Front wheel hub and suspension life expectancy

98expeditionXLT · Post by **98expeditionXLT** » 21 Jun 2011, 19:20

I have a 95 850 NA with 258k miles with lots of whining and rubbing type of speed dependent noises developing lately. I am curious to know what your experience is with life of the front and rear wheel hubs, drive axles and front lower control arms. This car has beeen in the family since new but I have owned it for the last 160000 miles and I am seeing some patterns of replacement parts from an online retailer referenced frequently on this website not lasting very long. I have been buying the versions made in China and I suspect that is my problem as I can't see paying the premium in many cases, but maybe I have to.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 21 Jun 2011, 19:58

it definitely sounds like you need new wheel bearings. just make sure you get a good name brand and you will be fine. Unfortunately, almost all the parts are made in China. As long as they have good quality control, you will be fine.

98expeditionXLT · Post by **98expeditionXLT** » 21 Jun 2011, 20:07

The current wheel bearings only have about 40k almost all highway miles on them ,where properly installed and torqued according to specs in the manual. I suspect wheel bearings also but I am floored that the after market ones would fail so fast. I can get better life out of wheel bearings on a boat trailer that are dunked into salt water four times every weekend during the summer months..

Post by **jblackburn** » 21 Jun 2011, 20:09

The majority of aftermarket parts suck, BUT go with a FAG bearing and I have heard nothing but good things about them (I've got one on my own car). They are the OEM bearing manufacturer - same product for about $40 cheaper.