Anyone With A Echo Have This Problem?

[05_Echo]

On my wifes 2005 Echo we have already replaced both front wheel bearings and one back one. I was just wondering if there are more people with this problem or did Toyota just forget to greese ours?

[Crandall]

On my previous car (97 Paseo) I had to replace nearly all the bearing when the car got to around 170,000 km's. Apparently they're a common problems on these cars, which is rather unfortunate.

[Crashcot]

I believe it is a common problem. We live in Canada and roads that are heavily sand/salted contribute greatly to the deterioration of bearings in these lightweight vehicles.

My wife's 2003 Echo requires the rear bearings replaced when I can get around to it, the front bearings are grinding like an amplified peppercorn grinder. We have just over 190,000kms. I am hopeful that the replacement of all four bearings and the switchover from winter tires to all-season radials will return the car's excellent fuel economy.

I was quoted $1,500 to have all four done. The two front bearings, retainer clips and wheels nuts just cost me $162 from the dealership today. Most of the cost is labour at $90/hr they think 8 hours should do it. The bearings can be obtained online for $10-$20 less but I needed them now and they were in stock. The rears I can get online for $120 each OEM with free shipping, the dealership wants close to $400 each. I will get those next payday online.

[Stevo_Echohb05]

yes I'd say it is common, they cannot be greased, it's a sealed bearing

[jambo101]

sounds like your garage is mis torquing the bearings or they are using some cheap jobber replacements.My Echo has 200k with no bearing issues to date.

[05_Echo]

Originally Posted by jambo101

sounds like your garage is mis torquing the bearings or they are using some cheap jobber replacements.My Echo has 200k with no bearing issues to date.

That was the factory bearings and I installed the new bearings front and rear myself. Oh and my wifes Echo has 230,000km's on it and now the bearings in the transaxle are going...

[Dake]

I'd say a big part is in how the vehicle is used. My 01 Echo has 105k miles and I haven't had any bearing issues (or anything else for that matter). But mine doesn't deal with sand or salt or even very cold winters.

[jambo101]

What kind of grease are you packing the bearings with before installation as some cars require a special grease packed a special way to be effective.i remember going through several sets of bearings on a Subaru i once owned and it turned out that regular bearing grease would break down too soon giving me another bearing problem,the Subaru mechanic showed me the right grease to use and the correct way to pack it into the bearing.Drove that Subie another 150k and never had another bearing problem.

[05_Echo]

They are sealed bearings with no way to grease them before install.