Just bought a used 2006 Avalon Limited - wheel bearing hub repair required?

[kharvel]

Hello all,

I bought my 2006 Avalon Limited a few days ago with 74K miles on it from an independent car dealer. I got a good price on it and when I checked the vehicle's service history online (ToyotaOwners on Toyota.com) after purchase, I discovered that the vehicle was taken to a local Toyota dealership service center and the service center found the following problem:

FRONT SUSPENSION ~|~CUST REPORT OF NOISE-HUMMING WHEN DRIVING AT 40+ MPH. POSSIBLE WHEEL BEARING. PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. ~|~CONFIRMED PASS SIDE WHEEL BEARING MAKING NOISE. REC RECOMMEND REPLACE WHEEL BEARING AND HUB. ~|~CUSTOMER DECLINED WORK AT THIS TIME.

The service inspection was done a couple of days AFTER the independent car dealer bought the vehicle from an auto auction. The dealer declined to do the repairs. The car was sold to me about 2 months after the service check. That's probably one reason why I got the car at such a good price.

Does anyone know if I should get a second opinion or if the Toyota service center is probably correct in its assessment that I need a new wheel bearing hub assembly? Or could it be caused by something else? Any advise is appreciated. Thank you

[fishing freak]

first off, is the car making the noise the complaint speaks of, if so was it doing it when you test drove it.. if it is take it and get a second op.

[inov8]

The factory repair manual gives specific tests to assess wheel bearings (measure hub play and runout with a dial gauge), so the determination should be objectiive, not subjective.
Tire noise is often mistaken for bearing hum. What is the condition of the tires? Is there any visible tread scalloping?

[Mike Murrell]

Just my 2 cents.

Any car purchased at an "auction" is suspect.

[II Kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Just my 2 cents.

Any car purchased at an "auction" is suspect.

Depends on the auction. Many off lease cars go to auction, the largest in the US being the Manheim Auction which have good cars often times. Every month hundreds if not thousands of off lease cars go through Manheim. Autocheck (not Carfax) is a great source to pick up service histories like the OP mentioned- regardless of where a car comes from, I always do an Autocheck (An Experian company) which would have likely showed the bearing service. I agree, the local auction where people bring their junk is to be avoided. The real question is should one by a car from a "big" auction off lease or from the local J&T Auto sales which often specialize in other people's problems.

[CISA93]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Just my 2 cents.

Any car purchased at an "auction" is suspect.

I partially agree with your posting. I bought a 2007 Tundra at below wholesale, previous (first owner) had car serviced at Toyota for the entire time he had ownership. Ran all of the check (i.e. Car Fax). I flushed and changed all fluids (51450 original miles)

It can be the tires (possible tread separation) and independent (reputable) repair shop that can check (I would not tell them what you discovered regarding the bearing). Just tell them you want the front end checked (i.e. ball joints, rack/pinon, wheel bearings, ect. Bearings can go bad even at the mileage you posted because after all they are mechanical devices and sometimes a PITA. Best of luck and great postings from everyone!

[kharvel]

Originally Posted by fishing freak

first off, is the car making the noise the complaint speaks of, if so was it doing it when you test drove it.. if it is take it and get a second op.

I didn't notice any noise but then I don't exactly have good hearing. It looks like I need to take it to an independent shop to get it checked.

[kharvel]

Originally Posted by inov8

The factory repair manual gives specific tests to assess wheel bearings (measure hub play and runout with a dial gauge), so the determination should be objectiive, not subjective.
Tire noise is often mistaken for bearing hum. What is the condition of the tires? Is there any visible tread scalloping?

The tires are in good condition with good tread left. There does not appear to be any sign of tread scalloping.

[kharvel]

Originally Posted by CISA93

It can be the tires (possible tread separation) and independent (reputable) repair shop that can check (I would not tell them what you discovered regarding the bearing). Just tell them you want the front end checked (i.e. ball joints, rack/pinon, wheel bearings, ect. Bearings can go bad even at the mileage you posted because after all they are mechanical devices and sometimes a PITA. Best of luck and great postings from everyone!

Thank you for this very helpful advice. I will definitely take the car to an independent shop and ask them to check the entire front end. I hope I won't need to shell out $500 to get the bearings replaced.

[CISA93]

Originally Posted by kharvel

Thank you for this very helpful advice. I will definitely take the car to an independent shop and ask them to check the entire front end. I hope I won't need to shell out $500 to get the bearings replaced.

If you happen to need bearings, consider using Toyota bearings or aftermarket like SKF or National.....I realize there are some postings on here that feel that Chinese origin parts are fine. For the labor involved in this repair, make sure you're getting a quality part (i.e. Made in Japan, US...)because Chinese don't temper their bearings. I've been told this by a machine shop that my father and I have done business with for over 12 years. Let's just hope you don't need that bearing.