How "smooth" should a wheel bearing be before installation?

Post by **sanfelice** » 27 Jul 2017, 10:47

2004 XC70 rear wheel bearing.

I have replaced a couple of bearings in my time, but it has been a few years. I just bought one off of ebay and it's not as smooth as I think it should be. It has a tight spot in it but it is certainly not "stuck." A car's weight will probably not notice it, but before I remove the problem bearing, should I be concerned about this?

Post by **abscate** » 27 Jul 2017, 10:59

If it is a sealed roller bearing don't install it. You shouldn't feel any sticky spots in such a bearing.

Post by **oragex** » 27 Jul 2017, 12:41

The very first thing is make sure to get an original Volvo one, not sure how they are stamped, but even when it comes off a Volvo the owner might have already replaced it with some cheap aftermarket part.

As for the way you describe, my interpretation is obviously entirely subjective so I assume you feel a resistance say of 6 on a scale 1 to 10. That would be too much for my taste. I got a used one that also had a 'tight' spot but it was not a big deal perhaps a 3 out of 10. Other than that spot it is very smooth. Btw, a good 3 arms puller is basically a must for this job.

Post by **sanfelice** » 27 Jul 2017, 13:31

Yes, oragex, I think you have it right, about a 6 out of a 10. I will be returning it and buying new (this one was nearly new, but was probably defective to begin with, B stock, so to speak)

Post by **SuperHerman** » 27 Jul 2017, 20:12

I bought four ebay hubs from some eBay seller "Detroit" something for my old V50. One bearing failed after 500 miles. Pure junk. Never again.

Buy a quality brand if you don't buy OEM. SKF makes replacement hubs - they are quality.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jul 2017, 03:23

I've done three Volvo hubs now that we're growlers..none of the old parts felt different than new

The bearings are expensive but they are built to last, I drove my growlers for at least 10k before replacing

Post by **precopster** » 28 Jul 2017, 05:15

I feel guilty now. I put in a $55 GMB from Amazon on my 2006 XC90 recently and these cars are heavy and known to go through them. I hope it lasts.

Post by **sanfelice** » 28 Jul 2017, 18:54

Yeah, don't know how long this car has to live, given the other problems it has at the moment. So... don't want to plop down $$$ for a bearing. But that whoomp whoomp whoomp is making me crazy!

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jul 2017, 19:10

sanfelice wrote: 28 Jul 2017, 18:54 Yeah, don't know how long this car has to live, given the other problems it has at the moment. So... don't want to plop down $$$ for a bearing. But that whoomp whoomp whoomp is making me crazy!

If you go the wrong way around the rotary it will be quieter, half of Boston drivers won't notice

Post by **sanfelice** » 28 Jul 2017, 19:16

Are you starting a NYC vs Boston drivers thread!? I have pretty extensive driving experience in NYC, too... I think they are worse! By a good amount!