Wheel bearings again!
A year ago I lost two bearings (nearly at the same time) after extended travel (about 6 hours straight) in hot weather. Both axles were replaced with 6,000 lb. axles (upgraded from 4,000 #). Last ...
Forum Discussion
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
I set up race cars all time. Extreem camber both + and -. Lots of G force in the turns. Heavy stock cars with slicks that just put a lot of load and abuse on the bearings. I have seen them set up so crazy they are running on the side of the tire. Never seen a bearing at the track or on a trailer fail because of camber.
I have seen home made axels that people have cut in half and widened out and are so far off it's crazy. Lots of tire issues but no bearing failure issues.
I have seen LOTS of bearings fail because they are set up too lose or too tight and no lube but never for camber issues; NEVER, EVER, EVER.
While you can dispute this if you wish, they are not my words…
Taken from Aligncraft Automotive Products trouble shooting chart…
Effects of Positive Camber
Slight positive camber results in a dynamic loading that allows the tire to run relatively flat against the road surface. Positive camber also directs the weight and shock load of the vehicle on the larger inner wheel bearing and inboard portion of the spindle rather than the outboard bearing. Positive camber in moderation results in longer bearing life, less likely sudden load failure, and as a side benefit, easier steering. Excessive positive camber wears the outside of the tire and can cause wear to suspension parts such as wheel bearings and spindles.
I have had to replace three wheel bearings in recent history all were Chinese… prior to that in my life time I have had to replace two wheel bearings one time… they were rear axle bearings in my 95 van quite a few years ago… even they were with-in mfg. spec and did not need replaced… other OE bearings outlived the vehicle, be it a car, truck or trailer… the only exception to this were my dirt race bike wheel bearings that were used in harsh environments all the time, where replacing and avoiding Chinese bearings had big dividends… but then 2 Chinese equalizers cracked and Chinese bolts hangers and bushings wore out before the trailer needed waxed… yam I do know how good that junk is…
