[Richard0000122]

Hello, first post. Bought used 07’ Matrix Jan 19’. Had bad noise in steering by July,shop noticed new rack, and struts were hogged out to get alignment. Discovered car was hit right front.Have since gone thru two right front wheel bearings. Now the car hums on right front on highway, new hub and bearing on that side. Took it back a- gain..play in axle at tranny, no leaking.What to do? Has new struts as well, I’m 2600.00$ in since July.

 

[synthanasia]

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[Richard0000122]

Hello, first post, need help badly. Bought 07 Matrix XR last Jan, 90k miles. By July, took to shop with bad steering noise. Mechanic discovered new but improper installed rack, and struts were hogged to to increase camber. Discover right front had been in accident. Just put 3rd new bearing, and hub this time on right front, new struts were installed in July visit.Over Summer, made humming noise when turning left at speed, now, it starts at 60 going strait, and turning stops the humming! Some play on right side axle at tranny. I’m wondering if tranny internal was damaged accident, or possibly bent axle vibration cooks bearing? Been to two different shops, still not fixed. 2600.00$ in.

 

[75aces]

Here's what you can do yourself.

Get the matrix on jack stands.

For the wheel bearing inspection, grab each wheel at 6 and 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions. If there's play in the wheel, then it's the wheel bearings.

For the suspension, start with a rubber mallet and start hitting the bottom of the wheel. Hopefully, it will make a resonating sound.

Since the trans axle has play, it is possible it's not seated properly. There's a seal behind the axle that can get damaged if it's not seated correctly during install.

Tie rods and lower ball joints could have been compromised in the accident on the passenger front.

Does your invoice indicate what brand bearing was installed?

 

[Richard0000122]

Here's what you can do yourself.

Get the matrix on jack stands.

For the wheel bearing inspection, grab each wheel at 6 and 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions. If there's play in the wheel, then it's the wheel bearings.

For the suspension, start with a rubber mallet and start hitting the bottom of the wheel. Hopefully, it will make a resonating sound.

Since the trans axle has play, it is possible it's not seated properly. There's a seal behind the axle that can get damaged if it's not seated correctly during install.

Tie rods and lower ball joints could have been compromised in the accident on the passenger front.

Does your invoice indicate what brand bearing was installed?

Thanks 75, last set were high quality ones, no name though. Reputable shop, but they failed at 900 miles

 

[75aces]

Here's what I know.

Some bearing cages aren't strong enough to handle shock.

My understanding is that Timken bearing cage is designed well to handle shock. I am told that SKF bearing is the complete opposite. The cage is weaker, but the bearing cage won't explode.

 

[Richard0000122]

Whole thing has drove me nuts, just had the last new bearing and hub installed at a very reputable shop last week. Fine around town, but took it on the highway a few days after and whamm, humming like hell at 60

 

[75aces]

Have you checked the tire?

What size is it? Because tires with wider grooves do get loud.

 

[Protech]

It sounds like the knuckle may be bent if the strut had to be modified after a wreck. Do you know if they checked Steering Axis Inclination or Included angle? What about setback? These are calculated angles but tell a lot about the general health of the front end, and the specific condition of the strut and knuckle. What kind of wheels do you have? Are they after-market and off-set, or are they stock. That will greatly affect wheel bearing durability. If you can find someone to measure the SAI and IA and can post them, I can decipher the readings for you. As far as the wheel bearing is concerned, I am assuming the noise goes away for a while after replacing the bearing. If so, if is possible the knuckle is distorted and causing the bearings to fail. Other than the bearing and hub, there really isn't anything else there. You might eventually end up at a body shop that can measure the frame (uni-body) and see if there is a misalignment there, causing undue stress or pressure on the bearing. But then again, you might just have someone who doesn't know how to install a bearing properly. You might think of having the next one replaced elsewhere. If installed improperly, they can damage it out of the gate, even if you can't hear it.

Good luck. I'll help if I can.

 

[Richard0000122]

It sounds like the knuckle may be bent if the strut had to be modified after a wreck. Do you know if they checked Steering Axis Inclination or Included angle? What about setback? These are calculated angles but tell a lot about the general health of the front end, and the specific condition of the strut and knuckle. What kind of wheels do you have? Are they after-market and off-set, or are they stock. That will greatly affect wheel bearing durability. If you can find someone to measure the SAI and IA and can post them, I can decipher the readings for you. As far as the wheel bearing is concerned, I am assuming the noise goes away for a while after replacing the bearing. If so, if is possible the knuckle is distorted and causing the bearings to fail. Other than the bearing and hub, there really isn't anything else there. You might eventually end up at a body shop that can measure the frame (uni-body) and see if there is a misalignment there, causing undue stress or pressure on the bearing. But then again, you might just have someone who doesn't know how to install a bearing properly. You might think of having the next one replaced elsewhere. If installed improperly, they can damage it out of the gate, even if you can't hear it.

Good luck. I'll help if I can.

Thanks Pro, No, at least I know the last shop didn’t check axis inclination.Not sure if first shop did, doubt it. I did take the car to a body shop, all they did was recommend I go see their friends alignment shop.Really a tough deal to find the right technician.

 

[Richard0000122]

Have you checked the tire?

What size is it? Because tires with wider grooves do get loud.

Tires look good, on stock wheels.

Thanks Pro, No, at least I know the last shop didn’t check axis inclination.Not sure if first shop did, doubt it. I did take the car to a body shop, all they did was recommend I go see their friends alignment shop.Really a tough deal to find the right technician.

Trouble is, if you don’t know what your looking for, you sure don’t want to change out anything.

 

[John Anthony]

Was the front bearing installed with an impact tool? I've heard that this method causes premature wear on the bearings (although it would take longer than what you're experiencing). The proper way to install the bearing is to have it pressed in. No impact.

Also, @75aces mentioned checking to make sure the axle was installed correctly (and the seal). SOMETHING is out of alignment putting pressure on the bearing.

 

[Richard0000122]

Was the front bearing installed with an impact tool? I've heard that this method causes premature wear on the bearings (although it would take longer than what you're experiencing). The proper way to install the bearing is to have it pressed in. No impact.

Also, @75aces mentioned checking to make sure the axle was installed correctly (and the seal). SOMETHING is out of alignment putting pressure on the bearing.

Thanks John, I think the bearing install in Oct was legit, good shop, but not an alignment shop.This last shop does alignment, but when I got the car back, it pulled to the bad side more than when I brought it there.Havnt changed any axles yet, although one theory is bent axle cooking bearing. Looks cambered one even now, although the alignment job last summer was better, still smoked right front bearing. I might have the knuckle measured at this point although I’m pretty tired.

 

[75aces]

If the stress is on the bearing, you can try to take a look at it closer.

Put the right front up on a jack stand and use a floor jack on the lower ball joint. I have a sinking feeling the issue is on the tie rod and the axle.

If you want more info, count the threads on the left side on the tie rod and compare that to the right front. They should match thread count.

What is throwing me off, is that the right has camber. Our cars don't have adjustable camber. Maybe the top of the strut has an issue at the top hat. Maybe the original was reused after the accident?

 

[Richard0000122]

Thanks 75, yes, in the pic you can see it cambered in . Luck has came my way, I’ve found an award winning Toyota service manager tech that will look at the car. I will keep this tread and show him for reference Can’t thank you guys enough , Rick B.

 

[Richard0000122]

Update-Car is finally fixed! I found a retired 32 yr. Toyota tech,he put a new knuckle,bearing,and right front axle on the car.Vibration at 65 mph has been silenced,and the camber-in deal is history.I want to thank you guys who lended help,much appreciated,Rick. B.

 

[John Anthony]

Update-Car is finally fixed! I found a retired 32 yr. Toyota tech,he put a new knuckle,bearing,and right front axle on the car.Vibration at 65 mph has been silenced,and the camber-in deal is history.I want to thank you guys who lended help,much appreciated,Rick. B.

Looks like it was the axle, eh? I'm glad you got it fixed.

 

[First Toyota4me]

Update-Car is finally fixed! I found a retired 32 yr. Toyota tech,he put a new knuckle,bearing,and right front axle on the car.Vibration at 65 mph has been silenced,and the camber-in deal is history.I want to thank you guys who lended help,much appreciated,Rick. B.

Where are you located? I would love to know a retired 32 Toyota Tech.

 

[Richard0000122]

Where are you located? I would love to know a retired 32 Toyota Tech.

Where are you located? I would love to know a retired 32 Toyota Tech.

Where are you located? I would love to know a retired 32 Toyota Tech.

Southeast Connecticut

 

[Richard0000122]

Southeast Connecticut