Do I Need a Replacement Wheel Bearing?

apkarian100 · 04-04-2010, 06:08 PM

So I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4wd extra cab. I have, what sounds like, a metal to metal rubbing at the driver's side front wheel. I checked the brake pads, and they are fine. The noise is heard when I start moving and doesn't stop till i come to a complete stop. The noise does not go away if I put on the brakes or put the truck in neutral.

Do I need to replace a wheel bearing?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thank You

Enola Gaia · 04-04-2010, 07:25 PM

Wheel bearing would be my first guess ...

apkarian100 · 04-04-2010, 07:32 PM

Okay, so I am thinking straight. Next question, I went to my local Toyota dealer the other day to price out a wheel bearing. $86! Then they told me all these other seals and junk I should replace. For anyone that's just done a wheel bearing, can't I just get by on replacing just the wheel bearing and not the other seals, hub, etc, they tell me do? I'd rather not spend $430 in parts.

Mase · 04-05-2010, 12:46 PM

You'll need to replace the seals. It's nearly impossible to remove the old ones without bending the tin ring or ripping the rubber. They're pressed in there.

You might be able to get away with repacking it as long as it's not all scoured up or corroded. I was able to re-use the bearing pack on my front output shaft just fine even after a bit of chalky water got into it.

Where did the dealer come up with $430? I've bought seals, front and rear, from Toyota and they're between $8-$15.

BIGJOKER · 04-05-2010, 01:13 PM

it do sound like a wheel bearing,
Its pretty much routine to replace the seals when you replace the bearings, you could save some cash by taking out the spindle yourself and having a shop press in the bearings and seals then installing the whole assembly yourself..

tacoyota · 04-05-2010, 04:53 PM

you can buy bearings at a discount parts store for cheap. i got mine for $10 a side made in japan. Just make sure you use lots of lube.

cfranck · 04-06-2010, 03:41 PM

When you turn a little left or right while driving does the noise get louder and or softer??
Turning a little while driving you can almost narrow down the sound to which side it is!!
But to me it does sound like one!

pmbazus · 04-06-2010, 07:15 PM

I once had a truck that made a noise whe it was moving. It turned out that the cover over the rotor was bent and was rubbing. I bent it back and the noise stopped.

Chris D. · 04-06-2010, 07:16 PM

does it sound louder in corners vs driving in a straight line?
If so, sounds like a wheel bearing..
Pop off the wheels and have a look..
Have you hit or drove over anything lately?
Maybe your dust shields are tweaked and rubbing the rotor..

BIGJOKER · 04-06-2010, 08:07 PM

You could jack it up by the lca's too get on your butt and shake the tires back and forth,
If there is even a little shimmy then most likely its a bearing,