Just noticed on my rear tire replacement at 65K that the axel showed signs of heat stress on right side of the axel. On further investigation the flange bearings felt notchy. On even further investigation my local shop informed me that when they removed the drive collar one set of bearings just fell out of the rear wheel while the other flange bearing was missing approximately five ball bearings.
Further, the drive collar was also scored and had to be replaced. Therefore, I had the shop replaced all bearings in the rear wheel as well as the front even though all other bearings checked out just fine. I figured at 65K it was time to go ahead and replace all the wheel bearings so I'd fell comfortable for the next 30k or so.
I'll post some pictures in the near future but sure wish I had just replaced these bearings around 50K and I always check when I replace the tires which I did at 54K.
Now maybe my mileage will back up to 40's from 39mpg.
Further, the drive collar was also scored and had to be replaced. Therefore, I had the shop replaced all bearings in the rear wheel as well as the front even though all other bearings checked out just fine. I figured at 65K it was time to go ahead and replace all the wheel bearings so I'd fell comfortable for the next 30k or so.
I'll post some pictures in the near future but sure wish I had just replaced these bearings around 50K and I always check when I replace the tires which I did at 54K.
Now maybe my mileage will back up to 40's from 39mpg.