Topic: Another set of bearings in Protege5, why???

[aaronk]

This is the third time I've replaced the front wheel bearings in my Mazda Protege5, a 2003 no less! Is there something I'm doing (or not doing...) that could be causing this? Is this just a known weak spot on the car? From the shop that's about $1200-1500 I'm at so far on wheel bearings alone.

[tortoise]

Ouch.

I think I've put 3 bearings into my '02 with 220k km.

Two left and a right.

Sounds like you've been replacing them in sets.  Any reason why?

[aaronk]

Ouch.

I think I've put 3 bearings into my '02 with 220k km.

Two left and a right.

Sounds like you've been replacing them in sets.  Any reason why?

It seems to be they are wearing that way. When I have gone in to repair one side, the other is also starting to wear. That's why I'm curious if it is something I'm doing? I don't drive overly aggressively or anything. I did change my tire ratio, down to 15" tires from factory 16's but the treadwall is also thicker, so I don't know if this could cause problems. The car is an '03 with 175K Kms.

[Careener]

The good news is they're cheap at Rockauto ;-)

2003 MAZDA PROTEGE5 2.0L 2000cc L4 FI DOHC : Brake/Wheel Hub : Wheel Bearing  Wiki   Price
TIMKEN Part # 510003 Bore 1.5748; OD 2.9134; Width 1.5748; 1.5748 in. Width
FWD; Front
   
   CAD$19.05

SKF Part # GRW237 More Information About this Part {Click Info Link for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Width=1.574"; Outside diameter=2.9134"; Inside diameter=1.5748IN
Sealed; Front
   
   CAD$25.85

BECK/ARNLEY Part # 0514065
 Front
   

   CAD$27.01
Add to Cart
NATIONAL Part # 510003 More Information About this Part Ball Bearing; Bore=1.5748", Outer Diameter=2.9134", Width=1.5748"

   CAD$31.64

[aaronk]

The good news is they're cheap at Rockauto ;-)

Wow, I have never heard of these guys - that's certainly a lot less than I paid the shop to have the work done!!! Although I don't know if I have the tools to do this type of work myself without a hoist, etc. Thanks for the info though, next time I'll supply the parts!

Cheers,
Aaron.

[TopGun]

I did the driver's side bearing at 212,000 km...nothing before or since.

Not sure if there's a diff between a "mazda" part, and an aftermarket part in this case that justifies the extra expense.

[Schmengie]

I had the same problem with a car I had about fifteen years ago. I replaced the front bearings with OEM parts on that POS at least twice in one year. The problem was solved when I went to a local indie and got some aftermarket bearings. Yes, it was a Ford....

[aaronk]

I had the same problem with a car I had about fifteen years ago. I replaced the front bearings with OEM parts on that POS at least twice in one year. The problem was solved when I went to a local indie and got some aftermarket bearings. Yes, it was a Ford....

That's interesting. Fingers crossed this set lasts more than a year, but if there truly is an omen out against my wheel bearings, perhaps changing to aftermarket will improve the quality.

[Minou]

I'd change shop or inquire about their technique.  Apparently that a properly installed wheel bearing is more important than the bearing itself.

[No H2O]

I'd change shop or inquire about their technique.  Apparently that a properly installed wheel bearing is more important than the bearing itself.

Exactly!

They should be pressing the bearing into the hub by the outer race only.

[ktm525]

My old Volvo V70R had an appetite for bearings. Never did figure out if it was a bad batch or improperly installed at the factory. I used to joke with the service manager that the founders of Volvo (SKF bearing) were rolling in their graves replacing bearings at 20k kms..