Front wheel bearings this is the seventh or eighth time?

2001 KIA RIO HYBRID
108,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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Okay, so my front wheel bearings have gone out yet again this is the seventh or eighth time in the year and a half that I’ve owned the vehicle so I called the Kia dealership to speak to someone about getting them replaced there because I’ve always taken it to mom and Pop garages and figured you know what screw it. I’m going to try and take it to the dealership. Unfortunately, when I called to speak to them, they informed me that Kia no longer makes the spacer that has to go between the bearings for the preload, so they are unable to do anything with the wheel bearings now. I love this car. It’s only got a little over 100,000 miles on it so I don’t want to get rid of it but I don’t know what to do. Nobody seems to be able to take care of the wheel bearings so if you have any suggestions of how I could possibly upgrade them to something else or take something from a different model that would work with my car. I don’t know, I’m desperate at this point so any suggestions you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Dec 3, 2024 at 3:18 PM
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STRAILER
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Can I ask if you have changed the rims or tire size on this car? If so, this will be the problem, the rims must be the stock offset, and the tires must be the same size. If not, I can see why the bearing goes out, it is because they used non sealed bearing hubs, so the spacers set the preload and if that is incorrect the bearing will be over tightened and never stand a chance. Check out the images (below).
Dec 4, 2024 at 11:01 AM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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It has 185-65-14 tires with stock 14” rims.
Dec 7, 2024 at 12:41 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep, this would be an installation error making the bearings go out because they are too tight.
Dec 7, 2024 at 12:24 PM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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Okay, but the problem is that there is nowhere to get a new spacer, so what can I do?
Dec 7, 2024 at 12:28 PM
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STRAILER
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You are going to need to have a machine shop make you a spacer shims, it should not cost to much but you will need to give them the old spacer so they have something to work with.
Dec 8, 2024 at 9:53 AM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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Um okay. Is it possible to use spindle knuckle and hub assembly from 2001 Hyundai Accent? I’m only asking because I’m not aware of any machine shops in the area that I live in.
Dec 10, 2024 at 3:12 AM
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STRAILER
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You can use anything that will fit, you will need to match the parts up to see if they will work.
Dec 10, 2024 at 10:29 AM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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I’ve just recently ordered new steering knuckles hubs bearings seals and spacers for my Rio. Now I know how to put them together what I need clarification on is exactly how to set the preload properly so that I don’t waste all the money I just spent for these parts so if you can help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Jan 27, 2025 at 9:59 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Nice work, here is how to set the bearing preload. Remember to add the correct spacers, if you leave them out the bearings will go bad again. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
Jan 27, 2025 at 10:27 AM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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Well it took forever but the steering knuckles finally came in so I’m definitely ready to get the bearings hubs ect taken care of. I just have a question because of things I have read in the Kia forum and multiple people are talking about how you need a special tool when setting the preload but not a single one of them actually say what this tool is. So I’m really hoping that you can tell me what it is and whether or not I actually need it in order to set the preload. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you so very much.
Feb 25, 2025 at 10:13 PM
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I have never heard of the tool to set the preload except for a micrometer (dial caliper) to measure the bearing gap to the shims to help get measurement correct, but it will be trial and error to make sure they are not too tight which is what ruins the last bearings. Also, leave a little play because when the bearings heat up, they expand.
Feb 27, 2025 at 9:50 AM
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1CRAZYGUIDO
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Thank you so very much for your assistance it is so greatly appreciated.
Feb 27, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Feb 28, 2025 at 5:26 PM