Date:         Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:52:02 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Wheel Bearing Problem Resolved
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Final Report

After having new rotors and new bearings installed - and ending up with
a loud whine right out of the chocks - the left front rotor was pulled
and that new bearing was turned by hand. As it was turned it felt like
sand was in the bearing. The bearing was cleaned and inspected closely.
The rollers were pitted. . Not sure what caused this as I'm absolutely
certain that bearing was immaculate when it was greased thoroughly with
clean grease - and adequately greased as well. . I have greased hundreds
of bearing of this type and know what I am doing. And - the bearings
were definitely not over tightened  The only thing I could attribute
this immediate failure to was some fault in the manufacturing process. I
have never in all my career as aircraft mechanic - and part time Vanagon
mechanic - encountered a wheel bearing failure almost right out of the
box. This was the first time I have ever used a Chinese manufactured
bearing, and can only attribute this failure to the manufacturing
process. Though new, I replaced the bearings on both sides of the
vehicle with new one's made in England. I hope they do not fail. Thus
far they have worked fine with no further problem.

As for the Chinese parts - could have been a fluke, the failure out of
the box. I had that happen  with a $5000 aviation navigation unit once.
But - I have jeweler/watchmaker friend who has told me that the Chinese
made things  he sees in his trade reflect weaknesses in manufacturing
processes - from measurements to alloying, hardening and surface treatments.

Take it for what it's worth.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver