Bad Wheel Bearing on 91 V6?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

89_3SFE · 03-16-2007, 03:31 PM

I believe I have a bad wheel bearing but I wanted to make sure. What sound would a bad bearing make? The sound I'm getting is usually when I'm slowing down and it's a nice grinding noise. Sounds like metal on metal, but I don't know. Also, it usually only happens when I'm slowing down, but not necessarily when I'm pushing on the brake. Also, when the car shifts it kinda makes a clunking noise. I looked at the CV Joints and the boots are there and they look fine, but I haven't lifted the car to tell. It sounds like it's coming from the front driver-side wheel. Does this sound like a bad wheel bearing? If not, what is it? If so, how much would it cost me to replace, parts and labor?

TBayToyotaBoy · 03-16-2007, 06:11 PM

Aside from noises, there are a couple of ways to diagnose a bad bearing (though they're not fool proof, every case is different). First, with the car parked grab the tire and try wiggling it back and forth; there should be no movement either side-to-side (front to back) or back-and forth (up-and-down).
Secondly, think about how the car is handling. Is it pulling to one side (especially to the left)? In the case of a catastrophic bearing failure, the vehicle will start pulling to that side immediately.
The third way to tell (sometimes) that the bearing is burnt is that there is grease leaking either onto the threads on the end of the driveaxle (on the outside of the hub), or onto the outer CV joint housing (on the inside of the hub).
If none of these applies, try lifting that corner of the car and spinning the hub--if it binds or grinds you have a toasted bearing.

As for cost, $20 should get you a used one at a u-pull-it scrap yard. I've never bought a new one, and none of the used ones I've bought have ever gone bad...good luck!

Variety=Spice · 03-16-2007, 09:50 PM

I had a bad bearing on my 91 V6 Camry. It made a humming noise as it went down the road at about 35 mph...sounded like I had knobby tires on. The noise would go away when I turned the wheel slightly to the left or right (not enough to turn a corner or change lanes...just turned it a few degrees). The noise would come right back as soon as it straightend out

I wouldn't call my bad bearing sound "metal on metal". Maybe yours is in much worse condition than mine was, though.

marc780 · 03-18-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

believe I have a bad wheel bearing but I wanted to make sure. What sound would a bad bearing make? The sound I'm getting is usually when I'm slowing down and it's a nice grinding noise. Sounds like metal on metal, but I don't know.

A bad wheel bearing makes noise every time the car is moving and is not intermittent. Does make noise when you apply the brakes, check your lining thickness, are the pads worn to the metal?

After that, just raise the front end up and spin the wheel and listen closely. The wheel bearing is a hub bearing and is pressed in place at the factory. It cant be regreased or anything, it just gets replaced. If you want to try doing this you would need a shop to pop out the old and press in the new cause you need a hydraulic press for this chore. There are factory manuals here to dl for free that will tell you all the steps, they are in "camry general forum" stickys.

Variety=Spice · 03-19-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc780

After that, just raise the front end up and spin the wheel and listen closely. The wheel bearing is a hub bearing and is pressed in place at the factory. It cant be regreased or anything, it just gets replaced. If you want to try doing this you would need a shop to pop out the old and press in the new cause you need a hydraulic press for this chore. .

or buy a good used hub assembly from a low mileage Lexus at the junkyard...