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Front Wheel Bearings Bad!

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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 01:27 PM
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Default Front Wheel Bearings Bad!

While starting some brake work today, my local shop discovered that both front wheel bearings are noisy and loose, especially the left side. The car has less than 24,000 miles, and six days on the track. Has anyone else had this problem? Do hot brakes on the track melt out the grease in the bearings? The Dealer will probably fix it under warranty, but at $600+ list price for each bearing, plus labor, I don't want to be doing this again next Spring! Your advice, please.
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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 02:21 PM
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Default Re: Front Wheel Bearings Bad! (Gearhead Jim)

Scarry! You may want to cross-post in the C5 racing section too. I'm interested to see if others who track their car have had this problem.
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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 04:14 PM
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Default Re: Front Wheel Bearings Bad! (SDVette)

That is a new one for me. I have over 83,000 miles on my 98 and quite a bit of track time and have had no problem.
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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 04:44 PM
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Default Re: Front Wheel Bearings Bad! (Gearhead Jim)

someone else just posted a similar occurance in the last few days.... they said a wheel bearing was 675 dollars.... I was shocked to see that.... I thought it was a typo..
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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 04:47 PM
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Default Re: Front Wheel Bearings Bad! (Evil-Twin)

That price is about right (retail), and it's for only one side. Plus labor. I think you can see why I don't want to make a habit of this.....
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Old Apr 30, 2002 | 11:45 PM
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Default Re: Front Wheel Bearings Bad! (Gearhead Jim)

Must be those limited-edition unobtanium bearing, given the absurd price. Fortunately, most of our cars didn't come with them.

Seriously, my guess is that what happened is yet another example of the incredibly careful fit and finish by the General during assembly. I suspect someone simply screwed-up on install. Once they are correct you should have no problems, on the road or the track. For example, friends and I have been running about 215 mph for years on tiny bearings designed during the '50s or earlier at Bonneville, with MUCH more vehicle weight with narry a hint of failure.

We DO know how to MAKE bearing by now! I cannot believe your problem is anything other than shotty work, especially since it is on both sides of the vehicle!

All the best. :yesnod:
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