Hi Guys - I have a 2005 Toyota 4Runner with 96k miles on it. The truck has run flawlessly since I got it and has required zero repairs. Now it seems that my wheel bearings are going. I hear a loud "whirring" noise at all speeds that disappears when turning right. I had two mechanics tell me it's a wheel bearing and that the hub assembly needs replacement. Is this pretty typical for 4Runners or is it possible that something else is going on? Does anything else start to go at around 100k miles that I should proactively think about replacing?
2005 4Runner Wheel Bearings Going?
- Thread starter XBMWOwner
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TT4RLtdV8
New member
I actually just had my drivers side replaced last week at 139k... The hub had to be replaced as well, $430 total at a local shop. Took them a day. I lived with the bad bearing and the annoying noise for a month or two.
Around 100k timing belt too... Especially if you have the V8... About a grand to do that, no way around it and super super bad if it breaks. Talkin new engine bad. Replace at 100k, good for another 100.
Around 100k timing belt too... Especially if you have the V8... About a grand to do that, no way around it and super super bad if it breaks. Talkin new engine bad. Replace at 100k, good for another 100.
HokieRunner
New member
Sounds like bearings for sure. I have an '05 and just did both sides at 120k. Replaced both bearings with OEM units and kept the old hubs. Make sure they replace the bearing seal as well.
welmat
New member
I had one go out last year at a little over 100k and it was a similar sound. I've not bought from this guy before, but he has the whole assembly that you bolt on for $229 or $279. It looks like for 4WD models only. Blue Pit Bearings | 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner Complete Front Hub Wheel Bearing. He also sells them on ebay for $10 more (I think to cover the ebay fees).
Looks very easy to do. Has an instruction video on Youtube... Installing a complete front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. - YouTube
I wish I would have seen this last year as I would have done it myself rather than pay the $500 to have it replaced. Thought I'd throw it out there if you wanted to try it yourself, or if anyone else has bought from him - maybe they could share their experience. Good luck!
Looks very easy to do. Has an instruction video on Youtube... Installing a complete front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner. - YouTube
I wish I would have seen this last year as I would have done it myself rather than pay the $500 to have it replaced. Thought I'd throw it out there if you wanted to try it yourself, or if anyone else has bought from him - maybe they could share their experience. Good luck!
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NeutronJon
New member
I bought an assembled kit from this guy through ebay. Went on very easy (assuming you have access to an air impact gun). Took me about an hour following guides that I found on this site and toyotanation. I consider myself a 3 leaves shade tree mechanic. I didn't tackle the timing belt, but the hub was super easy.
I used a 3 jaw pulley puller to remove the assembly from the axle. Just make sure that your CV joint is straight and that your puller isn't just compressing the CV back towards the diff.
Edit: Also a 2005 V8 4WD. Mine starting going at the end of last summer. Made it through the winter without ill effects.
aha2988
New member
If they replaced the inner bearing seal inside the steering spindle then they had to disconnect the outer tie rod end links from the spindle as well as disonnect the upper and lower ball joints to remove the spindle and tap in a new inner seal.
when they disconnected all the ball joints its possible that they tore a ball joint boot, and or your alignments off a little after re assembling everything.
for reference, the red arrow is point at the steering spindle that has to be removed to replace the inner bearing seal. The blue arrows point to all tie rod ball joint and the upper ball joint that have to be disconnected.
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CAD_GA1390
New member
I replaced my drivers side one a few weeks ago, 2008 2wd 94k miles. was causing a high frequency vibration through the steering wheel and an annoying humming noise. noise disappeared when turning right, so when putting pressure on the affected wheel. overall very easy process. drop the wheel, remove caliper and rotor, 4 bolts loosens the hub, pull off, have new bearing unit pressed in, reassemble, good to go!
aha2988
New member
It's also best to change the inner seal inside the spindle. If not your just allowing debris and water to contaminate your brand new wheel bearing.
the Item with the red arrow pointing to it. It may not be as prudent in a 2wd truck I believe they have a cap on the back of the spindle that seals better perhaps.
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moxley
Member
I know this is an old thread but thank you for posting this information. I bought a new hub assembly with bearing and a new inner seal. The inner seal adds significant time to the job but good protection is worth it. I did find that I have to replace my upper ball joint and tie rod ends as I got into the process. Thank you so much for sharing these pics!
Hi! I noticed that you were the last one posted on this thread. I have recently replaced both front hub and bearings - bought the assemblies with pressed-in bearings. Few weeks later took the truck for wheel balance and noticed that left front wheel was wobbly. Interestingly after spinning a wheel while off-ground the play disappeared. No noise, no nothing otherwise. did you check your wheels after replacing the bearings?
