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

racerchoi · 07-30-2011, 12:08 AM

I've been researching a growling sound from my 2005 sienna for almost a year now. It comes from the rear passenger side every time I do 45 mph and only gets louder on acceleration. I have come to a conclusion it's my rear passenger wheel hub.

I removed both rear wheels today and turned the drum rotor around with my hand. The driver side rotated smoothly and was very quite. The passenger side was much noisier and seemed not to rotate that smoothly either. Am I correct assuming I need to replace the wheel hub assembly on the passenger side?

i used to think I bought crappy tires last year (Kelly Charger tires) and the growling sound was off the tires. But I swapped all four wheels with my 2005 Camry and the sound is still there.

if any one has had any experience with this, I would love to hear their story.

Yuko · 07-30-2011, 12:27 AM

Since you have drum brakes on the rear, I would remove the drums and turn the hubs itself. This is to eliminate the possibility of other causes like the brakes. The hubs should fell like it's in honey and smooth; but if it's very difficult to turn, spins too freely, make noise, or has side-to-side play, it should be replace. The rear hubs are not hard to replace and can be brought at any parts store. Or if you’re as adventurous as me, head to your local salvage yard and pull off a used hub.

racerchoi · 07-30-2011, 01:00 AM

Thanks Yuko

I did not have enough time to get the drum off since it was getting dark, decided to mess with it another day. Pep boys has it for $209 and I will try to do it myself. Pep boys wanted to charge another $300 labor to do it, does not seem like a $300 worth job.

Do i need to grease the axle area on installing the new hub? The hub comes as a complete unit with bearing as well. Thanks!

Yuko · 07-30-2011, 01:34 AM

$300 is a bit high to install a rear hub. (this is a FWD Sienna, right?) The new hub should be fully sealed and pre-packed with grease but a little lube to help it slide on is fine but not really needed. Don't get any grease on the bolt holes or you can over-torque the mounting bolts.

Here's a DIY on a Camry that is very similar to the Sienna's rear hub but I'm not sure about the torque spec. (Note that the hub for the older Camry are not sealed like the Sienna)
Rear wheel bearing R & R - How to and why

racerchoi · 07-30-2011, 11:31 AM

Great DIY link on the Camry. Pics make it so much easier :-) Thanks again Yuko. Will update on here how it turned out when i get to it.

TOYOTAndy · 07-30-2011, 08:09 PM

Rear Hub Bearing assembly is easy to do yourself, the fronts are a pressed fit into the knuckle and require the use of a press etc. Really the only hard part on the rear is sometimes the hub bearing can be stubborn sometimes to come off. Spray it down good with PB Blaster/WD-40 and have a big ass hammer ready.

racerchoi · 07-31-2011, 09:12 AM

Thanks 4 the tip Andy.

My drums are pretty rusted as well, i have a feeling the hub gonna challenge me a bit. Got all my tools lined up yesterday. Gonna paint my drums as well while I'm at it.

racerchoi · 07-31-2011, 09:13 AM

Thanks 4 the tip Andy.

My drums are pretty rusted as well, i have a feeling the hub gonna challenge me a bit. Got all my tools lined up yesterday. Gonna paint my drums as well while I'm at it.

racerchoi · 08-08-2011, 01:33 PM

Just got done with this and it was one of the easiest DIY ever.

Did not even have to remove the rear shoes, just took the drum out, removed the 4 bolts that were accessible through the rear brake unit thingy, and with a little tug, out came the wheel hub. Put the new one on, connected the abs sensor back and that was it. Done under 25 minutes.

got the wheel hub from pep boys (SKS brand with 3 year warranty) for $209.99. That was the only cost on this. Dealer wanted $400 for parts and $300 for labor. Go figure!