front wheel noise

[bones774]

Hi, I have a 2004 corolla with 170k miles. I started to hear a noise in the front end of car, kinda like a droning. It is only apparent when the car is moving above 25mph. It sounds like it is in the front passenger side the noise is more pronounced when making right turns and seems to go away making left turns. any ideas? What can I do to test for sure?

Thnaks

[invader]

Front left wheel bearing. Check for excess free play with the wheel jacked up off the ground... Steering knuckle has to be removed to press out the old bearing from it and wheel hub, then press in new bearing. Have it done at a properly equipped service center with a good press and proper adapters to avoid damaging the bearing when pressing it in. Make sure the hub turns freely and smoothly after they pressed it in, and that they did not damage your new bearings. Replace both front right and left bearings. It then needs a front wheel alignment.
In my driving conditions, front wheel bearings last only 50k-60k miles.

I recommend Japan made Timken bearings (510070).

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...FE%255D%2BDOHC

[bones774]

I guess 170k miles is not bad for bearings, i like timken bearings also., looks like it could be a pretty laborious job. I had a feeling either bearings or CV joint.
Thanks

[bones774]

I just raised the car and checked the wheel for free play, absolutely no free play. Still think it's the bearings?

[bones774]

Hi,

Does anyone have a second opinion? Since raising my car and checking for free play, there was none. I hate to go to expense and labor of replacement if they are fine. MY last toyota never needed bearings and was still rolling at 270k miles.

[ems]

bones774 it sounds like a wheel bearing to me. Just because there isn't any free play means nothing. When the bearing went bad on my corolla there was no free play. Make sure you are checking all the sides because, sound travels. Have somebody inside the car listen for the noise and don't rule out the back.

[silver04rollas]

It could be a rock chip stuck between the calliper and the disk of one of the brake.

I know it because it once happened to me and I had to get it removed by Toyota.

[winkzoot]

Originally Posted by ems

bones774 it sounds like a wheel bearing to me. Just because there isn't any free play means nothing. When the bearing went bad on my corolla there was no free play. Make sure you are checking all the sides because, sound travels. Have somebody inside the car listen for the noise and don't rule out the back.

x2 on checking all the wheels. I was sure it was a right front on mine. Turned out the left rear was bad. For the fronts you can put on jack stands and put in gear to listen. For the backs just give them a spin. Once I spun the rear wheel it was obvious that was the problem and the rears are sealed hubs so changing them was an hour long easy job. Good luck.

[hardtopte72]

Here is the best way to know if its the wheel bearing (which I'm 99% sure it is).

Jack the car up on jack stands(preferably 4 wheels but at least the front wheels on a LEVEL SURFACE)

With the car in the air start the car and put the car in gear. Both wheels should be turning at this point.

While the wheels are turning reach your hand in and grab the coil spring on the strut. Grab it tight and feel the spring.

If the bearing is good the spring should have no vibrations going through it and should feel smooth even with the wheel turning.

If the bearing has failed the spring will feel harsh as if something is grinding and resonating through the spring.

You can do this on all 4 wheels. With the rear wheels simply spin the wheel by hand and feel the spring.

I have used this on every single wheel bearing complaint I have ever had and I have never had a comeback. It has been a 100% effective way of determining bad bearings.

Also Toyota wheel bearings rarely fail so severely that you get actual free play in the hub from the bearing actually coming apart. Toyota bearings usually just dry out and grind. Nissans on the other hand (95-03 Maximas especially) are notorious for completely failed wheel bearings.

But since it is more pronounced on 1 side I am going to say its the R/F wheel bearing.


Hope this helps.

[NozMonster]

I agree that it's probably a bad wheel bearing but there is a chance that you could have a worn/un-evenly worn tire. My firend was having this issue and the tire was wearing because of issues with alignment and joints.

[invader]

My regularly used 2004's front wheel bearings get replaced when free play becomes excessive, along with the droning noise. My bro's 2005 which isn't driven as much in a high road salt environment, had his front left bearing seizing up tight from rust buildup before any apparent noise or free play.