Better Hub Bearings - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

biggsteve97 · 06-14-2012, 09:33 PM

I have an 03 Z71 Tahoe that has stock wheels and tires on it still. For some reason I am going thru bearings on the right side and fairly quickly. Has new upper control arm and ball joints. Alignment is great. Does anyone know of a better hub bearing? I have used both Gm and aftermarket parts store replacements and they last about the same. A few months. I havent been off road in years because its pretty much illegal out here and i really dont want to goto jail.
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Weasel Diesel · 06-14-2012, 10:11 PM

Are you torqueing the drive axle nut to specs or using an impact? Also, is the big o-ring ( in steering arm assy ) in good condition and lightly lubed that seals around the outside of the cv joint? It seals out water and gook.

biggsteve97 · 06-14-2012, 10:23 PM

I do not have an impact. I have only hand tools and used a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench to torque the hub nut to gm's spec. As far as this o-ring if it is a rubber o-ring then no I do not have one. For that matter there is not one in any of my trucks. However there is a metal sleeve thing pressed onto the bearing housing at the end of the shaft where it would sit inside the knuckle that would be directly behind the bearing.

kylep · 06-14-2012, 11:46 PM

man i have replaced the right bearing twice. once at 130k and then at 170 or so. i dont even have a torque wrench or knew you should use one. i just tightened it.

That seal on the steering assembly on mine i have never noticed. the axle end is welded shut and the other side i dont know...

I think you may be right about the moisture and gook though. I dont know where that would get in. Wish i was more help!

**truckdude239** · 06-15-2012, 08:13 AM

i normally install mogg wheel bearings at work never had one come back

northerngmc · 06-15-2012, 03:46 PM

I just ordered hub assemblies for my 04 2500HD. 175,000 kms on the original units.

I did some research at dieselplace.com and they recommend the Timken units. I believe they have a life time warranty. I ordered mine from Rock Auto for $160 /side plus shipping.

Weasel Diesel · 06-15-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northerngmc

I just ordered hub assemblies for my 04 2500HD. 175,000 kms on the original units.

I did some research at dieselplace.com and they recommend the Timken units. I believe they have a life time warranty. I ordered mine from Rock Auto for $160 /side plus shipping.

Shipping oughtta be a jewell... They are heavy as heck!

+1 on Timken... great products

northerngmc · 06-15-2012, 05:25 PM

Yeah, I paid $100 a piece to have them shipped from Rock Auto to me in Northern Canada. Total of $550 with taxes and handling.

I emailed a GM dealer in Texas I have bought parts from before at great prices and he quoted me just over $500 for a pair of assemblies and then I needed to ship them.

Timken are also available on eBay. I think I could have saved a bit on shipping using an eBay seller.

06-14-2012, 09:33 PM	#1
biggsteve97 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kansas City, Mo Posts: 284	Better Hub Bearings I have an 03 Z71 Tahoe that has stock wheels and tires on it still. For some reason I am going thru bearings on the right side and fairly quickly. Has new upper control arm and ball joints. Alignment is great. Does anyone know of a better hub bearing? I have used both Gm and aftermarket parts store replacements and they last about the same. A few months. I havent been off road in years because its pretty much illegal out here and i really dont want to goto jail. Posted via Mobile Device

06-14-2012, 10:11 PM	#2
Weasel Diesel Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Chesterfield, Va. Posts: 339	Re: Better Hub Bearings Are you torqueing the drive axle nut to specs or using an impact? Also, is the big o-ring ( in steering arm assy ) in good condition and lightly lubed that seals around the outside of the cv joint? It seals out water and gook. Last edited by Weasel Diesel; 06-14-2012 at 10:17 PM.

06-14-2012, 10:23 PM	#3
biggsteve97 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kansas City, Mo Posts: 284	Re: Better Hub Bearings I do not have an impact. I have only hand tools and used a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench to torque the hub nut to gm's spec. As far as this o-ring if it is a rubber o-ring then no I do not have one. For that matter there is not one in any of my trucks. However there is a metal sleeve thing pressed onto the bearing housing at the end of the shaft where it would sit inside the knuckle that would be directly behind the bearing.

06-14-2012, 11:46 PM	#4
kylep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 110	Re: Better Hub Bearings man i have replaced the right bearing twice. once at 130k and then at 170 or so. i dont even have a torque wrench or knew you should use one. i just tightened it. That seal on the steering assembly on mine i have never noticed. the axle end is welded shut and the other side i dont know... I think you may be right about the moisture and gook though. I dont know where that would get in. Wish i was more help! __________________ 2001 Tahoe 1978 K30

06-15-2012, 08:13 AM	#5
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Better Hub Bearings i normally install mogg wheel bearings at work never had one come back __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

06-15-2012, 03:46 PM	#6
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: Better Hub Bearings I just ordered hub assemblies for my 04 2500HD. 175,000 kms on the original units. I did some research at dieselplace.com and they recommend the Timken units. I believe they have a life time warranty. I ordered mine from Rock Auto for $160 /side plus shipping. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!

06-15-2012, 05:25 PM	#8
northerngmc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whitehorse YK Canada Posts: 2,651	Re: Better Hub Bearings Yeah, I paid $100 a piece to have them shipped from Rock Auto to me in Northern Canada. Total of $550 with taxes and handling. I emailed a GM dealer in Texas I have bought parts from before at great prices and he quoted me just over $500 for a pair of assemblies and then I needed to ship them. Timken are also available on eBay. I think I could have saved a bit on shipping using an eBay seller. __________________ Blaine 59 GMC 9314 a.k.a. Whoopee 68 C20 50th Anniversary a.k.a. The Rat http://www.flickr.com/photos/northerngmc/ http://www.members.tripod.com/P-wee/index_032.htm 1.61803 is one H of a lot better than 3.14159, no really it is!



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