Rear wheel bearings

[SAS1]

'03 Camry might need right rear wheel bearings replaced. With the wheel off the whole assembly moves when rotated and when driving loud grinding/wobbling sound increases with speed. I'm not mechanical so does anyone have an estimate on the cost to replace the whole assembly? Quoted $400-$500. Thanks.

[Donald E. George]

The wheel bearing assembly costs about $350 on the internet. You might be able to find one for less. The assembly mounts to the axle carrier with four bolts. You will need a puller to remove the ABS sensor from the original bearing. The biggest problem I have read about with individuals who have done this is getting the bearing assembly loose from the mount because of rust. One individual not long ago said he could not knock the bearing assembly loose with a sledge hammer and wound up taking the entire carrier to a machine shop to have the bearing removed. Regards.

[SAS1]

Thanks Donald. With the time and effort needed I probably will take it in to get replaced. With it being very loose is this something that should be handled immediately or can it be driven on in the short term? Any additional information anyone can provide would be appreciated so I can be somewhat educated when speaking with the service people.

[gdanaher]

The bearing is part of a mounting assembly and looks nothing like a traditional plain bearing. Here's a page with pictures of a later model assembly. They didn't have them for your year, but they are similar to give you the idea:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...007&vi=1433263

Anyway, if it is beyond mjust making noise and is loose, replace it immediately, and do not drive on it at all. This is a life threatening condition.

[racerchoi]

I've been researching a similar issue with my 2005 Toyota Sienna. Every time i go over 45, i feel like i'm driving a chopper. Loud humming kinda sound that only gets louder. I thought it were my tires (only an year old) but after swapping them a month ago, the sound is still there.

I thought maybe my drive shaft needs to be checked. How can you visually inspect if your bearing or drive shaft are the culprit? Besides these, what else could be a possible cause?

Thanks for ur posts SAS1 and Donald.

[gdanaher]

It really isn't a visual thing. Auditory and tactile work in this case. For the rear, all recent Toyota autos use the basic same design of embedding the bearing into a larger housing that bolts on. With the wheels attached, push on the outer edges of the tire to feel any wobble. It ok but a problem still suspect, you are going to pull the wheel, unbolt and hang the caliper if applicable, and remove the drum/rotor. At this point you should be able to turn or spin the hub, and you are looking for any roughness while you are turning it, any looseness, any irregularities. If in doubt, do the same to the other side so you can compare. They rarely wear out at the same time. The problem is usually something on the order of a seal coming loose and allowing some dirt in, or one side got real hot due to a hung brake and ruined the bearing. If you need to replace, note that there is one model for cars with abs brakes and one without. You can look for an electrical connection on the rear of the bearing carrier.

As for a drive shaft, the front axle uses constant velocity joints, and they fail from wear or dirt contamination. If a boot is torn and grease is visible, it's time to replace. If they have actually failed, you will hear a clicking sound from the front end--especially when you turn left or right.

[SAS1]

Thanks gdanaher. My local mechanic quoted me $435 installed. Judging by the $234 price tag from the link you provided this seems reasonable. Will be dropping the car tonight.

All the advice is appreciated.