wheel bearings

Do they give any signs indicating that they need to be cleaned and repacked?

Thanks,
paul

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:8E45h.9694$Bl1.7132@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=blue]
> Do they give any signs indicating that they need to be cleaned and
> repacked?
>
> Thanks,
> paul[/color]

No, but they do give signs indicating that they need replacement.

You don't mention model and year. The old tapered rollers should be cleaned
and repacked regularly; I do mine every time I change the brake pads. If
they're the new style sealed bearings they don't require any service.

If they're rumbling, clicking, snapping etc they need replacing, regardless
of which style you have. Be sure that's your problem though; other problems
can cause similar noises.
--
Mike Harris
Austin TX

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:8E45h.9694$Bl1.7132@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=blue]
> Do they give any signs indicating that they need to be cleaned and
> repacked?
>
> Thanks,
> paul
>[/color]

Depending on the type of wheel bearing, they may make noise but there
usually is no visual sign unless you remove the bearings and inspect them.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Thanks. Is there anyway to test if they need to be cleaned/repacked?

t again,
paul

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:l8s5h.13501$Bl1.12852@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=blue]
> Thanks. Is there anyway to test if they need to be cleaned/repacked?
>
> t again,
> paul
>[/color]

Wheel bearings are generally cleaned and repacked according to a time and
mileage schedule because there is no real way to test, other than removing
them, cleaning them, and visually inspecting them. If they are making noise
or have excessive freeplay, then they need replacement.

Not all wheel bearings are designed to be cleaned and repacked. Most front
wheel drive vehicles have sealed maintenance-free bearings.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Paul Mars wrote:[color=blue]
> Thanks. Is there anyway to test if they need to be cleaned/repacked?
>
> t again,
> paul[/color]
==========================
I have the sealed front wheel bearings - got to be typical of many FWD
Toyota - manual says the preload is set by the axle nut torque.
The factory service manual shows a specification for axial play - IIRC
..001".
When I mounted a dial indicator to check runout in the disc rotor I
also checked the wheel bearings for play - both were fine.
If the wheel bearings do require replacement they need to be pressed
out and in as a sealed unit. I detected zero play at 150,000 miles so
hopefully, they'll continue to perform well.
This is kind of a nice testament to Toyota design. With the old style
wheel bearings using a castellated nut, you would tighten (snug not
over tight) and then back off one position, but the resulting free play
was never zero.
I understand the typcial wheel bearing road test is to turn side to
side and see if noise changes with varying load placed on the wheel.
Once had a rear wheel bearing go in an American full size rear wheel
drive car and the symptom was a growling noise.

On Sat, 11 Nov 2006 17:14:07 -0600, Ray O wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:l8s5h.13501$Bl1.12852@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=green]
>> Thanks. Is there anyway to test if they need to be cleaned/repacked?
>>
>> t again,
>> paul
>>[/color]
>
> Wheel bearings are generally cleaned and repacked according to a time and
> mileage schedule because there is no real way to test, other than removing
> them, cleaning them, and visually inspecting them. If they are making noise
> or have excessive freeplay, then they need replacement.
>
> Not all wheel bearings are designed to be cleaned and repacked. Most front
> wheel drive vehicles have sealed maintenance-free bearings.[/color]

.... as well as more modern 4wd and 4runner trucks after about 95 I
believe. 2WD trucks (rear wheel drive) continue to use the old style
tapered roller bearings at least through 2004 model year.

As I posted earlier, posting your year and model Toyota would be of some
help.

New style - nothing to do but replace if needed. No service is required.

Old style - If you have them apart as part of a brake job you might as
well clean and repack them. If you've been driving in water above the
level of the hubs you should inspect for water infiltration and clean and
repack if needed.
--

<nospampls2002@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1163343108.978234.124630@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Paul Mars wrote:[color=green]
>> Thanks. Is there anyway to test if they need to be cleaned/repacked?
>>
>> t again,
>> paul[/color]
> ==========================
> I have the sealed front wheel bearings - got to be typical of many FWD
> Toyota - manual says the preload is set by the axle nut torque.
> The factory service manual shows a specification for axial play - IIRC
> .001".
> When I mounted a dial indicator to check runout in the disc rotor I
> also checked the wheel bearings for play - both were fine.
> If the wheel bearings do require replacement they need to be pressed
> out and in as a sealed unit. I detected zero play at 150,000 miles so
> hopefully, they'll continue to perform well.
> This is kind of a nice testament to Toyota design. With the old style
> wheel bearings using a castellated nut, you would tighten (snug not
> over tight) and then back off one position, but the resulting free play
> was never zero.
> I understand the typcial wheel bearing road test is to turn side to
> side and see if noise changes with varying load placed on the wheel.
> Once had a rear wheel bearing go in an American full size rear wheel
> drive car and the symptom was a growling noise.
>[/color]
I do get a very high pitched squeal when turning the wheel almost fully at
low speeds. I have heard this on other cars frequently and never associated
it with wheel bearings, but I do not know what causes it.

My service manual calls for repack every 2 years or 24 k miles which is
ridicules. And it does require special tools.

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Hao6h.11930$sv1.8601@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...
[color=blue]
> I do get a very high pitched squeal when turning the wheel almost fully at
> low speeds. I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
> associated it with wheel bearings, but I do not know what causes it.
>
> My service manual calls for repack every 2 years or 24 k miles which is
> ridicules. And it does require special tools.[/color]

I see. It's a pity you hadn't posted that to begin with. Of course, we're
still waiting for you to provide year and model but despite this I'm
prepared to make a diagnosis of your "problem."

A high pitched whine is a normal sound made by the power steering pump under
these conditions. At low speeds when the power steering system is inder the
most load, or at full steering wheel lock, it can be quite loud but is still
perfectly normal. What may not be normal is a bloodcurdling squeal caused
by a slipping power steering pump belt under the same conditions; this
however is unmistakable and very, very loud. In any case I have no idea why
you'd think this is a wheel bearing sound.

May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)? Either
the grease needs to be replaced due to use, or it needs to be replaced due
to condensation in the hub from lack of use.

Oh, never mind. Just remind me never to let you work on my car.
--
Mike Harris
Austin TX

"Mike Harris" <harrisremovethiswest@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:cXo6h.7156$6t.4211@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...[color=blue]
> "Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:Hao6h.11930$sv1.8601@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...
>[color=green]
>> I do get a very high pitched squeal when turning the wheel almost fully
>> at low speeds. I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
>> associated it with wheel bearings, but I do not know what causes it.
>>
>> My service manual calls for repack every 2 years or 24 k miles which is
>> ridicules. And it does require special tools.[/color]
>
> I see. It's a pity you hadn't posted that to begin with. Of course,
> we're still waiting for you to provide year and model but despite this I'm
> prepared to make a diagnosis of your "problem."
>
> A high pitched whine is a normal sound made by the power steering pump
> under these conditions. At low speeds when the power steering system is
> inder the most load, or at full steering wheel lock, it can be quite loud
> but is still perfectly normal. What may not be normal is a bloodcurdling
> squeal caused by a slipping power steering pump belt under the same
> conditions; this however is unmistakable and very, very loud. In any case
> I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing sound.
>
> May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
> Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use, or it needs to be
> replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use.
>
> Oh, never mind. Just remind me never to let you work on my car.
> --
> Mike Harris
> Austin TX
>[/color]
"Just remind me never to let you work on my car." OK, I have too many others
to do.
1-I have done all maintenance of every car/pickup I have owned in the last
29 years and have never had a maintenance related failure. I have done most
repairs on my cars/pickups for the last 29 years and have never had a repair
related failure. I have done the same for many of my friends vehicles.

"May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use", or it needs to be
replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use."
2-I have never had a car/pickup that called for anywhere near this frequency
of clean/repacking of wheel bearings.

2a-My vehicle had 17k miles on it at the two year point. It is used everyday
and never runs for under 20 minutes, and usually longer. The wheels are
never submerged. Not exposed to sea salt or harsh road conditions.

Your reply: "I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing sound."
To my comment: "I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
associated it with wheel bearings"
So why do you say that I make this association?

"Of course, we're still waiting for you to provide year and model"
I wanted general advice not based on make/model/year.
2003 toyota tecoma.
Never towed anything.
Ambient 35 to 105°F.
Frequency of carrying something in the bed over 50 lbs is once or twice a
year. Max ever carried in the bed is 500 lbs.

additional points. There are three levels of maintenance on this vehicle and
all three call for the same wheel bearing maintenance. Service schedule
calls for the wheel bearings to be "lubricated". The dealer service dept
"told" me that this means clean/repack.

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Jax6h.13084$sv1.2269@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Mike Harris" <harrisremovethiswest@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:cXo6h.7156$6t.4211@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...[color=green]
>> "Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:Hao6h.11930$sv1.8601@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...
>>[color=darkred]
>>> I do get a very high pitched squeal when turning the wheel almost fully
>>> at low speeds. I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
>>> associated it with wheel bearings, but I do not know what causes it.
>>>
>>> My service manual calls for repack every 2 years or 24 k miles which is
>>> ridicules. And it does require special tools.[/color]
>>
>> I see. It's a pity you hadn't posted that to begin with. Of course,
>> we're still waiting for you to provide year and model but despite this
>> I'm prepared to make a diagnosis of your "problem."
>>
>> A high pitched whine is a normal sound made by the power steering pump
>> under these conditions. At low speeds when the power steering system is
>> inder the most load, or at full steering wheel lock, it can be quite loud
>> but is still perfectly normal. What may not be normal is a bloodcurdling
>> squeal caused by a slipping power steering pump belt under the same
>> conditions; this however is unmistakable and very, very loud. In any
>> case I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing sound.
>>
>> May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
>> Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use, or it needs to be
>> replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use.
>>
>> Oh, never mind. Just remind me never to let you work on my car.
>> --
>> Mike Harris
>> Austin TX
>>[/color]
> "Just remind me never to let you work on my car." OK, I have too many
> others to do.
> 1-I have done all maintenance of every car/pickup I have owned in the last
> 29 years and have never had a maintenance related failure. I have done
> most repairs on my cars/pickups for the last 29 years and have never had a
> repair related failure. I have done the same for many of my friends
> vehicles.
>
> "May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
> Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use", or it needs to be
> replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use."
> 2-I have never had a car/pickup that called for anywhere near this
> frequency of clean/repacking of wheel bearings.
>
> 2a-My vehicle had 17k miles on it at the two year point. It is used
> everyday and never runs for under 20 minutes, and usually longer. The
> wheels are never submerged. Not exposed to sea salt or harsh road
> conditions.
>
> Your reply: "I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing
> sound."
> To my comment: "I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
> associated it with wheel bearings"
> So why do you say that I make this association?
>
> "Of course, we're still waiting for you to provide year and model"
> I wanted general advice not based on make/model/year.
> 2003 toyota tecoma.
> Never towed anything.
> Ambient 35 to 105°F.
> Frequency of carrying something in the bed over 50 lbs is once or twice a
> year. Max ever carried in the bed is 500 lbs.
>
> additional points. There are three levels of maintenance on this vehicle
> and all three call for the same wheel bearing maintenance. Service
> schedule calls for the wheel bearings to be "lubricated". The dealer
> service dept "told" me that this means clean/repack.[/color]

It is difficult to diagnose a sound without actually hearing the sound, but
if you a continuous squeal/screech sound when the steering wheel is turned
all the way to the limit is probably the power steering pump or accessory
drive belt. I assume you know this, but just in case you do not, it is not
a good practice to hold the steering wheel against the stops on a vehicle
with power steering. Check accessory drive belt tension and belt condition
to make sure it is not glazed. A squeak/crunch sound when the steering
wheel is turned all or most of the way to the limit can be the stopper
rubbing against the stops. The stopper comes with a plastic cover that
sometimes gets broken off if the wheel hits a bump while the stopper is
against the stops, and then instead of plastic-to-metal contact, you get
metal-to metal contact that sounds like amplified nails on a blackboard when
going over a bump.

As I mentioned before, you need to visually inspect wheel bearings to
determine whether they are discolored or pitted or need replacement. A bad
wheel bearing can make all kinds of different noises, from whining to
rumbling to rubbing. Generally, the sound from a bad wheel bearing will
sound rotational and the frequency, pitch, and/or amplitude will increase
with wheel speed, and the sound may change in pitch and/or frequency when
turning. Wheel bearing sounds are usually less apparent at low speeds than
at higher speeds.

Regarding the frequency of wheel bearing re-packing, that depends on the
type of wheel bearing and the vehicle application. For your use, I would
service the bearings according to mileage rather than time, which would cut
down on the frequency a little bit. If you do the work yourself, Snap-On
makes a very nice wheel bearing packer that pushes out the old grease with
new grease, making that part of the job a 30 second process.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

jumping in in the middle, i also feel a repack, etc. at 24K is a bit
often. i can see poking it with a grease gun, etc but.....
of course, i consider 17K miles in 2 years nearly parked.

my echo did have a wheel bearing get noisy at about 105K and
although i'm pretty well into cars since the forties, it didn't sound like
the
usual/normal noise. when it began getting loose i finally changed it and
it WAS bad.
you're right, many people don't recognize the belt slippage.
sammm
--

"Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Jax6h.13084$sv1.2269@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...[color=blue]
>
> "Mike Harris" <harrisremovethiswest@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:cXo6h.7156$6t.4211@newssvr11.news.prodigy.com...[color=green]
>> "Paul Mars" <pmarsREMOVE@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:Hao6h.11930$sv1.8601@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...
>>[color=darkred]
>>> I do get a very high pitched squeal when turning the wheel almost fully
>>> at low speeds. I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
>>> associated it with wheel bearings, but I do not know what causes it.
>>>
>>> My service manual calls for repack every 2 years or 24 k miles which is
>>> ridicules. And it does require special tools.[/color]
>>
>> I see. It's a pity you hadn't posted that to begin with. Of course,
>> we're still waiting for you to provide year and model but despite this
>> I'm prepared to make a diagnosis of your "problem."
>>
>> A high pitched whine is a normal sound made by the power steering pump
>> under these conditions. At low speeds when the power steering system is
>> inder the most load, or at full steering wheel lock, it can be quite loud
>> but is still perfectly normal. What may not be normal is a bloodcurdling
>> squeal caused by a slipping power steering pump belt under the same
>> conditions; this however is unmistakable and very, very loud. In any
>> case I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing sound.
>>
>> May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
>> Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use, or it needs to be
>> replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use.
>>
>> Oh, never mind. Just remind me never to let you work on my car.
>> --
>> Mike Harris
>> Austin TX
>>[/color]
> "Just remind me never to let you work on my car." OK, I have too many
> others to do.
> 1-I have done all maintenance of every car/pickup I have owned in the last
> 29 years and have never had a maintenance related failure. I have done
> most repairs on my cars/pickups for the last 29 years and have never had a
> repair related failure. I have done the same for many of my friends
> vehicles.
>
> "May I ask why you consider two years or 24K miles "ridicules" (sic)?
> Either the grease needs to be replaced due to use", or it needs to be
> replaced due to condensation in the hub from lack of use."
> 2-I have never had a car/pickup that called for anywhere near this
> frequency of clean/repacking of wheel bearings.
>
> 2a-My vehicle had 17k miles on it at the two year point. It is used
> everyday and never runs for under 20 minutes, and usually longer. The
> wheels are never submerged. Not exposed to sea salt or harsh road
> conditions.
>
> Your reply: "I have no idea why you'd think this is a wheel bearing
> sound."
> To my comment: "I have heard this on other cars frequently and never
> associated it with wheel bearings"
> So why do you say that I make this association?
>
> "Of course, we're still waiting for you to provide year and model"
> I wanted general advice not based on make/model/year.
> 2003 toyota tecoma.
> Never towed anything.
> Ambient 35 to 105°F.
> Frequency of carrying something in the bed over 50 lbs is once or twice a
> year. Max ever carried in the bed is 500 lbs.
>
> additional points. There are three levels of maintenance on this vehicle
> and all three call for the same wheel bearing maintenance. Service
> schedule calls for the wheel bearings to be "lubricated". The dealer
> service dept "told" me that this means clean/repack.
>[/color]

Another FWIW data point: a Volvo 440 I once had made a shrilling
noise when I turned the wheel in one direction. It proved to be
a stone that had got lodged next to one of the disk brakes. (By
chance, that was on the way home from having it serviced, when I
chose to take a scenic back route on a hot dry day when the road
rubbish was free to fly up.) Removing the stone fixed things.
--
Andrew Stephenson

might say you got your rocks off?<G>
sammmm

--

"Andrew Stephenson" <ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:1163611737snz@deltrak.demon.co.uk...[color=blue]
> Another FWIW data point: a Volvo 440 I once had made a shrilling
> noise when I turned the wheel in one direction. It proved to be
> a stone that had got lodged next to one of the disk brakes. (By
> chance, that was on the way home from having it serviced, when I
> chose to take a scenic back route on a hot dry day when the road
> rubbish was free to fly up.) Removing the stone fixed things.
> --
> Andrew Stephenson
>[/color]

In article <D9idnVk16P73BcbYnZ2dnUVZ_qOdnZ2d@pghconnect.com>
[email]zammy@pghmail.com[/email] "SAMMM" writes:
[color=blue]
> "Andrew Stephenson" <ames@deltrak.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:1163611737snz@deltrak.demon.co.uk...
>[color=green]
> > Another FWIW data point: a Volvo 440 I once had [...][/color]
>
> might say you got your rocks off?<G>
> sammmm[/color]

In a hmm-manner of speaking... Out, at least. <g>
--
Andrew Stephenson