Front end noise, any advice?

[shoujiliuzhijun]

With the tires off, the noise is still there, so the tires shouldn't be the cause. This time I also took the rotors off. I used the OEM bearings and press the things myself by harbor freight tools.

I know the inner part of the bearing can't take the stress so I chose the metal plate which just fits the outer edges. I also did the method you mentioned several times. I could feel some vibration.

One more thing: last time when I finished the bearing changes, I drove about 1 mile with both tires obviously toe-out before alignment. Maybe this is the bad thing I did to the bearing and at least one of them didn't make it?

Originally Posted by hardtopte72

How did you rule out the tire? Who replaced the bearing? What bearing was used?

Try this to rule for certain which side its from and see if the wheel bearing is the possible culprit. If possible have a helper press the accelerator at the point the noise occurs to make sure.

Disclaimer: Myself of ToyotaNation are not liable for any injury or damage that may occur from use of this DIY. Automotive diagnosis and repair should be performed by qualified technicians. Proceed at your own risk.

1. Jack the car up with the front wheels completely of the ground and least 5 inches.
2. Secure the car on jack stands and secure the parking brake or chock the wheels.
3. Start the car.
4. After rechecking to make sure the wheels are OFF THE GROUND!!! Put the car in drive.
5. Both wheels should be turning at this point very slowly at least.
6. Carefully reach your hand between the turning wheel and fender and grab onto the coil spring with your hand.
7. If the coil spring feels smooth the wheel bearing is likely not the cause. If you can feel roughness, vibrations, or anything that isn't smooth through the spring the wheel bearing is toast.
8. Do the same for both sides.
9. Once verified press the foot brake and place the vehicle in park.
10. Shut off the engine.
11. Lower the vehicle off jack stands.

[invader]

Originally Posted by shoujiliuzhijun

I used the OEM bearings and press the things myself by harbor freight tools.

I know the inner part of the bearing can't take the stress so I chose the metal plate which just fits the outer edges. I also did the method you mentioned several times. I could feel some vibration.

You pressed the bearing on the hub at by pushing on the outer race? That would damage the bearing... You have to push on the outer race to press it into steering knuckle, then push on the inner race to press it onto hub.
When could you 'feel some vibration'?

[hardtopte72]

Sounds like bearing installation may have been off just a bit. Did you watch the YouTube video.

[shoujiliuzhijun]

Originally Posted by invader

You pressed the bearing on the hub at by pushing on the outer race? That would damage the bearing... You have to push on the outer race to press it into steering knuckle, then push on the inner race to press it onto hub.
When could you 'feel some vibration'?

I did push on the outer race to force it into the knuckle, then I pushed the hub into the bearing by the harbor freight tool. The metal plate at the second step fits the inner race. Maybe the second step is not good? The vibration was felt when grabbing the spring.

To hardtopte72:
I followed this video, except the knuckles were off the car.

You Tube

You Tube

[hardtopte72]

It's possible the knuckle was damaged or it went on a little too much/slightly off. It happens. Either try again using a Timken bearing or take the knuckle to a shop.

[05_Echo]

When your driving the car get up to 50 miles an hour or when you can hear it, put the car in nutral and if it goes away its tranny and if it's still there I would say bearing issue, I had that happen to me on a Dodge Mini van, replaced bearing sounded worse than the old one, replaced again and the noise was gone.