Wheel bearing failure rates

Just about to replace the front passenger hub assbly on my '06 DC 4x4 and wondering what kind of life others are getting out of bearings. Truck has 70K miles and I've done both sides 3 times, so I'm on my 4th set of bearings. I've had a lot of trucks but NEVER seen the likes of this. Although I spend a lot of time in the mud/dirt, I treat this truck no worse than any other rig I've owned. Had a few replaced under warranty and now doing these ones myself to make sure they are done correctly (repacked with new seals). OEM, cheapies or the good Japanese stuff.....doesn't seem to matter. What is the deal?????

 

You doing it wrong

 

On my third set, passenger crapped out twice driver side once

 

It sounds like whatever process you guys follow is not working. Few things to remember.
1. New Wheel bearings needs to be packed with grease. (Mobil Synthetic red has been preferred)
2 When pressing new bearings make sure cage does not get crushed
3. lastly CV nut (on 4x4) needs to be at 173ft-lb because that's the pre-load on the bearing. most likely will need re-tightening after first 500 miles when bearings get seated.
If you follow this those bearings will last long time. at 30k miles I suggest re-tightening the CV nut to 173 to keep it tight.

 

What exactly is "wrong" with them?

 

Are you running wheel spacers, or deep offset wheels? They are both murderous to wheel bearings as they change the load from mainly radial load to mainly axial load.

If you have any of the old bearings, post close up photos of the cups and cones, I'll help with some failure analasys. Knowing why something failed is key in preventing recurring failure.

 

For#2, how do you make sure cage doesn't get crashed, or crushed?

 

Press the hub into the cones while being sure that nothing contacts the cage. Pretty easy on assembly, but removing a tapered roller bearing without damaging the cage is more difficult, sometimes impossible.

 

Thanks for the replies guys....as far as 'doing it right' this ain't my first rhodeo! LOL I know that I AM doing it right....I just wonder about the techs at my local Toyota dealer who've done the last few under warranty. I can say with certainty they never replaced the seals and for sure they didn't repack the bearings. Will see how long these ones go for.....

 

Complete failure due to water penetration/corrosion/lack of lube. I'm not just changing them as a preventative maintenance thing! LOL.....they are completely fook'd.

 

Not sure how your mechanic installing those bearing than. Those bearings should last much longer than what you getting out of them.
Koyo bearings Toyota sells are exactly like factory ones. So its definitely in installation.
try different installer? Install yourself?
if you getting water damage in the bearing that tells me that Seals are not installed correctly or not installed at all. (those are not reusable)
or
Bearing is not tighten to spec and allows grease to escape and water to get inside.

 

How are the faces the seals ride against?

 

Everything is good....that is after I cleaned and sanded all parts/mate surfaces. I'll chalk it up to reusing old seals (on the dealers end) and not repacking the bearings. The old 'if you want something done right' adage applies here....

Thanks for the feedback.

 

My 2008 just started making the dreaded wheel bearing noise (103k)...

How long do I have (approx mileage) before I must replace?

I will do the work...I just am travelling for work for a week.

 

Once makes noise that means is dry. Keep it slow, especially on turns. Replace as soon as possible.