Wheel bearing thoughts - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

voganni · 10-10-2009, 07:49 PM

I just finished ball joints, inner tie rods, and clutch on my '91 coupe. Now, I feel vibration under power, and worse in corners. I think this is a cv joint issue as the car has 235k on it. But I also notice play in the wheel bearings. I know no play is good, but they are smooth when turned by hand, and make no noise whatsoever on the road. I'm wondering if it's OK to keep driving it till I start to hear some noise or feel roughness? It's a budget car, and I don't have the cash to do wheel bearings right now, not to mention tearing the whole front end apart again! Appreciate your opinions. Bill

Blof-fan · 10-11-2009, 04:21 AM

When there is some play on the bearings, it is time to replace them.

But if you really don't have the money to spend...you might try to fasten up the hub nut a bit to try and reduce the play a bit. But don't drive like that for to long of course

freakinbox · 10-11-2009, 06:57 AM

Yeah if you drive a long time with a bad wheel bearing you will experience what I did.. The front end wiggling around a corner and trying to give out rather than the rear lol.

nizzehult · 10-11-2009, 10:57 AM

Bad bearing(s) must be taken seriously. They are quite vital. The worst to happen is that the wheel get completely stuck while driving and could lead to that you loose control. In high speeds it could lead to serious injury. Is the hub getting warm? Than you better hurry up!
I've found new bearings (kit) for about $15 /each side. In England, though. Not very complicated to change (I think).

voganni · 10-11-2009, 04:17 PM

Thanks for the tips. Nope, hubs aren't getting warm, and there's no noise or roughness when spinning by hand. Actually they're a bitch to change! Local machine shop wants $45/side to press them in/out, AFTER dismantling the whole front end to get the spindle off. I did find a website, hubbearing.com, that has new hubs, bearing, and seals for $25 a side. They're definitely on the list, as well as cv shafts!

Donald · 10-12-2009, 06:51 PM

Check that the axle nut is tightened to the required torque before you do anything else.
If you still have bearing play and or vibration aftre that, then It is probably time for bearings.

voganni · 10-13-2009, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the tip Donald! I backed the nuts off and cleaned the threads, left one was rusty. Then retorqued, and no play at all now. Bearings are smooth, and hubs are cool after a run on the highway. Great advice!! Bill

Donald · 10-14-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by voganni

Thanks for the tip Donald! I backed the nuts off and cleaned the threads, left one was rusty. Then retorqued, and no play at all now. Bearings are smooth, and hubs are cool after a run on the highway. Great advice!! Bill