Something I don't understand. What is so difficult about coming up with a wheel bearing disign in a $70,000.00 dollar car that doesn't require frequent replacement using special tools that you would normally only find in a locomotive shop. I have been driving for over six decades, mostly American cars, and have never had to replace a front wheel bearing. Or rear wheel bearing for that matter. Well, maybe back in the 50s I had to. And I drive all my cars over 100,000 miles and some well over 200,000 miles. I just don't understand why a solid design can't be developed that last and at least is reasonable to replace and service. This isn't rocket science is it? Or is it??

EZDriver 2000 XK8 1995 XJ6

 

Interesting to see what you car guys and engineers in the know think about this one. I agree, wheel bearings should be one of those things we never think about. My only guess is that it was cheap to build and an experiment by Ford and suppliers to see if it was viable. Although, the rear shafts have grease fittings.......

 

As always, the bearing life is dependent on use, if the car is driven through water or grit or dirt or driven hard into corners or accelerated hard at stop lights and so on, this stuff will wear bearings out much faster. I have had many cars over 50 years and never had a bearing problem, but just lucky, very little deep water or hard starts. This is the same sort of thing with brake pads, I hear of them wearing out in 20,000 miles, but mine usually last 50,000 or more. My XJ8 got 60,000 on the original tires and I replaced them due to age, they still had usable tread, probably good for another 10,000. It's just your driving habits and general maintenance that govern.

 

Perhaps...but my last three cars mileage was 410k, 256k and 356k with minimal repair...much less wheel bearings. So, in this case, we can put driver use/abuse aside.

With that said I am on my third set of bearings...the second set was defective. Let see how long this set lasts. The second set was changed at 120k and I just replaced those @ 150k.

Ugh...

 

Most likely, they were worn, you just did not notice. Cars built for handling, typically wear out suspension parts quicker. My vette needed them after 120k miles, but like anything it comes down to driving habits and condition, though initial part design plays a roll.

 

on these old american cars, bearing with greater tolerance (read "play") where used mostly of the ball bearing type.
recent bearing are just more precise and less rugged than the older heavy stuff.

That's also why you have to replace more often these days.

 

I am sorry guys. But the excuses put forth for bearings failing much sooner than other cars seem pretty lame to me. Let's see. Driving habbits. Not supposed to drive a Jag when it's raining or dusty or they wear out prematurely. You mean they aren't sealed. Let's see. Designed for superior handling. Acceleration should make no difference. Side loads are dependent on only two things. The lateral acceleration and the weight of the car. If Jag didn't understand these basic engineering principles and designed the bearings to handle the easily calculated loads they should have their butt kicked. Now let's talk about maintainability. Needing locomotive tools to replace them is unacceptable considering their delicate design.

No, I think the reason for so much bearing failure compared to any other car is due someone in Jaguar having his head up somewhere the sun doesn't shine.

Strong comments to follow.

EZDriver 2000 XK8 1995 XJ6

 

Thanks for the feedback...but this is my 29th car. I know what worn bearings feel and sound like...