[Mk2] [Turbo] Eating wheel bearings... Why???

[TC07]

My rev 3 turbo has fecked 4 or 5 wheel bearings in the last 3 yrs, on the same wheel (passenger rear). Went through 2 in about 18 months, next 2 in about 8 weeks each, and latest one in 4 weeks!
First 3 i just replaced the bearing, 4th one changed bearing and stub axle (bit with wheel studs in) hoping this would cure it. 4 weeks ago I got a complete suspension upright including bearing and stub axle from a member on here who was breaking their car, and it has screwed the bearing in this one too now!
It therefore has to be something in the driveshaft to my mind. I didn't think CV joints could kill bearings? I could do with finding out what could be causing it before I throw any more money at it.

Anyone any ideas?

[fearless]

what size wheels you running and are thay cheap bearings you are using

[TC07]

Wheels are 17's, and bearings have been a mixture of blueprint parts and genuine Toyota. I can't see it being 4 faulty bearings from different sources, and even a cheap bearing should at least last 4 weeks surely?

[TheRoadWarrior]

How are you pressing the bearing in? Sounds to me like they've not installed correctly. As you say; no way you should be going through them that fast.

[TC07]

Well the one that was in the car when i bought it failed, and the last one was already installed in the suspension upright that was taken from another MR2, so I don't think it can be improper installation.

[paul port]

incorrect wheel offsets? EG huge spacers on a wide-body,
Way Way off tracking?
Too many pot-holes?

Does the car 'drive ok' when the bearing is fresh?

Paul

[Canopus]

Probably a silly question but, you are changing the roller path as well and not just the bearing? They have to be changed together and also not mixed up in any way.i.e new bearing on old roller path or swopping the bearings from side to side.

[mrfil13]

Have you got the cap on the back of the wheel bearing to stop much getting into them?

[TC07]

Hi guys thanks for the replies.
Paul, wheel offsets are correct as far as I know, had the wheels too long to remember exact figures. There are no spacers fitted.
On a new bearing the car drives fine, goes in a straight line with hands off the wheel, including under braking.

mrfil13, yes dust seals are fitted.

Canopus, not sure what you mean by the "roller path"?
I think incorrect fitment of the bearing can be ruled out due to changing the complete suspension upright assembly the last time. (P/NO 42305 http://www.ayrpark.plus.com/epc/toyota/ ... _1993.html) Off the car, the bearing in the replacement upright was fine, no play whatsoever. Once fitted it was making a very faint revolving whump whump noise. Over the last few weeks this has gradually turned into WHUMP WHUMP

[jj2766]

get it done by a garage that gives a warrenty on it that way you aint got the bill each time it goes lol

J

[Canopus]

In my experience new wheel bearings come in two parts with the roller bearing itself and a roller path which is like a ring with the bearing inside it. The bearing can easily be removed for replacement but unless the roller path is also removed (This is a push/tight interearance fit in the hub) then you end up putting a new bearing onto a worn roller path and the new bearing wears out very quickly. The kit is a precision kit with the bearings matched to the roller path and both need to be changed at the same time otherwise you will get rapid wear. In use both the roller path and the bearing itself "wear in" together which is why sometimes they need to be tightened up or adjusted.

On a basic level if you are just replacing the roller bearing only then you may well experience the symptoms you have described.

Hope this assists.