Alero Bearings

[XionSolaris]

My alero keeps ruining/wearing out it's bearings. From what I know this car was in a accident and slightly bent the frame. We have replaced the bearings each year for 2 years so far. Is the frame the issue or is there something else that you guys can think of that might be wrong? thanks for whoever replies.

[widbyj]

I'm no frame expert but I'm thinking that's the key to the problems here.

Things to check anyhow:
4 wheel alignment - can all corners be adjusted to correctness?
Are the struts and other suspension parts in good condition?
Are all tires in good condition, balanced and exact same size?
When the front driveshafts wear, or have been even slightly bent in an accident, they can throw things off-balance, were they replaced?

More details about what was repaired or what was damaged exactly might help us find answers for you... let us know.

[XanderWiFi]

When I lived in the country I CONSTANTLY had an issue with the wheel bearings going out due to bad roads and such. I asked the guy about it and he said the bearing that are made for the Alero and other like models tend to go really quickly. Their resolution to the problem was to make bearings with a lifetime warranty which I took full advantage of. I suggest you do the same or find a shop that offers it. Went from bearings being replaced at like 175 a pop to 40 bucks for the labor only. And I went through about three on each side so it paid for itself.

[falloutboy]

When I lived in the country I CONSTANTLY had an issue with the wheel bearings going out due to bad roads and such. I asked the guy about it and he said the bearing that are made for the Alero and other like models tend to go really quickly. Their resolution to the problem was to make bearings with a lifetime warranty which I took full advantage of. I suggest you do the same or find a shop that offers it. Went from bearings being replaced at like 175 a pop to 40 bucks for the labor only. And I went through about three on each side so it paid for itself.

U know what brand they are / were? Cause it seems like a good offer if its valid if you dont live in the US or Canada

[cherrington17]

Timken makes good bearings.

Also, if your burning through them quickly, make sure your torquing them down properly. (to the new specs, NOT the old ones)

[falloutboy]

thanks :)
no I'm not burning through them. After 160 k KM I have my second set it - so my first NON OE ones.
But as the car gets older and German roads deteriorating at the same rate (as the last couple years) I'll perhaps be burning through them.

I am using the the "new" nuts and new torque setting. I have seen that now the bearing come with the new nuts - damn that would've saved my a lot of grief and money (back in the day :rolleyes2: )

[XanderWiFi]

I don't know the brand. I had them done at a specific shop that offers the deal. Unfortunately, I can't say if other shops do but I am sure there are others out there.

[zzyzzx]

Why is this in the 3400 specific area?

[TheEdgeofSanity]

I have my passenger side front wheel bearing out... again. how long can I drive the car with a bad bearing? I'm saving money to get it fixed but in the mean time, I've been putting about 1000 miles a month on the car and its been bad since december.

[Greencoupe2.2]

Timken makes good bearings.

Also, if your burning through them quickly, make sure your torquing them down properly. (to the new specs, NOT the old ones)

I have timiken bearings installed and they are high quality with a lifetime waranty. Dont cheap out on them I had some wheelbearings from ebay installed and they lasted no more than 6 months.

[falloutboy]

I have my passenger side front wheel bearing out... again. how long can I drive the car with a bad bearing? I'm saving money to get it fixed but in the mean time, I've been putting about 1000 miles a month on the car and its been bad since december.

This is really hard to say.
First its a liability thing (hopefully right term) - what happens when u have an accident?

from the technical point of view.
as long as the damage is mininal - I dont think anything major can occur
but it gets pretty hot if metal / metal friction is to much
it could perhaps even jam :eek:

And the added vibration / heat from there could damage or make other parts age faster than usual - so additional repairs could be necessary.

[robalero]

with a bad bearing, it can go tomorrow or it can last a year you never know but if it goes expect major damage not just to the car but to possibly you depending on your speed