Almost died!!!

[lasvegascop]

Hi all,

Ok, so everything checked out, even changed the oil, all tires brand new etc....

Here I am going on a 280 mile trip to Long Beach from Las Vegas, perfect weather (a little windy but ok). So after 3 1/2 hours of driving everything is still perfect, when I come to a red light to turn right at mile 278 and BAM!!!! My left rear wheel falls off! I pulled to the side in huge disbelieve, I look back and in the middle of the median is my whole wheel smoking!!!

I inspected the rear end and the whole drum/spindle is gone. After further inspection, I came to the conclusion that the outer bearing had a catastrophic failure. It was extremely destroyed and almost welded to the spindle...wow!

Making long story short, I went to a local pick-your-part and picked up new Festiva brake assebly for $8.13!

Guys, moral of this very true story is: Please check your wheel bearings! I neglected to do it and almost got my butt in a hospital. Keep up the good work with all the info flowing, I am going thru all your posts religiously....thnx

[neanderpaul]

Woah! Glad you are ok.

[nonamekid]

WOW!! You were very fortunate it did not come off while you were doing 70 mph. That could have turned out very ugly. Awesome to hear you were able to get parts really cheap and get back on the road.

[V8Festiva]

Another on here had this problem just in the past few days. Maybe they will tell their story.

Please pull your bearing caps and check your wheel nuts and bearings.

I sure don't wish to attend a fellow Festiva brother's or sister's funeral.

I have picked up a junked Festiva a few weeks ago and found the nut coming off.


I see where some of us find Festivas a long ways off, buy them and drive them home.


I would bet in the rush to get your new baby home most of the time the bearings and nut are not checked.


Bad think is that even if you are just running around town and that wheel comes off, you may get ran over.


Been there , done that. not checking.


Will not do that one myself anymore.



Dean
Raleigh, NC

[lasvegascop]

Well...after the scare, I just got back from the junkyard...found me a all around 95 Aspire brakes...GEEZ they are huge! At first I didnt know what you guys were talking about, swap this n swap that, but darn, I guess thats the way to go huh?!

Anyways, thnx for the replys brothers/sisters and happy n safe jurneys

[packrat427]

WOW ..Yes ..glad you are OK , the bearings are one thing that I always check , I pack them at least once a year , and replace the nuts .

Earlier this year I just went ahead and replaced the bearings and races , just for good measure .

Stay safe !

[dacusville5]

I think you should trick out your festiva, and call it a "FESTAROSSA" ! That would be cool.

[MONSOON]

Who was it that got one and was towing it home and the rear bearing practically caught fire?

[solatare]

very strange, ive never had an issue with my rear wheel bearings. i think, overall, its the only part i havent had issues with.

[muscle_Car1]

I also had a bearing go last year passengerside rear. On my way to last years stlouis meet

[GenevaDirt]

WOW I pack them at least once a year , and replace the nuts .
Stay safe !

along with packing the fuel filler?





obscure referance.....lol

[sandsz]

I've gone threw two Driver Side rear bearings so I know your pain man. BOTH times the outer bearing races welded onto the axle and I had to cut it off with an angle grinder. :/

Not Fun!

[packrat427]

along with packing the fuel filler?





obscure referance.....lol

Power Boost additive ....LOL.. it packs a punch :toothy7::toothy7:

[miami man]

i remember that muscle car1

[lasvegascop]

Hmmmm...I wonder if they overheat on long distances???? So I'm still on the original Festi rear brakes (for now till I get adapters) and I took a trip, only about 25 miles one way, well, when I got back I've noticed that the grease liquified and goozed out on my wheels...WTF??? Am I doing something wrong? They are not over tight...not loose...dont woble...Boy I hope I dont get disapointed with the Aspire brakes!!! As soon as I get them on, Im taking a 100 mile trip and see what happens! Or I might tell my ex wife to take the car for a spin!!! hahahahahahh

Laters guys...
Ohh, BTW, the "Festarossa" was a good one!!