I think I might have a wheel bearing issue. :(

[toyrolla]

Ok,

So I'm driving the Gen2, which due to circumstances has seen better days.

While driving, I feel a shimmy on the front left wheel, then the car starts slowing down, then I smell burning, then the car eventually comes to grinding halt. During this time, I press the brake pedal and notice that it's harder than normal.

If I leave it alone for a couple of hours, I can drive it again for a while.

So I suspect it's a brake issue.

So this weekend, I check the front brakes.

Pads on left wheels look Ok, but I change them anyway. Rotor looks fine.
I turn hub to check for gridning, and there's none.
Ok, so I button that one up and go to right wheel.

Right wheel pads are more work because the caliper is frozen.
I pick up a replacement, put new pads, check rotor (it's Ok), and turn hub for nice smooth spin (no grinding). So I button that one up.

Bleed brakes, road test car around a couple of blocks, everything seems good.

Heading to work this morning, the problem has returned.



Although I've been here in TN for a long time, I don't know everything.
So instead of beating my head against the wall, I'd thought I throw this one on the table.

Anyone ever experienced this as I described above?
My gut says wheel bearing, but at this point I'm not sure.
I think the burning is coming from the front, then again, I can't be sure.

Right now I'm a little over-frustrated now to think clearly.

[slundy]

I had similar symptoms with a Ford F250. Mine was the brake caliper being froze but it looks like you've already eliminated that. Throw the floor jack in and go for a drive, when it starts to act up check the wheel and see how it turns. Carefully check the hub and see how warm it is. At least that is how I would start to diagnose the problem.

[toyrolla]

Thanks for the input Slundy.

Funny you should mention that, because that thought popped in my mind on my way home from class last night, but in regards to the rear brakes. So I'm going to check them out tomorrow after work. I got class tonight again, so I can't do it tonight.

I'll post my findings after I look.

Thanks!

[TBayToyotaBoy]

Does the steering pull to the left more now than when the problem started? Aside from the absence of that symptom in your post, you're having exactly the same problem I had when my front right wheel bearing went.

Hit the u-pull-it for a cheap-o, lower mileage steering knuckle, complete with bearing. Buying new is rediculously expensive...

Good luck!

--Tim

P.S.: I was surprised to see you asking a question for once, instead of answering it. Your humility is refreshing!

[toyrolla]

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

P.S.: I was surprised to see you asking a question for once, instead of answering it. Your humility is refreshing!

Hi Tim.

Trust me Dude, I'm not too proud to ask.

"I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV"


Not making any excuses, but brain's been fried as of late with other stuff.
As a result, I needed a second opinion because I just couldn't bang my head on it anymore.

I did find the problem and luckily is wasn't the bearing.

Both rear calipers took a dump.
I haven't fixed the car yet because the time has just not been there between work & school.

Next weekend will be repair weekend.

Thanks for the help guys!

[Musikmann]

I recently had to have the right front wheel bearing replaced but my symptoms were nothing like you described. Mine involved a constant noise that became more frequent the faster I drove. What I don't understand is why you felt a shimmy in the left front wheel when it turned out your rear calipers were sticking.