I need indestructable rear wheel bearings

[Def]

Tell me what's available in the Nissan catalog that I can use to stop killing rear wheel bearings.

So far the count is up to:

-2 OEM Z32 NA unknown mileage (ok, used parts fail, no big deal)
-2 aftermarket Timkens from Rockauto
-1 OEM Brand spanking new S13 rear bearing from Nissan


I was hoping to eliminate the chance of counterfeit Chinese bearings I hear are invading the bearing marketplace by dealing directly with Nissan, but now I'm not so sure it isn't a systemic issue with my car/installation.

The only thing I can remotely think is that the torque isn't exact on the axle nut. My torque wrench only goes to 150 ft-lbs, so I went till it clicked then gave it another ~1/16-1/10 turn. Spec is 152-203 ft-lbs per S13 FSM. I figure I'm somewhere in the middle.

The last OEM bearing only lasted 2-4 track days. I think it died sometime on the second day of TWS, as I noticed I was getting pad knockback, but couldn't localize the source (I kept thinking front wheels). Turns out it was the driver's side rear corner deflecting on the really fast/cambered T7 as I was full on power in 4th gear and probably pulling well over 1G lateral there. It would also explain why the car was a little "odd feeling" in T6 and T2 (both higher speed right handers).


Are Z32 TT bearings stronger? I know you can't use a Z32 NA hub on them, but hell, at this point I'll get Mike to machine me up a custom hub to use my axles (cue the buttraping machine shop prices for 1 part!!! ). I don't care how crazy the ideas are, it's obvious the car is NOT happy with OEM sized bearings, so I need to do something. These things are not cheap, and I'm frankly a bit sick of replacing them.


Anyway, going to track this weekend. I think it'll be fine, as it held together before. It's not like there's anything to really hit at MSR-C 1.7 anyways (mostly).

[Equinox]

Mine were also loosening up over a couple of track days until I torqued them to the absolute maximum of the specified range. They've been fine since.

[Def]

Unfortunately I think somebody "borrowed" my big breaker bar recently at the track... need to grab another. I might see if I can get a buddy with a higher torque one to bring it to the track, otherwise might stop at a store tomorrow after the track event.

Wheel bearings.. bah

[Def]

The nut on that side seemed a little loose. Put maybe 1/4 turn on it until I couldn't turn it anymore with a 16" breaker bar (ultra scientific, too late to futz around with fancy torque wrenches or anything). Maybe that'll fix it. Have a buddy bringing a 200 ft-lb torque wrench tomorrow, so I'll check to make sure they're both right around 200 ft-lbs and cross my fingers.

[KA240SX808]

Honestly I've never seen someone destroy so many bearings lol. Have you tried the whol MotoIQ Neo Grease thing? I know it's not the easiest thing to do but if it's gonna keep your bearings from taking a **** why not?

[turtl631]

That sucks dude. Keep that thing together so I can at least get a ride in it on Sunday!

[hai1206vn]

One of my axle nut does like to back out once in a while. So keep checking.

[Matt93SE]

1. I torque the wheel bearings to just past their maximum. never had one fail that wasn't undertorqued.

2. stick some loctite blue or something on the axle nut to keep it from backing off.

[marcinko]

You could buy a 250ft-lb torque wrench from Home Depot if it comes down to it... use it once and return it.

[Matt93SE]

F*** it. just beat it on with an impact like I do until it stops turning. then beat on it about 3 more sec. that's the right torque for mine.

[logr]

F*** it. just beat it on with an impact like I do until it stops turning. then beat on it about 3 more sec. that's the right torque for mine.

That's how I do it and haven't lost one yet.

[AceInHole]

I have 3 torque wrenches... 75, 150, and 250 lb-ft. Having the right tools works for me. Isn't there a cotter pin anyways? Maybe check the nut after each session to account for wear/ break-in?

[e1_griego]

There's a cotter pin and the little cap that goes over the nut.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/240sx-parts-s13-1989-1994/genuine-nissan-parts/axle-suspension/430-rear-axle/-c-1418_1419_1508_1512.html

[BeerBringer]

I can see some of you have never heard of bearing preload.
SKF has some good info on the subject:

http://www.skf.com/portal/skf/home/products?maincatalogue=1&lang=en&newlink=1_0_83

General diagram for describing bearing life against optimum bearing preload:


To little preload = not good
To much preload = not good

[SoSideways]

Yeah but so far the people that put "too much preload" into them by torquing the crap out of them have not lost one yet, and Def has gone through like 5.