[rolla2004]

This was a recent problem I had - braking sounds. In short there was some sounds when braking. Tested the wheels for play and cleaned the brakes. Cleaning the rear brakes fixed the problem.

However, I discovered that I had play in both the front wheels. Now I am having the "classic" wheel bearing issues. Loud roar of a sound at around 50 mph. The sound increases in intensity from 40mph onwards but gets drowned in wind noise at above 60mph (I am guessing). Should I get OEM or aftermarket? If aftermarket, then which brand? I have heard good things of WBJ (bu not Timken) on this forum.

Also discovered that the rear axle beam bushing (parts diag) is shot. The consequence of this is that the car makes a lot of weird noises when people are getting in and out of the car. I am sure it makes others also but think this is directly related. Should I get OEM or aftermarket? If aftermarket, then which brand? Rockauto only has Mevotech as the option.

For both the wheel bearings and bushings, I have to replace both sides. The price difference (OEM vs aftermarket), therefore, doubles.

Thanks in advance for pitching in.

 

[kevcules46]

There are good aftermarket brands like Timken or SKF etc. Toyota doesn't make bearings. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for a while yet, go with good quality bearings. Be careful when installing the bearings if you're doing it yourself, 80% of the bearings life is determined at installation.

 

[rolla2004]

There are good aftermarket brands like Timken or SKF etc. Toyota doesn't make bearings. If you plan on keeping your vehicle for a while yet, go with good quality bearings. Be careful when installing the bearings if you're doing it yourself, 80% of the bearings life is determined at installation.

Can you suggest good brands to get for both front wheel bearings as well as the bushings?

I read on this forum that Timlen is good for rear ones but not that much for the front ones.

 

[kevcules46]

2004 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8L L4 Wheel Bearing | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

The link is for a 2004 Corolla like your link says......

I would go with either Timken or SKF and also check with Toyota on the prices to compare. I like Beck/Arnely parts but I see the prices are very low ,so I would not get them.

I've installed 1 front bearing on my 06 Corolla already and it's not a fun job. (toyota bearing) Not hard , but time consuming and you have to have access to a hydraulic press. Not fun. So buy a good bearing so you don't have to do the job again.

Timken bearings are good quality whether they are in the front or back.....never heard of the front or back being better?
Good luck....

 

[rolla2004]

Thanks.

And the rear bushing?

 

[kevcules46]

I'm not familiar with the rear bushing, but choosing anything in the "daily driver" at Rock Auto should be ok.

Good luck

 

[John Anthony]

I used Timken (rear) bearing assemblies with no problems a while back. Hasn't been long enough to document the long-term durability. Anyway, here's a quote from a member in a rear bearing assembly thread I had posted before doing the replacement:

"The best hub assembly you can get is NSK Japan. That's what the factory uses and that's what you get from Rock Auto if you buy SKF (NSK in an SKF box). I don't even waste my time on other brands. my time is to valuable to bother changing junk parts all the time."

As far as the bushings, man that OE Toyota bushing is expensive! I'd try my luck with an aftermarket bushing and then see how it does over time and report back and let us know if it was durable.

 

[rolla2004]

Update: Got the front wheel bearings done at a shop. Used Timken. The rear ones are also bad and will be doing these at home. Getting Timken for these also. Imagine all 4 bad at the same time.

Any idea why all wheel bearings go bad at the same time?

 

[elitemafia]

Update: Got the front wheel bearings done at a shop. Used Timken. The rear ones are also bad and will be doing these at home. Getting Timken for these also. Imagine all 4 bad at the same time.

Any idea why all wheel bearings go bad at the same time?

they wouldn't have all gone bad at the same time, it's possible they've all been bad for a long time without you knowing about it. Rear hub assemblys are very simple, just make sure you have a thick cold chisel and a sledge hammer to pop out the hub assembly from the backing plate.

 

[75aces]

Update: Got the front wheel bearings done at a shop. Used Timken. The rear ones are also bad and will be doing these at home. Getting Timken for these also. Imagine all 4 bad at the same time.

Any idea why all wheel bearings go bad at the same time?

It's the bearing cage. Timken has best cage design for shock. SKF is the opposite, but it will not implode. The cage is weaker with skf and can't take shock. Pot holes will destroy any suspension.

 

[lgrape]

I just replaced the front bearings on my 2003 with 270K. I could see they had been replaced before because there was a nick in the hub where the inner race was cut off last time. I think they only last so long because they can't be lubed, I'll bet they would last forever if there was a way to pump in some grease once a year.

 

[Carolnate]

I have a set of Timken front wheel bearing in the box I've never used if you want them.
I would take $20 shipped for both. PM me if you want them @rolla2004

 

[rolla2004]

I have a set of Timken front wheel bearing in the box I've never used if you want them.
I would take $20 shipped for both. PM me if you want them @rolla2004

I would have taken up your offer but I already got them from rockauto and installed already. Even the rear ones are on their way from rockauto

 

[rolla2004]

Had a very forgettable day.

Replaced the driver's side bearing. Put the tire back on and hand tightened the lug nuts and realized that I hadn't torqued the bolts for the bearing. Off comes the tire again, torqued the bolts, remounted the tires. Went out for a test drive.

Horrible noises started just a few hundred yards from home. Stopped the car, went through the entire DIY in my head and realized that I hadn't tightened the lug nuts. Three nuts were about to fall off where I had stopped. Very glad I didn't hit the highway. Hand tightened the nuts and limped back home. Torqued the lug nuts. Test drive was much smoother.

Decided to fix the clock which has been out for sometime now. While soldering, accidentally touched the hot iron with three fingers. Sitting with fingers in ice. Good news clock is working now.

Was planning to fix a few things at home today but am done with any and all DIYs for today.

 

[John Anthony]

Had a very forgettable day.

Replaced the driver's side bearing. Put the tire back on and hand tightened the lug nuts and realized that I hadn't torqued the bolts for the bearing. Off comes the tire again, torqued the bolts, remounted the tires. Went out for a test drive.

Horrible noises started just a few hundred yards from home. Stopped the car, went through the entire DIY in my head and realized that I hadn't tightened the lug nuts. Three nuts were about to fall off where I had stopped. Very glad I didn't hit the highway. Hand tightened the nuts and limped back home. Torqued the lug nuts. Test drive was much smoother.

Decided to fix the clock which has been out for sometime now. While soldering, accidentally touched the hot iron with three fingers. Sitting with fingers in ice. Good news clock is working now.

Was planning to fix a few things at home today but am done with any and all DIYs for today.

Well you had a bad day for sure! Sometimes we have days like that. Best to quit before it gets worse and try another day after getting some rest.

EDIT: I just read aloud to my wife what you said in post #14. She said to me "Sounds like you!"

 

[kevcules46]

Had a very forgettable day.

Replaced the driver's side bearing. Put the tire back on and hand tightened the lug nuts and realized that I hadn't torqued the bolts for the bearing. Off comes the tire again, torqued the bolts, remounted the tires. Went out for a test drive.

Horrible noises started just a few hundred yards from home. Stopped the car, went through the entire DIY in my head and realized that I hadn't tightened the lug nuts. Three nuts were about to fall off where I had stopped. Very glad I didn't hit the highway. Hand tightened the nuts and limped back home. Torqued the lug nuts. Test drive was much smoother.

Decided to fix the clock which has been out for sometime now. While soldering, accidentally touched the hot iron with three fingers. Sitting with fingers in ice. Good news clock is working now.

Was planning to fix a few things at home today but am done with any and all DIYs for today.

I'm glad you're ok and no real damage was done. You're very lucky you caught the issues before they caused serious damage to you or anyone else on the road.
This happens to people/mechanics more than you know. The one thing to always remember is to be aware that what you're doing to your vehicle could lead to a very serious accident or damage. Try to be mentally in the space that you're in , until the job is completed. Don't let your mind wander and always double check your work.

 

[rolla2004]

EDIT: I just read aloud to my wife what you said in post #14. She said to me "Sounds like you!"

Which part?

1 - Having forgettable days?
2 - not torquing down and let an unsafe car go by?
3 - Sit with ice? either dipping burnt fingers or in your drink?
4 - fixing things at home?
5 - procrastinating?

Wifes generally get hold of a huge secret cache of salt to rub into wounds when they get married. ? ?

 

[rolla2004]

I'm glad you're ok and no real damage was done. You're very lucky you caught the issues before they caused serious damage to you or anyone else on the road.
This happens to people/mechanics more than you know. The one thing to always remember is to be aware that what you're doing to your vehicle could lead to a very serious accident or damage. Try to be mentally in the space that you're in , until the job is completed. Don't let your mind wander and always double check your work.

I had ample time to do the job. I was in a good mood. I was alone, no kids or wife disturbing me. Not sure why it happened. But yes, should probably lower the car and then mentally go through the steps again in mind and confirm all steps are completed.

 

[John Anthony]

Which part?

1 - Having forgettable days?
2 - not torquing down and let an unsafe car go by?
3 - Sit with ice? either dipping burnt fingers or in your drink?
4 - fixing things at home?
5 - procrastinating?

Wifes generally get hold of a huge secret cache of salt to rub into wounds when they get married. ? ?

Haaa, pretty much all of the above.