should I get new wheel bearings?

[DanB]

My S2000 has been making some creaking/groaning noises from the right rear. I took it to the garage on the corner, and they said "wheel bearing", which I suspected. I picked up a $90 (!) bearing assembly from Napa and brought it to them, but they mentioned that tightening the existing bearing seemed to quiet it down. I drove it around a while, and no noises.

So... Should I go ahead and let them replace the bearing?

FWIW, I might be done tracking the S2000 now that the Z is on the road...

[Mick]

Are you taking it to the Glen? If you're gonna track it at all I would do it. ...unless the bearing does not need to be pressed in and can you 'easily' swap it yourself in the paddock.
If it's going to be 100% street I'd be tempted to leave it as is.

[cfossum]

I don't quite understand "tightening" a bearing assembly. The bearings aren't tapered roller bearings in the rear, they're sealed bearings in a hub, right? What exactly did they tighten, the axle nut?

[DanDarcy]

Dan: replace it

[jadams]

Replace it! You could end up like me last year when my wheel fell off.....the sad part though is that I did replace it!! It only had 54 miles on it. It is not worth risking it!

[mr2sc]

Been There!
When I've re-torqued a noisy wheel bearing, it 'temporarily' took up the slack/wear (quiet)...for about 1 lap.
Once there is any noise/play, thats it...finito

Also, I clean out the bearing grease that is packed into a new wheel bearing and re-pack it with higher temperature synthetic grease

[Mick]

Also, I clean out the bearing grease that is packed into a new wheel bearing and re-pack it with higher temperature synthetic grease

+1. That goes a long way in extending the life of my bearings.

[DanB]

Thanks guys, new bearing installed I knew it was the right thing to do...

But with whatever grease NSK saw fit to pack it with. It's a sealed unit, I don't think you can install different grease in it...

It's only going to see backup track duty now (hopefully) anyway...