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Discussion on wheel hubs

i've been told it doesnt matter and some even come with both.

This thread was meant to be about the reason why they fail.
 


Well I've searched all over for the answer. Couldn't find it and figured it wasn't worth started a new thread over, just to have someone like yourself to say, "there's a search button, use it."
 
sorry, thank you for informing me of the simple answer, I thought there was more to it then that. I do appreciate it!
 
whitegxp said:
Does anyone know the difference int he 1st and 2nd design. They have either a plastic or metal wire clip. Does it matter what one you buy?
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I think the 2nd design refers to the years. I know my 98's is a different part number then my 02'. Apparently it's the location of the connector for the APS sensor (for the fronts). Anything else with the 2nd design, couldn't tell ya.
 


Any comments about napa hubs? I've got a friend that works there and he said napa bearings are used in airplanes and that the hubs come with a 3yr warranty. I want to fix mine this weekend and not paying $175 for a timkin locally when I can order it online for $100. The napa hub is $130

Edit: apparently they are skf bearings
 
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dirtmaster88 said:
Any comments about napa hubs? I've got a friend that works there and he said napa bearings are used in airplanes and that the hubs come with a 3yr warranty. I want to fix mine this weekend and not paying $175 for a timkin locally when I can order it online for $100. The napa hub is $130

Edit: apparently they are skf bearings
Click to expand...

if they have a 3 yr warranty, that sounds like a decent deal to me
 


on topic noob question sorry in advance, does it have to be a 'groaning, or humming sound' could it be an almost metallic chirping sound? cause i'm pretty paranoid about my bearings right now :th_nervous::th_nervous:
 
I replaced both of the front hubs on my stock '97 GT with SKF's from Pep Boys (NAPA's price was much higher here - it depends on who you are and who you know as to what price NAPA gives you - in my experience). They were actually made in USA (yeah!) and I torqued them properly, but one got noisy in less than a year. The replacement I got under warranty was made in Korea (drat!), but supposedly has an improved seal design. Older SKFs are blue, newer ones are green. Make sure you don't lose your receipt in either case. I'm hoping maybe I just had bad luck, SKF is usually top quality. BTW all these hubs came with both plastic and metal clips, my OEs were metal.
David
 
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94z28elky said:
I replaced both of the front hubs on my stock '97 GT with SKF's from Pep Boys (NAPA's price was much higher here - it depends on who you are and who you know as to what price NAPA gives you - in my experience). They were actually made in USA (yeah!) and I torqued them properly, but one got noisy in less than a year. The replacement I got under warranty was made in Korea (drat!), but supposedly has an improved seal design. Older SKFs are blue, newer ones are green. Make sure you don't lose your receipt in either case. I'm hoping maybe I just had bad luck, SKF is usually top quality. BTW all these hubs came with both plastic and metal clips, my OEs were metal.
David
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This post was amazingly helpful, thank you. Ya the $130 price is with a discount, I have a friend at NAPA ;) I think they're normally $180. Gonna do this tomorrow, can't wait to regain my hearing when driving lol
 
Between my '97 GTP, my GF's '97 GTP and my sister '98 Regal, I have replaced only one OEM front hub in my GTP because it was getting some slight play in it. The GF is still on her original ones, and my sister, has replaced hers 6 or 7 times now, and its replaced with the O'Reilly specials as we call them. They wear out and knock within the warranty period, so we just keep taking them back.

a year ago, talked my dad into spending the extra money, and buy some Timkins. Shes been good ever since on my sister car.

I have to suggest something here...

Be as it may sound like a awesome deal, and a cheap price buying off line, the only GOOD that can come of that is buying to fix the problem for a car your getting ready to sell. If you plan on keeping your car, its just life, that these will probably wear out, and do it in the general warranty period. You have to remove it, ship it back wait on them to APPROVE the return of them inspecting it and saying in their own opinion that its bad or not, so its their word against yours, so you have that risk involved in them screwing you and not approving it, (yes I have heard of this happening and even ZZP is guilty of it too sad to say) and have return shipping back, another charge, all the while you cant drive your car for atleast a week while your bearings is being shipped around.

Still sound like a good deal?

if you buy local, ya it may cost a little more, but if it wears out or fails, you can simply take it off, run into town (or get a ride) swap it out, head home and reinstall and be on your way in about 2 or 3 hours tops.

Just something to think about and ponder.


Why they wear out? Its a disposable part, its not made to last for ever. if it were the old school grease able/rebuild able bearing grease on a spindle...ya, we probably wouldn't have the problems we do. Driving in the elements can wear them out, sand, dirt, salt, water, and random chunks of road gunk and grime that can get kick up on them from the tires can cause them to wear out. They are sealed, but not totally sealed ya know.

~F~
 


jerZcavy4120 said:
on topic noob question sorry in advance, does it have to be a 'groaning, or humming sound' could it be an almost metallic chirping sound? cause i'm pretty paranoid about my bearings right now :th_nervous::th_nervous:
Click to expand...

I would guess it's possible. A bearing dries out or gets gummed up enough to chirp instead of groaning. Seems most often that would be brake/rotor related.
 
Did mine this weekend, what a *****! Unless you live in a warmer climate or have the tools available (oxy-acetylene torch and impact wrench), do yourselves a favor and just bring it in. Completely messed up the cv halfshaft before I could get this thing off. Snapped two 1/2" drive ratchets just trying to get the axle nut off and smashed the hell outta the cv halfshaft with a sledge hammer. Here's some pics of my adventure.

IMG_20101218_115328.jpg

IMG_20101218_122315.jpg

IMG_20101218_221501.jpg
 
Crap, my network won't let me see your pictures but I had a hell of a time with one of them being seized on my '05 but I learned my lesson and WD-40'd the hell out of the other front the night before and was MUCH easier.

Sad part is I actually bought a removal tool and there was no way in hell that thing was going to get the bearing off! So now it sits, unused on the shelf. Stuff we learn the hard way! :o
 
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