Re: '86 4000S slight bend in tierod and repeat bearing failures

[Don Hoefer <hoefer@eng.pko.dec.com>]

Sam Nicholls wrote:

> 
> So my first question is, can I just get the front end aligned and
> live with this slight bend?  Or must the tierod be replaced?
> 

Sam,

I would replace the tie rod or find somebody that can straighten
it.

> 2)  The reason I was removing the tierod is because the right-side
> front wheel bearing and hub needed to be replaced.  This is the
> 3rd time that this bearing has gone bad in 3 years.  The only
> problem I can think of is that the car was run up onto a curb
> pretty hard on the right side about 2 years before the first
> bearing failure.  There doesn't appear to be any obvious damage
> to the strut components or the wheels.  Has anybody else had
> repeat bearing failures like this?  Any advice?
> 

Repeat bearing failures are most likely caused by

  1. Improper installation,
  2. Improper wheel alignment,
  3. Very hard driving or driving conditions.

Be sure to follow the instructions for changing the bearing to
the letter.  If you want more information I can send you my wheel
bearing changing tutorial.  I had repeat failures for a while.  It
was cured by replacing the hub.  (It was not fitting into the
bearing properly.)

The right front always takes a beating.  That is where the potholes,
curbs, rocks, and shoulders are.

Don Hoefer
'82 Coupe