Greetings!

What kinds of problems or anomolies could a spindle have to cause a wheel bearing to fail?

I'm discounting defects in the bearing, lack of lubrication, and faulty installation as the culprit..... Any ideas?

I think we need a bit more inforamtion. Are you going through lots of bearings? Are they greased? Are they rusty? Heated?

Oh, I forgot, why don't you introduce yourself first!!!!!:mad3:

Welcome ya Fawking NEWBIE:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Apologies.....

I'm Crow Horse and live on Long Island, just outside of NYC. I have 3 Samis, 87,88.5, & 91. My 87 is my daily driver and I've got a 1.6 8v in it with lots of goodies, too much to list.

I've had the 87 for 2 1/2 years and I've replaced all the bearings twice. Now, the bearings are starting to sing a song I really didn't want to hear. I repacked them about 2 months ago and they're squeaking and rumbling now. Not a good thing.

So changing the bearings doesn't become an annual event, there must be another reason why they are failing so soon. I'm running only 30's....Any ideas?

The bearings were greased well, before I repacked them.... No rust at all. I don't know how to read wear patterns on the races. Is there a site that might have that info with pics? Thanks.

Have you ever replaced the bearings on any of your other Zuk's?

What kind of bearings are you using?

Yep, replaced them in my 91 and no problems. I'm not sure of the manufacturer, but I got them from Trail Tough.

Easy doeser der JohnBoy!!!

Little ruff around the edges are we?



LOL

Hi Crow -

I assume that you replaced the races at the same time as the bearings. If not, you should have. Any discoloration or pitting of the races would indicate a poor condition of the bearings. Something you might look at - and I have previously experienced personally - is that a slightly bent axle housing will cause the stub axle to be pressed hard against the internal portion of the locking hub causing it to rapidly wear and begin squealing. It may not be the wheel bearings at all. If you remove the locking hub and move the splined portion side to side, it should not have more than about .020 of play. You also want to check its rotation and make sure that it is not binding up from corrosion. Another cause of premature bearing failure, of course, would be from overtightening the spindle nut. BTW what kind of grease are you using to pack the bearings?

Hi Brent,
Thanks for the info. I do know the previous owner wheeled it VERY hard, to the point of being blatantly abusive. A slightly bent housing could very well be the problem.

I'm using Amsoil synthetic grease. I've had very good experiences with their products.

I guess I'll have to swap out the axle for one in my parts zook. That zook I know has been babied and never had any axle problems.

If I remember correctly, I believe I had tightened the nuts down to 10 ft. pounds while spinning it.

Thanks again for the info.....

Now that I think about it, one hub has always been very difficult to turn even though it operates smoothly when removed from the vehicle. I think you hit the nail right on the head.

I might just spring for the extra $$$$ and use the Amsoil Series 2000 grease when I rebuild the axle after the swap. It's very expensive, but I don't think this is an area where skimping is cost effective.

You'll be hearing from me shortly to order the front axle rebuild kit......

I've had trouble with water getting into the bearings. I have 5000km on them and the drivers side is growling and loose. It's full of rust and water. I think the felt on the back of the knuckle is the culprit or the little o-ring in the hub dial.
Ken