Failed Tech-Front wheel bearing

[10/10ths]

I am still in a state of shock, all I have done to get my car and myself ready for a local autocross over the last two weeks (not having ran in 2+ years) was for nothing. I was so focused on everything else that needed to happen that I missed a right front wheel bearing. It is a SLIGHT play that seems to be non-existant depending on the specific location/rotation of the wheel. Thinking back though, I should have caught this.

I remember thinking I heard I grinding kind-of grumbling sound while making a left turn last week. I even remember thinking I should check for play in the wheels but I was diagnosing other stuff at the time and forgot all about it. Makes sense it would be a right front, the last track days I have done have all been very hard on the RF. This morning after taking the wheel off and rotating the rotor it is not all that smooth, but its tough to tell if its the bearing or the brake pad touching the rotor.

So now I'm looking at replacing both front wheel bearings. I have owned 3 E30's over the last 9 years and I can honestly say I have never had to replace one. I have done a WB on an old Jetta once and I remember it being pretty easy but I dont have the puller. So I'm kinda on the fence on doing myself or just having it done. I guess I could buy (or rent) the puller but would it be that much more expensive to just have it done?

Looks like FAG (hehe) is the best choice for replacement as it's OEM but I posted in here to get wheel bearing advice from you track/auto-x guys. Anything specific for track cars as far as replacement goes? Thanks for any advice, I'm going to go throw up now.

Justin

[nrubenstein]

Front hubs are super easy. For removal, just grab and yank. If you're lucky, the inner bearing race will come off too, otherwise, you'll need to knock it out or use a 2-3 jaw puller.

Installation involves a using a socket on the outer race to hammer it in.

Then you need to crank the shit out of the nut.

And yes, go with FAG. The boxes are great for gifts, too.

[36brua]

worked 4 me GL

http://versioni.addr.com/Tech/WhlBear.html

http://zoso.no-ip.org/318i-frontwheelbearing.html

[Wh33lhop]

Sucks. I missed an autox a few weeks ago because I was preparing my car for tech instead of picking up my tech sheet, so they gave my spot away.

No worries, there's always next time. Plus, I got to see a 350z eat it.

[10/10ths]

Thanks for the replys, I wish you guys could actually see just how slight this play actually is, and only if you have the wheel in the right position. I'm glad I know about it BUT....

The part that bugs me the most is that the secondary tech guy who inspected my car got through the whole thing and passed me. Gave me the passing sticker, ready to run, and then said "your right front has a tiny amount of play, you should look at it" at that moment, the primary tech guy was walking near and overheard. He then shook the hell out of it and looked at me and said I couldnt run. Still in disbelief, I parked and jacked up the RF and then went to him and told him to check it again. He said he would check it again after everyone else was done, nearly an hour later after all the stragglers made it through tech, he came over to check it and again shook the fuck out of it, found the tiny amount of play and said no.

Ok, well enough, but during this whole time I watched him tech the other cars. He uses one hand to barely "one palm" the top end of the tire one time! One shove, as he is walking passed that side of the car. I GUARANTEE other cars made it through his tech that have a worse condition than mine, he simply didn't check!!! I know this does not excuse running on slight play in my wheel but c'mon, he didnt give a fuck about the other cars. Only because the first guy happen to find it, still pass me, but say it out loud so this other guy can hear it and then shake it with both hands and tell me I cant compete.

Whatever, I'm just pissed cause I'm here typing this and not autocrossing right now. It's funny because I have already had negative experiances with the SCCA (2 timed runs for a day of autocross) and now this.

[Jean]

All I have to add is that it's on the region to region basis...some barely tech, some do more etc.

[10/10ths]

All I have to add is that it's on the region to region basis...some barely tech, some do more etc.

Seriously, thats what I got from this. Except I watched this guy tech the other cars and they got the "light" treatment. I know I'm just pissed here but I don't know anyone in this region, for all I know this guy was running in my class.

[AlarmedBread]

Rules are rules, if your wheel bearing fails bad things can happen. The tech guy was not trying to be mean to you, thank him for doing a good job and go fix your car.

[Wiglaf]

btw:
the socket size is 36MM. get a craftsman, has a thinner sidewall. the autozone renter socket has such a huge sidewall that it won't fit in there.

[gearheadE30]

jw, who were you running with?

[e30rida]

Well you asked for it cause SCCA sucks anyways. I don't participate in anything they organize.

[nando]

you might just be used to the more relaxed techs here in the PNW. the guys here know my car so well they barely even look at it.. not sure if that's a good thing or not! lol.

[JGood]

Get the wheel bearing from Autozone. It comes packaged as Timken (very high end stuff) but all 3 that I have got have FAG stamped on the bearing races. The kicker is that the price ($100) is better then any BMW suppliers, AND it has a 2 year warranty through Autozone.

[rwh11385]

I was wondering why you weren't around. Sucks dude. May 1-3 test n tune @ Grissom.

[10/10ths]

you might just be used to the more relaxed techs here in the PNW. the guys here know my car so well they barely even look at it.. not sure if that's a good thing or not! lol.

Same with mine back in the day, I know I have gotten away with a couple of things at Everett that should have been failed. Maybe it's not a good thing but the PNW guys know that YOU know the shit out of your car, since you did EVERYTHING yourself to your IX.

Thanks for the replacement info guys, I am definitely going to do it myself. Just need to decide on buying or renting the puller.

I'm done bitching, it failed for a reason, I'll fix it, and post FTD at the first points event in 2 weeks (probably not, but I honestly have no idea what the competition level is around here).

Justin