Front end shaking after 5 lug conversion?

[KendallH]

Recently purchased a 5 lug conversion. Was told they're OEM rears (S14/Z32) but the seller could not identify the fronts. They looked like ichiba to me, and didn't look like they had much use so I figured they'd be ok. Installed everything yesterday, and now the front end of my car is shaking terribly. Steering wheel, things laying on the floor, shifter, etc. Its also making a slight grinding noise, and the brakes squeak horribly when braking. The hubs came with D/S rotors all around (unknown brand) and they were a little rusty from sitting so I figured the rust would burn off after some miles. I also put brand new wheels (Battles) on mounted and balanced. Is it the bearings? My alignment was good before everything was installed.

[Edwin562]

sounds like Hub bearings are toast my friend....

[KendallH]

Hmm also thinking back, I think I only torqued them to 75-80 ft/lbs. I just looked up the torque spec really quickly and took the first result that I found. Reading back to a MotoIQ article, I found the proper torque spec is between 108-150 ft/lbs. Will get the torque wrench back out after work and retorque them and hopefully they'll be ok :(

[trsebert]

If the front hubs were ichiba, then they should have 'Ichiba' etched onto the spindle. You might have gotten the very crappy ebay hubs that go for like a 100 bucks...if they last for a couple of months you are lucky.

It could very possibly be the bearings, but I would def torque it down further first. I would get rid of those hubs tho. They are trash. I have known COUNTLESS people to buy them, and half the time the inner snap ring will rub on the base of the knuckle shaft, and half the time they just crap themselves.

[Darren]

yeah, and the backs are 150 - 200 ft lbs iirc

[KendallH]

Torqued down to spec after work tonight. Up/down play on wheel, still shaky as before. Guess its bad wheel bearings.

[iLagX]

it could be the 5 lug wheel balance or bad tires. if its not the wheel bearing anyway.

[KendallH]

Tires are good, swapped side/side f/r, they were balanced professionally. The up/down play on the hubs I guess is pretty tell-tale.

[trsebert]

yep. Bad bearings, for sure. Spend the 200-250 on some ichibas and call it a day. They're good stuff.

[KendallH]

Looking into getting my money back for the hubs, in the meantime has anyone had experience with these bearings?

NSK Front Wheel Bearing 1989-1994 Nissan 240SX (http://www.frsport.com/NSK-Front-Wheel-Bearing-1989-1994-Nissan-240SX_p_9414.html)

Nissan quoted me $167 for each OEM bearing (read: per side) so thats out of the question. Considering ordering a pair of those NSK bearings to press into the 5 lug hubs.