The mechanic had to replace the front bearings TWICE. The car is a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue.
My question? The parts were Made in China. Is there an American Made company that sells OM parts? These Chinese Parts are JUNK. Same thing in the 60's and 70's when Japan was selling Parts.
2010-07-28T11:48:35Z
No, didn't have to pay the second time. Just the inconvenience of not having the car. It could be true about not packing and torquing the bearings properly. I never had a set go when I did it. Just that they have to be pressed in now. No more just slapping them in like I did in my '72 Plymouth.
wildmanny22010-07-28T12:31:12Z
Favorite Answer
Your suspicion about those Chinese bearings is right,I've seen it happen several times. There is no way that the mechanic could of misinstalled those sealed hub assemblies. When buying bearings there are usually different brands with different prices.The cheaper ones are always the Chinese ones that are earning a poor reputation.When the current set fails,ask for a name brand and pay the extra money.it's worth it.
I don't think much of ur so-called "mechanic",I have repacked {& a few times, replaced} f/w brgs thousands of times,& have yet to have them go bad.This includes drag racers & dirt track sprint car{K9,4 inquisitive minds}.If brgs.& their races,are installed correctly & packed appropriately,then tightened correctly,they will last indefinitely,even if bought at a discount parts store.PS I was a line mechanic 4 Balch Olds for 7yrs. PPS u didn't say whether u had 2 pay 4 the second set,if ur "mechanic" is reputable,he ate that 1.Even Auto Zone sells USA brgs,he is responsible 4 installing an inferior grade of brg.if that is indeed the case.
Lots of companies sell OE parts, check on line and specify USA made parts. check with NAPA auto as last time I bought bearings there they were USA made.