The Boys with Pep and Pressed Center Bearings

[reluctantmechanic]

After a series of outrageous mistakes, Pep Boys was finally able to "press" the center bearings into my knuckles.. I just got back from a test drive, and the car is much louder now then it was before.

My question is, do bearings have a "break in" period where they are loud? I personally think it's a silly question, but I so damned worn out, and am just hoping I don't have to pull those fother mucking knuckles off again.

TIA

[Mister_Perkins]

no, there is no break in period for the bearings.

I would check to make sure they pressed it in correctly first of all. Make sure its flush with the knuckle assembly. If its not, thats why its loud.

Sounds like they in improperly installed the bearings to me

[ross1]

Originally Posted by reluctantmechanic

After a series of outrageous mistakes, Pep Boys was finally able to "press" the center bearings into my knuckles.. I just got back from a test drive, and the car is much louder now then it was before.

My question is, do bearings have a "break in" period where they are loud? I personally think it's a silly question, but I so damned worn out, and am just hoping I don't have to pull those fother mucking knuckles off again.

TIA

They ruined the bearings. Pep Boys is a great store to buy a new air freshener or self adhesive plastic "bling", not much else.

[reluctantmechanic]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I have a lifetime list of Pep Boys screw ups...but unlike other shops, the almost always make good on mistakes.

For those who are bored out of their minds before football starts, here's what happened.

I called Wednesday night to find out what time they opened, and to double check they had the correct bearings. They opened at 6am on Friday, they had the bearings, and could press them in for 35 each side. GREAT!

Thursday I ate a ton of turkey, drank some good wine, took a nap, played with the kids, then removed the knuckles - all in all, a pretty good day.

Friday morning at 6am, I packed up the knuckles (they're heavy and messy) drove to Pep Boys, and was told they forgot to tell me their press hadn't been working for a while.

I called the next nearest store - about 30 minutes away. yes, their press was new and working. yes, they had 2 bearings (cheaper then the 1st store) and would hold them aside for me.

I arrived to the 2nd store to discover that the bearings weren't held aside, and, infact, they only had one. Not wanting to prolong this, I offered to drive back to store 1, pick up the bearing, and drive it back to store 2. I did.

Late Friday, both bearings had been pressed, I got them, and began the re-install. Passengers side went in very smoothly - but for some ODD reason, I just could NOT get the drivers side brake mount to attach to the knuckle...it was late, it was cold, and I figured a fresh set of eyes in the morning would help.

On Saturday, I attempted the drivers side again - NO WAY IT WAS GOING TO MOUNT. I removed it, and took it over to the passengers side - very clearly, I could see the mounting arm for the brake bracket was bent - not allowing the 14mm bolt to thread.

I took the bent knuckle back to Pep Boys - Gotta say, the Manager (after going over what happened) was very generous, and helpful. I found a used knuckle, picked it up, drove it back to them, and they pressed it this time without bending it.

Last night, I finished it, drove it, and COULD NOT BELIEVE the amount of noise coming from the Axles. Worse then before replacement.

Today, I took the car to Pep Boys service, and told them I was hearing some noise from the drivingline, and could they please diagnose. Haven't heard back yet.

[Mister_Perkins]

if their press didnt work, I think they probably tapped it in with a hammer.

I would go get my money back and tell them to do it right for a discount price or free.

Bearings aren't super expensive, but that money you would normally have to spend on gas will now have to go back into 2 more bearings.

Better Business Bureau if nothing is done <<<<



Pep Boys Does everything for less. LOL

Fail

[reluctantmechanic]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

Pep Boys Does everything for less. LOL

Fail

VERY funny, and sadly (ironic) true. they are now telling me the noise I am hearing is coming from the rear left bearing...I have a spare that I think should fit. This is a family members car, and they desperately need it for work...so I'm heading out to the garage to see what gives.

[BMR]

My guess is that they applied the pressing force on the bearing's inner race, not the outer. A sure-fire way to ruin a brand new bearing. That's why, when I need things like this done, I go to an auto parts store with a shop that routinely does a lot of serious engine rebuild work. I figure the odds of getting some mouth-breathing, snot-bubble-blowing moron doing the job is a lot lower.

[Mister_Perkins]

I seriously just LOL'd ^^^^^


HAHAHA

[JohnGD]

New bearings are quiet and butter smooth. The ones installed by Pep Boys are messed up, and I'd change them before they cause other problems.

IMO Pep Boys should refund 2 bearings and at least the first knuckle (if the two on the car are still fine). I guess not all mechanics know how to use a press. Maybe they're trying to get out of it now?

O'Reilly rents (for a fee) the following front wheel drive wheel bearing tool:
http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-fro...ers-66829.html

You may have better luck installing them yourself. However, this kit does not have the tool to help remove the hub. If the inner race is out of round in anyway, the hub may be harder to remove. Otherwise it's with a hub puller (OEM27032) and a slide hammer (OEM27033) from the outer side (both free loaners from Autozone), or a good whack with a good persuader and the right sized socket to the hub race on the inner side. And then the inner race will need to be pulled off the hub.

Or take the (good) parts to the dealer. Maybe they'll do a better job?? (Aren't they supposed to have all the SST, special service tools, on hand?)

Originally Posted by reluctantmechanic

VERY funny, and sadly (ironic) true. they are now telling me the noise I am hearing is coming from the rear left bearing...I have a spare that I think should fit. This is a family members car, and they desperately need it for work...so I'm heading out to the garage to see what gives.