Wheel Bearing Failures

[1saxman]

We all know the VUE has been known to use wheel bearings. What about VUEs with ABS? Has anybody with ABS had to replace a wheel bearing? I know the ABS VUE has a different hub, and it may have a different bearing (guessing). I ask because both of our '03s have ABS and I have yet to detect any unusual noise or any excess play in the hubs. So either we're just lucky or ABS early VUEs have different bearings or seals.

[VTchemist]

I have had both front hubs replaced; one at 65K and the other at 78K.

My VUE has ABS. Cost of the part was about $220 for the whole hub/axle assembly. Installation was about $150.

I have not had any problems with the rear bearings on my 2003. I currently have 96K miles on my VUE.

[Chazberry]

Has anybody with ABS had to replace a wheel bearing? I know the ABS VUE has a different hub, and it may have a different bearing (guessing).

My '03 FWD V6 with ABS failed one front and one rear bearing. ABS and non-ABS use the same exact wheel hub ass'y with the same crappy "ball" bearings.
Only difference is the ABS hub incorporates a wheel speed sensor. They are a sealed unit and I don't think the failures have anything to do with the seals. I've bought ABS hubs on-line for about $125. Rears w/o AWD can be done in less that 45 mins. - fronts, not so quick.

[1saxman]

Well, that shoots my theory. I guess we've just been lucky so far - KOW!

[Chazberry]

Well, that shoots my theory. I guess we've just been lucky so far - KOW!

I think that's pretty much the story. I suspect some percentage of those things just didn't get heat treated/hardened as well as the rest. But I STILL say they should have been "roller" bearings.

[spencerb]

My VUE with ABS had both front bearings fail.

[Tom92SCm]

My non-ABS VUE is going good at 50,000+ miles with no failed wheel bearings.