Questions and Answers

Sebring LX Upgraded Wheel Bearings? Q. HI, I just bough a 2001 Chrysler Sebring LX sedan with the 2.7 liter V-6 (200hp) 4-speed automatic transmission with 28,000 miles. I am a motor head. Just found your site and love it. The right front hub carrier is shot. I understand that it is constructed with two rows of ball bearings. I will be making repair shortly. Do you know of an upgraded part, such as double tapered bearing assembly I could use instead to assure longer life of the hub?

A. I know of no such kits. What concerns me more is that your bearing assembly didn’t last very long. The bearings are sealed units which don’t require service until they are worn.

In my experience I have seen them last in excess of 150k miles prior to requiring renewal. Were the vehicle to come in for evaluation at my shop I would suspect abuse or an incident caused undue wear to the bearing and lastly consider the possibility of defective manufacturing of that particular bearing. I always recommend that these bearings be replaced in sets.

Additionally, I would recommend that you run a history check on the vehicle, if you didn't buy it new, using Carfax or a similar service and that you get the wheel and frame alignment checked by a qualified alignment facility.