Wheel Bearing(s) Replacement

[xelorwatch]

Hi,

2003 Corolla 39,200mls. When turning (right or left) very slowly e.g. Parking area I hear a grinding noise coming from the frontal area. Internet research seems to indicate Wheel Bearing(s) Replacement and possibly Hub Assembly. This area is verrrrrrrrry expensive and I'm wondering does anyone know what a Toyota dealership charges per hour? And did anyone have this work recently done at a Toyota dealership? Also, would a good reliable independent service repair shop be a reasonable option, as this seems costly.

Thank You,
xelorwatch

[invader]

That doesn't sound like a bad wheel bearing... is anything rubbing only when making a sharp turn at very low speed?

[xelorwatch]

Ok. It's more like a rubbing/grinding noise to be exact. At 1st I thought something had gotten wedged inside the tire assembly. Obviously, after 6 months or so and both sides doing it that's not the case. I do remember, only one side at the very beginning, but about a month later the other side joined in. Oh, it hasn't gotten any better/worse. But always makes noise in very slow tight turns; everytime, I back out of My space here, put it in drive, give a little gas and begin turning, it will make that noise; but as soon as I begin to straighten out the wheel, it immediately stops. I have a lot going on in My life, so as long as the car started and ran, I guess I put it on the back burner and just everytime it happened.

[invader]

Hmmm. And there's only 39200 miles on it. Have you had a good look in the wheel wells? Can you jack up front end and look with the wheels turned all the way both sides while rotating them? Is it only under engine load, or also when coasting?

[don24mac]

How do the rubber boots look that cover both ends of each side (axles on left and right of transmission) of the front axles. (four rubber boots) These cover the constant velocity (CV) joints that transmit the power from the transmission to the front wheels. The outer ones are usually the ones that can become torn and can allow contamination to reach the CV joints, in addition to losing some of the grease to leakage. It's also these outer ones that will make the most grinding, sounds when turning sharply.

If the boots are torn,, they'll look greasy dirty, and the CV joints may be damaged and may eventually have to be replaced. They don't usually fail immediately. They give you a lot of warning before they fail.

Just something to consider.

[xelorwatch]

Thank You very much as Your Post seems to be the most accurate diagnose, from the symtoms that I've described. As soon as I find the answer (please be patient) I will definitely Post it - so as to help others!

xelorwatch

[invader]

I considered the CV joint possibility, even at your low mileage. That's why I asked you if you can hear it while turning and under load, as when accelerating from a stop while turning sharply.

[xelorwatch]

I wanted others to know that the Toyota dealership technican (same Tech on 2 occasions) cannot find the cause of the problem. Original Post was dated June 10th and it's now the end of the first week of September.

I'm simply living with it. Lately, it's seems Not so bad, or maybe I've just learned to tune it out?

Anyway, just wanted to update Post. Oh, BTW, the tech on last visit cleaned the brake rotors on right side where the noise is loudest as it's also on the left side as well.

Personally, as a novice, I think the noise is Steering Assembly related.

But the Tech is always focused on the Wheel area.

If it is in the Steering, then it will eventually become worse; therefore, problem will be solved. Or if it's some other cause, then that will eventually become worse; therefore, problem will be solved.

He's a very nice person but I don't think the Tech has the experience to problem solve unless it's so severe that'll hit him in the face when the car is on the lift.

And I'm Not going to drive Myself silly over the matter and take the car else where as I have many other more important matters to attend to.

But My bets Still on the Steering.

xelorwatch