Wheel Bearings

Has anyone ever heard of front wheel bearings needing replacing after only 5k miles. I took delivery of 03 VS in May. No out of the ordinary driving conditions, 75/25 city/highway miles. Started to notice front end vibration, within 10 minutes car was totally not drivable. Bearings totally disintegrated. Any comments would be appreciated, thanks...Fred

Sounds to me like the person at Vintage didn't grease the bearing properly before installing, or else didn't snug them up correctly. Front wheel bearings should last a long, long time.

Erik...thanks for confirming my initial thoughts.

I had a 1970 beetle, way back when, and I think my front bearings lasted around 90,000 miles. So, 5k bearing failure is VERY premature.
Ron

I've experienced a "blown" wheel bearing in as little as 50 miles. It was caused by over-tightning the lock nut (on 66-later VW beam) which didn't allow the bearing to sit properly in the race, hence the bearing was taking a constant load.
After replacement, be sure to snug up the lock nut to the washer, then back of a bit. When everything is properly torqued, you should be able to pry the washer around with very little movement (no movement of the washer, means it's too tight)

Thanks to all for your comments

Good point, Glenn.
Ron

If your front spindles use two nuts for adjusting/locking the wheel bearings trade them in for the later split-nut/clamp setup that makes it a lot easier to adjust the wheel bearings.

Fred, I had one go too at 8000 miles. Called Kirk at Vintage and he paid the bill in full. Good Luck Eddie

Eddie...I sent Kirk an email, we'll see what happens, thanks.

Follow-Up...spoke with Kirk, he agreed the bearings should have lasted much longer. He is taking care of the repair. Refreshing to see someone that doesn't love you and leave you.