running street tires or race tires at the autocross? I go through wheel bearings about every two weekends on my track car. The bearing are not made for lateral load and will fail quickly when used in such a way. Just something you have to live with if you track a C4. Start buying the cheapest ones you can find, they last just as long.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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I had to replace an original hub and got a "white box" replacement. This hub lasted one autocross event before it failed. It was apparently a loose nut and I'll bet due to improper assembly at the place in China where it was made.
So, I bought a Timken unit from Rockauto. This hub was marked "Made in USA" and is now in its third year of autocrossing and track use and still feels solid. I run Hoosier A6's and have a fairly aggressive alignment. What's interesting is that the one remaining factory front hub is still on the car and in good shape after 6 years of autocross events
I would bet that your hub assemblies were Chinese made. But another thing I have heard with replacing hubs is that they need to get some miles on them before being exposed to aggressive use like autocross. Sort of like wearing them in. I did put 150 miles on the Timken hub before entering an event.
SKF also makes a good hub and Rockauto carries them too.
So, I bought a Timken unit from Rockauto. This hub was marked "Made in USA" and is now in its third year of autocrossing and track use and still feels solid. I run Hoosier A6's and have a fairly aggressive alignment. What's interesting is that the one remaining factory front hub is still on the car and in good shape after 6 years of autocross events
I would bet that your hub assemblies were Chinese made. But another thing I have heard with replacing hubs is that they need to get some miles on them before being exposed to aggressive use like autocross. Sort of like wearing them in. I did put 150 miles on the Timken hub before entering an event.
SKF also makes a good hub and Rockauto carries them too.
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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It might be the brand of bearing. I've had Timken on my fronts for 3 years of serious track duty and they are not showing any signs of wear yet.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 132
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From: Springfield Ohio
I agree with the other Timken vs China-made thoughts.
There are lots of posts out there for all makes & models discussing early failure of China made replacement hubs... very few posts about issues with Timken hubs. The only experience I can offer is with my wife's Monte Carlo. Replaced both hubs with Timken units a few thousand miles ago with no issues.
There are lots of posts out there for all makes & models discussing early failure of China made replacement hubs... very few posts about issues with Timken hubs. The only experience I can offer is with my wife's Monte Carlo. Replaced both hubs with Timken units a few thousand miles ago with no issues.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Newark CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
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From: Mystic CT
Any thoughts on what might be causing a reoccurring problem I have had with my driver side front wheel bearing hub assembly? I have now went through my 4th assembly in about as many years.
<snip>
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
<snip>
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
Dave
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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Don't get me started on rear wheel bearings though . . . . .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Mystic CT
Maybe driving style or setup that one person is hurting fronts and another rears then? Most auto builders have been not leaving much extra built in for a very long time were my thoughts. Maybe as simple as wheel offsets loading the bearing differently due to the change in moment arm with a different offset?
I have been an engineer on a IMSA GT car at Daytona and the bearings on that thing were massive with a similar weight and it corners at around 1.35G sometimes better sometimes worse.. We have gone through NASCAR 3 and 4 at arount 197 and 206 on the front straight..
Dave
I have been an engineer on a IMSA GT car at Daytona and the bearings on that thing were massive with a similar weight and it corners at around 1.35G sometimes better sometimes worse.. We have gone through NASCAR 3 and 4 at arount 197 and 206 on the front straight..
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
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From: Tampa Florida
Any thoughts on what might be causing a reoccurring problem I have had with my driver side front wheel bearing hub assembly? I have now went through my 4th assembly in about as many years.
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
My thought is maybe there is something else going on that could be putting too much stress on the hub. Any thoughts?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 66
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From: Salt Lake Utah
photo
On your next set of front hubs, before you put them on the car, remove the plastic cap with the ABS terminals. Take a picture of where the bearing retainer is relative to the shaft. At your next race, monitor wheel play after each race. When the wheel starts to develop a little play, remove the hub from the car. While removed, check the bearing retainer location on the shaft. Send me a p.m. and tell me what you see.
...WW
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From: Eads, Tennessee
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