2010 Malibu dinghy towing

[Orpheus1951]

Anyone dinghy towing a 2010 Malibu having front wheel bearing trouble? Our Malibu has 34000 miles and we towed it for the first time for about 1000 miles, following the Owners' Manual recommendations. When we arrived both front wheel bearings had to be replaced. No previous bearing problems, so this seems a little suspicious. Should we continue our trip towing this car?

[Orpheus1951]

Thanks j-d. Appreciate the reply but key was definitely in ACC.

[j-d]

Haven't towed one, but the manual says towable with Transmission in Neutral and Key in Accessory.

Just saying, but it sounds to me like bearing damage could stem from towing with the Steering Column LOCKED, not in ACC.

Would also expect rubber scrubbed off the front tires. What do they look like?

Snippet from 2010 Malibu Owner's Guide follows:

To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with all four
wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. To prevent the battery from draining while the
vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuse
from the instrument panel fuse block: (IGN SENSOR).
See Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 6 ? 105 for more information.
5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to reinstall the IGN SENSOR fuse once the
destination has been reached.