Wheel Hub bearing kaput - Vendors requested

[Cloud Strife]

I replaced both of the front bearings in my Blazer last summer. One was done by a dealership and another by a car repair place. Both hubs were from Autozone and carry a 1-year warranty. Well I am still under the warranty for the first one replaced. (Both were done for the same price as I jew'd down the dealership installation charges.)

The one that is shot was the first one that was replaced by the local auto repair. While the other one is still running strong. Can you install these things improperly where they have accelerated wear? Or is it just shitty craftsmanship?

If I am going to have ever persistant problems with these bearings, I am gonna buy a quality one that lasts longer. I have figured out that some Autozone parts are just crap where others are excellent. Is there any vendors out there that carry them?

[BlazerLT]

I would check your alignment.

Other than that, I think I would avoid autzone parts from now on.

[Cloud Strife]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

I would check your alignment.

Other than that, I think I would avoid autzone parts from now on.

An alignment confirmed that it was shot. This was done about a month ago.

[muddog321]

Believe Autozone uses Timken and Advance/Discount uses BCA and those are the 2 big names so either should be fine. I'd look at the ball joints and other front end parts for wear causing that early hub failure too.

[Markgc]

I got my bearing assemblies from NAPA. I avoid Advance Autos and likes for such parts after the starter motor problems that I have had with their rebuilt parts.


The local shops seem to get their parts from NAPA and Walkers. That is most likely a good recommendation.

The only problem I have had is with the NAPA door handles. They would last about 6 months and break. I finally gave up and splurged out for a GM part.


Mark

[blazee]

I'd bet that the shop screwed up. The nut on the half shaft needs to torqued properly or the bearings will fail prematurely.

[BlazerLT]

Having two wheel bearing fail that early would not have me going back for another part from them, at least not that part.

[OverBoardProject]

We don't have an autozone where I live, and to be perfectly honest I've never been in any.

However we have a low priced parts chain here, where you can get some cheap junk.
They also carry quality lines on request.
Autozone probably does as well

[blazes9395]

Originally Posted by blazee

I'd bet that the shop screwed up. The nut on the half shaft needs to torqued properly or the bearings will fail prematurely.

Very true, and usually this will occur very quickly.

[Cloud Strife]

Originally Posted by blazes9395

Very true, and usually this will occur very quickly.

I am going to have to see if my g/f's father has a wrench capable of tightening it to spec. I cant think of the name of the item as I am having a brain fart.

[Markgc]

Torque wrench

[horse482]

Carquest used bca and they have been very good for me. Just make sure that the bolts and axle nut get the correct torque.

[Markgc]

I am trying ro remember but was the axle nut speced at 175 ft lbs

I got a mechanic to tighten one for me and I tightened the other one myself. Interestingly the one that mechanic did had a knock when turning so I tightened it down some more and all is quiet now.

Mark

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Cloud Strife

I replaced both of the front bearings in my Blazer last summer. One was done by a dealership and another by a car repair place. Both hubs were from Autozone and carry a 1-year warranty. Well I am still under the warranty for the first one replaced. (Both were done for the same price as I jew'd down the dealership installation charges.)

The one that is shot was the first one that was replaced by the local auto repair. While the other one is still running strong. Can you install these things improperly where they have accelerated wear? Or is it just shitty craftsmanship?

If I am going to have ever persistant problems with these bearings, I am gonna buy a quality one that lasts longer. I have figured out that some Autozone parts are just crap where others are excellent. Is there any vendors out there that carry them?

If they are installed right they should last as long or longer than the origional bearings. As said in the other post installation is a key factor.
BCA afterarket bearings are good bearings and usually a lot cheaper than dealer OEM bearings.
But one thing to be aware of aftermarket parts have a good line and than the cheaper line. 90 day to one year specials and then there own brand or parts made up to there own specs which they call the house brand or may even be stamped with a major brand.
Also another deal on aftermarket parts a lot of big parts places will have a bunch of parts made up to there own specs but may be stamped and made by a major brand.
They do this to cut the cost of parts but sometimes cut the quality also.
MT

[Cloud Strife]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

If they are installed right they should last as long or longer than the origional bearings. As said in the other post installation is a key factor.
BCA afterarket bearings are good bearings and usually a lot cheaper than dealer OEM bearings.
But one thing to be aware of aftermarket parts have a good line and than the cheaper line. 90 day to one year specials and then there own brand or parts made up to there own specs which they call the house brand or may even be stamped with a major brand.
Also another deal on aftermarket parts a lot of big parts places will have a bunch of parts made up to there own specs but may be stamped and made by a major brand.
They do this to cut the cost of parts but sometimes cut the quality also.
MT

This is why I asked about other vendors. Because I am not aware if the Timken brand is POS or good.