9 replies to this topic

[gcams]

Hi All,

My beloved Rav4.2 (2002 1998cc Petrol) has a failing off-side rear wheel bearing. Over the past 12-18 months, it's become progressively noisier and during the last MOT, Toyota flagged it as "tight" on the advisories, suggesting it will soon need replacing.

To my horror, they wanted ~£400 to do the job. After a bit of googling, I think I've identified the part as this fellow here:

http://www.micksgara...tent=&utm_term=

It looks like it's the entire assembly (rather than just the bearing), and I'm wondering how hard this would be to fit? I certainly would not be keen on trying to press wheel bearings, etc, given the specialist gear required. But if this is a bolt-on assembly, as it appears to be, it would possibly make the job do-able for a DIY'er?

I'd be most grateful for any advice anybody with thoughts/experience on the above might have!

Cheers,
Graham

[anchorman]

You can get a hub from a scrap yard or fit new bearings. A good local garage should do it for far less than £400.

[gcams]

Yep, thanks anchorman, definitely another option. I just wondered how hard a job it would be to DIY, given that it looks like a complete hub assembly.

[Chris_Halford]

Hi. Just curious but is there any other indication of failing bearings? I ask because over the last few months I've started to notice a sound which is coming from the rear end. Im not sure if its the wheel bearings, the rear diff or even a warped brake disc. Its a constant drone (not a consistent drone but more of a whoop, whoop, whoop sound, if anyone knows what im talking about) increasing with speed and is progressivley getting louder.

Sorry don't mean to hijack your thread, as I say, just curious.

[firemac]

Hi. Just curious but is there any other indication of failing bearings? I ask because over the last few months I've started to notice a sound which is coming from the rear end. Im not sure if its the wheel bearings, the rear diff or even a warped brake disc. Its a constant drone (not a consistent drone but more of a whoop, whoop, whoop sound, if anyone knows what im talking about) increasing with speed and is progressivley getting louder.

Sorry don't mean to hijack your thread, as I say, just curious.

Funny that you say that. I bought a 54-reg 3-dr XT3 in May and shortly afterwards noticed that sort of droning noise towards the rear. It's certainly noisier tha our 02 VX. Anyway I took it round to my local Mr. T to get it checked out and to make sure it wasn't diff, axle, bearing, etc. (not that I'm too worried since it has Mr.T's warranty for next two years). Turns out all is mechanically OK but they reckoned it was the tyres! Seems they get alot of that sort of noise problem with lease cars that are traded back in and which have had cheapest tyres poss fitted. They reckon that in those cases, when they have changed the tyres, problem disappears. weird, eh?

[anchorman]

A wheel bearing sounds like a drone - imagine a Lancaster bomber flying alongside you but a little distant.

The back discs often wharp which causes the pads to rub the discs once per revolution. It sounds a bit like a knocking/clunking from the affected brake.

[firemac]

A wheel bearing sounds like a drone - imagine a Lancaster bomber flying alongside you but a little distant.

The back discs often wharp which causes the pads to rub the discs once per revolution. It sounds a bit like a knocking/clunking from the affected brake.

Hi Anchs,
And, if it is a wheel bearing, you should be able to detect which side it is as you turn in left & right corners/bends. At least that works with 2WD's not sure it applies to 4x4's but I would think so?? In my case there is no change irrespective of direction.

[anchorman]

Not always but take the easy stuff out of the equation first. Tyres can make a heck of a noise. If you have a different brand on the rear, swap them with the front. You could also disconnect the prop shaft (mark the flanges first), drop the centre bearing and just spin it. A bggrd bearing will make a noise and a good one will be silent. While the prop is down, chock up the front then jack up the rear wheels one by one, get hold of the wheel with your hand at 10 to and 10 past, pull with moderate pressure and rock the wheel back and forth about 1/4 turn. It should feel smooth in your hands. You might hear the pads and the handbrake shoes rubbing and there may be a little back pressure from the diff but it is the feel in your hands that you are after. Compare one side to the other - you will know if you feel a noisy bearing.

[Chris_Halford]

I have Toyo Tranpaths all round. They were all changed at the same time previously. To be honest at least the front 2 are coming up to the point of being renewed shortly.

I just have this feeling deep down its going to be something to do with the prop shaft/diff, don't know why, but hey ho!

[Chris_Halford]

Quick update.

Does anyone know of a garage around the norfolk/linconshire area (other than toyota themselves) who can do the wheel bearings?

Any idea on costs involved?

Still need to get a second opinion on what the noise is, but if its the wheel bearings, want to be ahead of the game.