Failure of New Front Wheel Bearing at 1k Miles?

I recently had both front wheel bearings replaced on my 2006 Prius at 185k miles. This is the third set of front wheel bearings on this vehicle.

My 2009 Prius is also on its third front bearing set at 220k miles. Generally both my Gen II Priuses experience a front bearing failure at roughly 90k mile intervals. When one front bearing fails I replace the other side's bearing, too, at the same time.

The mechanic uses new bearing assemblies, not just new bearings. I know this because the threaded studs on which the lug nuts are screwed are visibly new.

The same repair shop has performed all these bearing replacements on the two vehicles. I know the shop's owner and I'm confident in his extreme expertise in Prius repair. His mechanic also has demonstrably high skill and long experience with Priuses.

However, today a recently-replaced bearing failed at 1k miles. The first 500 miles were noise-free and unremarkable. The failed bearing's humming noise went from zero to absolutely deafening in the next 500 miles.

FWIW, at the same time the short-lived bearing was replaced the shop also installed new front struts, new CV axles, and new ball joints. The axles and ball joints were replaced because their boots had cracked and grease was coming out of them.

Anyone in this group have any idea why a new front wheel bearing installed by an experienced Prius mechanic would fail at 1k miles?

Thanks in advance for any advice you have on this.

 

Both of these comments were quite helpful, especially the comment on bent knuckles.

On the question “which brand was installed” I think the answer will come after I tow the vehicle back to Indianapolis.

This all happened yesterday on a trip out of state. Still looking for UHaul towing gear this morning.