Re; Rear wheel bearings

["DiRusso, Bob" <dirussor-kac@kaman.com>]

Re: Subject: 5kcstq wheel bearings, CV boots, 

Just wanted to share an observation that I made when I had the rear wheel
bearings replaced on my '86 5KTQ.  The removed bearings had previously been
hand reworked by grinding a large lead-in chamfer on the inboard edge of the
outer diameter.  It was very crude.  Since I purchased the car with only
3800 miles on it in march of '87, I am pretty sure that they were the
originals.  I have since always wondered if the assembler Germany had
(1)made an authorized change, (2)found it to be a work aid, (3)tried to
accommodate a discrepant housing bore, and/or (4)damaged the bearing with
overheating contributing to the early failure.  I don't remember the mileage
but think the replacement was in 1992.

Also, always put it in writing what work you want done.  In the above wheel
bearing repair, I took the mechanic for a ride and said "hear it? Its the
Right rear bearing!"  He agreed!  So after he replaced the left rear he
called me and said "Hey, you need to replace the right rear wheel bearing
too!"

I still have the original bearings.  quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Bob DiRusso
'86 5KTQ, Pearl, 140K
'91 200 20v TQ, Gold, 105K
'92 3000 GT-VR4, Green, 70K  (ya-ya I know but it does have german
gearboxes!)