Wheel bearing and tie rod

[amguitarman]

I have a 98 camry. The wheel bearing on the front driver side is going out, and the tie rod on the front passenger side is going out. Is this something that I can fix on my own with basic tools? Or do I need to take to a mechanic? Or would it be worth it to take it to a mechanic?

Thanks.

[Fortified Souls]

I know the wheel bearing has to be pressed in so we took to Toyota for it to be done there. With the tie rod end I think you would be able to do it although I never done one on a Camry before.

[93celicaconv]

All depends upon your skill level and capability.

The axle nut can be a challenge to get loose. And yes, the wheel bearing needs to be pressed in, so if you have a press, you can do it. Otherwise, you could take the parts to an auto mechanic and have them do it for less than having it done at a Toyota service center.

You will need a special tool to separate the tie rod from the knuckle, but you can get that tool as a loaner from many auto parts places. You can do this job simply enough, but you will probably have to have it realigned when you are done. You will have to weigh that into your cost analysis.

[Hajoca]

Tie rod end, simple wrenches and muscle.

Hub bearing, you can get a re-manufactured / new hub assembly, so you need to take off brake caliper, torque plate, rotor, steering (tie rod), lower ball joint, and strut bolts to replace the entire thing. Perhaps a few other minor pieces like dust or splash shields.

Alignment after.

[73sport]

If any of you suggest using a "pickle fork" to seperate the tie rod end from the spindle I'll reach through here and B-slap you!

OP - if you use a pickle fork to remove the tie-rod or ball joint it ruins the rubber boot and requires replacement (besides, you can leave the ball joint attached for bearing repalcement). Let us know if this project is within your means after looking here and we'll give you some specific tips!

Download the last link in this series at the very bottom. Look at page 3 and then 9 through 15 tell you how to repalce the bearing.
Toyota Gen4 (1997-2001) Camry Repair Manuals

Many thanks to "DrXenon" on ToyotaNation for providing these manuals.

Note: * indicates file contains one half for 5S-FE, one half for 1MZ-FE

• Introduction to the Repair Manual (400KB, 43 pages)
• Preparation (740KB, 111 pages)
• Service Specifications (260KB, 72 pages)
• Air Conditioning (936KB, 93 pages)
• Automatic Transaxle (I4) (4.7MB, 170 pages)
• Automatic Transaxle (V6) (5MB, 174 pages)
• Body (1.6MB, 135 pages)
• Body Electrical (1.6MB, 128 pages)
• Brake (932KB, 72 pages)
• Charging* (520KB, 32 pages)
• Clutch (312KB, 22 pages)
• Coolant* (1.2MB, 72 pages)
• Diagnostics (5.2MB, 937 pages)
• Emission Control* (708KB, 35 pages)
• Engine Mechanical (I4) (2.9MB, 114 pages)
• Engine Mechanical (V6) (2.6MB, 112 pages)
• Ignition* (400KB, 24 pages)
• Lubrication* (652KB, 36 pages)
• Maintenance (72KB, 9 pages)
• Manual Transaxle* - S51 is for 5S-FE, E153 is for 1MZ-FE (1.5MB, 92 pages)
• SFI* (Sequential Fuel Injection) (2.4MB, 141 pages)
• Starting* (580KB, 40 pages)
• Steering (828KB, 50 pages)
• SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) (796KB, 75 pages)
• Suspension & Axle (812KB, 72 pages) << LOOK HERE!!!

Do you feel competent tearing it down this far? If not, have someone else do it. BB - thanks for the photo!

[csaxon]

This thread can give you an idea of what's required.
DIY - Front wheel bearing R&R

[peshwa]

If you have never worked on your car before I would say PREPARE and research well :-)
If you are mechanically inclined and have worked on any car before I would say its a 1 hour job.
Here's how:
-Remove the bearing hub assembly (on that Rotor bolts on to) and get the wheel bearing pressed out and in. ~ $20 each side? Dont do it yourself its not worth the hassle. Take your bearing assembly to a shop and have them press the new one. Bring it back and bolt it onto your car :-)
-You have to remove the tie rod end anyway to remove the bearing hub assembly.
There are bunch of threads in the DIY section of this forum that show you how to R&R Rack and Pinion etc. You will find it involves removing the tie rod end.
-Dont go cheap on buying Tie Rod ends. (Moog makes the best suspension parts. www.rockauto.com is your friend!)
-Replace other side wheel bearings and tie rod ends at the same time. Its not much expense (~ $40 for a Timken wheel bearing and $30 for Moog Tie Rod End)
I have done this before myself when I joined this forum. I learned EVERYTHING from the experts here on TN.
Remember using right tools is of extreme importance. Otherwise the job will never be done in time!