wing0

I noticed a slight faint growling noise from the rear. More so on the left rear side.
Car has 220k km and I guess the wheel bearing is starting to fail.
It's AWD so I looked up wheel bearing on rockauto and looks like the bearing has to be pressed out of the knuckle as I can't find the wheel hub assembly for this year(2001) anymore.

I'd rather have the job done right so I want to get koyo/timken wheel hub assembly.
Anyone know where I can order it, I am in Canada and some sites don't ship North.

I found this part number42450-33010 which I believe is the OEM wheel hub assembly part number.
It seems to be listed as rear FWD part though.
Do FWD and AWD use the same assembly?

salimshah

My humble advice would be is to make sure that the problem is in the bearing. Swap wheels, measure the play etc.

Sites like Lexus of S Atlanta has parts catalog on line.

Although not required but bearings should be replaced in pairs.

Each bearings can be replaced for about $10-15 plus the cost of the bearing and seal (most likely but not sure)

Salim

wing0

I was actually at mechanic's place doing some exhaust work, that's when I noticed it.
It's faint for now and I asked him to confirm.
He said it's hard to tell which side it's coming from right now and just wait a bit longer.

Doesn't the bearing have to be pressed out and pressed back in?
That $10-15 you wrote is just for that work and not the rest of disassembling to get the whole knuckle out right?

maxSteel

I thought I had a bad bearing too. The sound changed when I rotated the tires. Uneven tire wear was making the noise.

I changed my struts, stabilizer bar links, tires, and got an alignment. Sounds great now.

salimshah

Yes. You take the knuckle and the new bearing and seal. Make sure they have a hydraulic press. At the end you have to put it back too. The shop I went to was a drive shaft repair shop.

Salim

wing0

Thanks.

Since they use salt a lot in the winter.
Will the dust shield be fused with the knuckle?
Do I need an alignment afterwards?

salimshah

For the rear it is called an axle carrier. Hub has to be removed and then the backing plate with parking brake assembly and then you can remove the axle carrier.

Yes an alignment is recommended.

For AWD, you will need inner and outer seals and snap ring for each wheel.

But make sure you need a bearing first.

Salim

wing0

Thanks for the info.
I read the service manual and understand it now.

I called the usual shop that I go to.
Their quote is 2hr labor and just the wheel bearing.

They said, no need for inner/outer seals and alignment(if they need to touch the toe link, but mark off where was at).

Bearing wise, NSK bearing for $100 CAD, pretty steep when SKF from rockauto is $50 prior to shipping.

salimshah

I would replace the seals as I question why the bearing could have gone bad.

YMMV.

Salim

wing0

Doesn't the wheel bearing just go bad due to wear and tear?

salimshah

If the vehicle just sits at one spot then the bearing can go bad. For the rest (excluding manufacturing defects) the problem is usually due to breach of seal ... loss of lube or intrusion of grime or both.

Then again, I am **** about doing things right and good enough does not work for me (unless there is an emergency)

Salim

wing0

My dad uses this car sometimes to deliver stuff which can get quite heavy.
Sometimes it is loaded overnight and the leaves in the morning.

The suspension has never been changed on it either.
I am guessing due to the worn parts, it placed extra load on the bearing itself too?

BTW, I called Carquest and was able get BCA bearing for $45 or special order NSK at $53 and change.
They told me the oem bearing would be $160.
I called Lexus and they said they don't sell bearing by itself. It comes in the whole unit which is $350.

How is BCA bearing? I think another name for them is National. It's the quickest that I can get one or else I'd have to go 2 trips to prepay for NSK.
I really hate getting parts in Canada...

salimshah

For $8 or (8*2=16) I would opt for NSK. [just because I am not familiar with the other]

Look at the miles and how much more you will get out of the vehicle ,,, so realistically any reputable name would work.

The job seems to be ballooning as shocks/struts are suspect.

Salim

wing0

I was wrong.
BCA used to be Federal Mogul and then now acquired by NTN.

salimshah

Getting off topic .

About acquisitions .. big companies usually do this to get cheaper manufacturing and little guys do this to get a name. Product out on the shelf is the same as before. New stuff ??? mostly I have seen things become worse ,,, but that is just my opinion.

Salim