FWD Wheel bearings

[markvt]

I thought I should pass on a recent experience with wheel bearings on my 240. I heard a rumbling noise from the front that got louder the faster I drove. I had cleaned and repacked the wheel bearings about 6,000 miles before (the car has 180,000 miles on it) so I didn't think it could be wheel bearings. In other cases where the bearings had gone bad I could feel a vibration-buzziness in the steering wheel.
Anyway, I took out the bearings examined them and they seemed to be okay. I cleaned and repacked them. I went out for a 100 mile jaunt and the noise had changed, but not as loud. Since the noise had changed and the only thing I had touched was the bearings, I knew that was the problem.
On my way back the noise kept getting louder and louder. I got worried and really drove slowly. When I pulled the bearing on the left side I found that the bearing had momentarily siezed in the race. The rotor/bearing/race and securing nut had turned a little and actually sheared off the cotter pin. Finding that really gave me the chills. I could just imagine the nut working completely off and losing the wheel.
I guess I learned that even something as inexpensive as new bearings cannot be let go. Because of the mileage I should have just changed them out in the beginning.
Mark

[billofdurham]

A warning to all.

Glad it did not turn out too nasty.

Bill.