Wheel bearing flange failures

[DJWorm]

There have been a number of OEM wheel bearing flange failures. An increasing number recently, especially in cars that see competition. Especially AutoX and high speed road course. More prevelent on the front.

This is across the board in C4, C5, C6 & Z06's.

1. On annual safety inspection and before any competition, inspect the wheel bearing flange for cracks, damage or breakage.

2. Gary Hoffman at Hardbar USA is working on a solution to this problem with Van Steel. However they need your help. They need to do some failure analysis.

If you have experienced a flange failure please contact Gary and send the broken parts to him. He will pay shipping.

Please contact him at:
Hardbarusa.com
603-682-8073

Thank tou for your most valuable time and kind consideration.

[RocketSled]

DJW, can you post a picture of a failed part for reference?

[No Doubt]

As DJ said, it's not an uncommon issue, especially with tracked cars. Cars on race rubber are also likely more prone to this.

Note: the flange and hub are suppose to be a solid piece. The flange is not press fit on. The metal is fatiguing and the flanges are breaking off as shown here...





The above are taken from this thread...

Wheel Bearing Failures - Corvette Forum

There is also a video there showing the results of this failure with the wheel and tire on the car and after removal.