Front Wheel Bearings??

Quarterhorsepower

Well-Known Member
So, I've owned my 05 Tacoma for a week and today, I stopped by the tire shop (Les Schwab) and had them take it for a ride. I have what I thought was excessive tire noise, but it turns out it's the front left wheel bearing. I knew when I bought it, the front right was replaced at Toyota @ 110k miles. Now, @ 134k the front left needs it. At least it isn't a big expense as I see it. They actually said it really wasn't bad enough to worry, but I said make me an appointment and I'll drop it off. Anyone else have bearing issues and at what mileage? :whistling2: FYI, Schwab is $200 less than the "Stealership" next door!
 
When I did my front ones on my Chevelle years ago I used a chisel to take out the old race and then a huge socket to pound in the new one, not sure if it would work for a Yoda, haven't had the issue and haven't looked at the procedure to do them yet.
 
Almost 200, 000 miles on my 08' and they have never been replaced. Gonna replace them soon though, but ill be doing them myself at home in the garage.
 
I did both of mine @ 135k, the right front let go with no warning so I did both.

If anyone is looking for complete, ready to bolt on hubs I build them! Check out the link in my signature. Very easily done with basic tools, if you can change your brake pads you can change your hub assembly. I carry one on my truck as a trail spare, peace of mind.
 
I have a 2007 Double Cab 4x4 Tacoma and had to replace both from wheel bearings at about 75,000 & 7.5 years old. Both went out within 4 months of each other. Initial symptom was a new vibration that I thought was a bolt or rock in the tire tread. The sound and vibration was worse at specific speed ranges (harmonics), was associated with speed, but not RPM. My local private Toyota shop pulled them out ( on separate visits ) and the bad spot/divot/crater was obvious to the eye. New bearings made the ride smooth and prevented psychiatric counseling. My annoyance with the whole thing is that while I expect this from old-school bearings that need re-packing, I don't expect this after 75,000 miles of normal driving. My mechanic said his inquiry when ordering the bearings was that many are in stock with suppliers - this means they're selling them - and that means it's common. grrrrr.
 
I have a 2007 Double Cab 4x4 Tacoma and had to replace both from wheel bearings at about 75,000 & 7.5 years old. Both went out within 4 months of each other. Initial symptom was a new vibration that I thought was a bolt or rock in the tire tread. The sound and vibration was worse at specific speed ranges (harmonics), was associated with speed, but not RPM. My local private Toyota shop pulled them out ( on separate visits ) and the bad spot/divot/crater was obvious to the eye. New bearings made the ride smooth and prevented psychiatric counseling. My annoyance with the whole thing is that while I expect this from old-school bearings that need re-packing, I don't expect this after 75,000 miles of normal driving. My mechanic said his inquiry when ordering the bearings was that many are in stock with suppliers - this means they're selling them - and that means it's common. grrrrr.
What was the vibration like. I've noticed a vibration but it's not constant. It pulsating. Weird. I tell myself it's the tires being cold. Dealership said its normal.
 
The vibration can be heard and felt (in the pedals and steering column) at various speed ranges, depending on the size and nature of the damaged spot inside the sealed bearing surface. I was used to my smooth ride, even with OEM BFG tires. I noticed the change quickly. The first bearing presented the vibration starting at about 40 MPH, the second bearing presented at 55 MPH and remained present during freeway speeds - which drove me nuts!!!. Wish I could give you a sound bite, but it's spelled bbrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRR!~!!!!!!Q!#@$#%@$#%$^!! HAH! trying to make this somewhat funny, though sincere. If you have a long straight road and can swerve back and forth without hitting another car - or getting pulled over by the cops - the sound will start and stop as you swerve back and forth. This is from the weight/pressure being taken on and off each side of the front suspension. I got the original part from my private Toyota shop and the bearing damage was obvious. About $600 per bearing total cost parts and labor. Ouch.
 
The vibration can be heard and felt (in the pedals and steering column) at various speed ranges, depending on the size and nature of the damaged spot inside the sealed bearing surface. I was used to my smooth ride, even with OEM BFG tires. I noticed the change quickly. The first bearing presented the vibration starting at about 40 MPH, the second bearing presented at 55 MPH and remained present during freeway speeds - which drove me nuts!!!. Wish I could give you a sound bite, but it's spelled bbrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRR!~!!!!!!Q!#@$#%@$#%$^!! HAH! trying to make this somewhat funny, though sincere. If you have a long straight road and can swerve back and forth without hitting another car - or getting pulled over by the cops - the sound will start and stop as you swerve back and forth. This is from the weight/pressure being taken on and off each side of the front suspension. I got the original part from my private Toyota shop and the bearing damage was obvious. About $600 per bearing total cost parts and labor. Ouch.
Thanks for the info. I can feel it in the gas pedal and steering wheel. I'll get it on the hwy and warm the tires up and see if it does it around town. I only have 44k on my truck. It's a 2012. So I'm hoping it's not the bearings. I do have the extended warranty. I'll have to see if that's covered.
 
Nice. Is this something I can do on my own? Im not afraid to tackle anything. As long as all I need is basic tools.

Yes basic tools plus a 35mm socket for the axle nut & a torque wrench capable of 173 ft/lb's to torque that nut on installation.
 
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