Put in new front wheel bearings recently, went with the budget option from minispares (I know, I know) and I can hear the bearing starting to fail after not many miles. Lifted the front up and both front wheels weren't turning that freely. I stripped the hub and found that on both sides, only the inner bearing had gone bad. I've checked the hub and drive flange and it's fine. The bearing races were still in place without any play.
Now, I will order timken bearings, but wonder what is the cause of them going prematurely? I did torque the axle nut down to spec when I installed it, and there bearing wasn't too tight after the initial installation. What caused them to go bad so soon?