~20k miles, needs driver front wheel bearing already... fluke?

[guitarsail]

This thread caught my eye as I've been wondering about mine. I get a little howl depending if the truck is leaning one way or the other, mild when centered up. I've wondered if it was my tires getting older and nosier or bearings. Thought about removing the spacer to see if it quiets down. I'm at 16K miles on Duratracs and spacers, truck is at the same mileage. Put them on within 100miles of new. It has seen some water and offroading. I reckon I'll do some digging into what may or may not be just tires getting noisy haha.

 

[jtc44]

Hey folks. Didn't mean to kick the hornet's nest, but I appreciate all of the insight regardless of the position. Thanks for the links / info re: aftermarket bearings, I'll strap on my thinking toque sometime this weekend and do some research if the dealer gives me any flak about replacing the bearings under warranty this Friday.



I also want to comment that my 3rd gens and 1st gens have all been modded (suspension, wheels, tires, etc) and wheeled, in some cases very hard very often, and I've seen excellent mileage out of the wheel bearings. I am of the opinion that the front end components of (at least) the 3rd gen were quite over-engineered / overbuilt for the application.



I'm not the type to condemn a vehicle for minor vices like this (I've owned VWs, Audis AND an RX-8, and I LIKED the punishment). If wheel hub assemblies every 30 - 60k are in my future so be it. Unlike my Subarus, the rest of this vehicle is worth the time expenditure.



Oh and FWIW we've put almost 20k on the thing since buying it new in June. We typically put 30-40k/yr on our cars. This is the first issue aside from tire wear that we've had with it so far. Everything else exceeds expectations.

Ugh, VW/Audi wheel bearings, now there's something to talk about......

Just out of curiosity, what year/model Subarus are you referring to?

 

[1engineer]

Sure, but this forum isn't representative of the over 300,000 5th Gen 4Runners on the road. Not to mention that the forum enthusiast is probably often more likely to modify their vehicle (wheels with more back spacing and/or wheel spacers, heavier tires, etc.) I agree with [MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION]; fluke or not, it's not "common." Especially in the case of the OP with a totally stock vehicle under 20k.

I agree to a point: it's not representative of all the 5th gen 4Runners, until an owner has a problem. When anyone has a problem with a product, they immediately check to see if others have the same problem. A disproportionate number of problems are reported by people with just a few posts as it should be. I think as far as problems go this forum is a good predictor of the total 5th gen 4runner ownership. As far as mods go, this forum is NOT representative of the total lol.

As far as the wheel bearing being used in other applications like a Tacoma or a 4th gen I have no idea. I can only speak of 5th gen 4runners and so far, it is just a fraction of a percent that has problems here.

 

[jtc44]

I agree to a point: it's not representative of all the 5th gen 4Runners, until an owner has a problem. When anyone has a problem with a product, they immediately check to see if others have the same problem. A disproportionate number of problems are reported by people with just a few posts as it should be. I think as far as problems go this forum is a good predictor of the total 5th gen 4runner ownership. As far as mods go, this forum is NOT representative of the total lol.



As far as the wheel bearing being used in other applications like a Tacoma or a 4th gen I have no idea. I can only speak of 5th gen 4runners and so far, it is just a fraction of a percent that has problems here.

Yes, and stated much better than my attempt to specifically stress the bias in calling this a common problem. Is it common in this thread? Yes. Is it common when searching for wheel bearing failures on an enthusiast's forum full of lightly to heavily modified vehicles? It might seem that way. Is it common among the hundreds of thousands of these vehicles out there? Probably not. Probably because who really knows those numbers. Maybe Toyota would like to share some info..........................................................................No? Ok, [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] perhaps? He's got feet on the ground.

 

[Jhalko]

I agree to a point: it's not representative of all the 5th gen 4Runners, until an owner has a problem. When anyone has a problem with a product, they immediately check to see if others have the same problem. A disproportionate number of problems are reported by people with just a few posts as it should be. I think as far as problems go this forum is a good predictor of the total 5th gen 4runner ownership. As far as mods go, this forum is NOT representative of the total lol.

As far as the wheel bearing being used in other applications like a Tacoma or a 4th gen I have no idea. I can only speak of 5th gen 4runners and so far, it is just a fraction of a percent that has problems here.

It's like asking a cardiologist how common heart problems are! :beer:

 

[mckennar]

Just out of curiosity, what year/model Subarus are you referring to?

2005-2008 Subaru Legacy GT / Outback XT. I had a 5 m/t limited sedan ('05 stock), a 5 m/t wagon ('05 stage III) and a 5 a/t wagon ('08 stock). Once they all got around 90k - 120k they became more trouble than they were worth. Gorgeous cars, though.

I still see my old '05 Stage III occasionally around town and just for a second, I miss it. Then I remember fuel leaks, wheel bearings, head gaskets, ring lands, valve cover gaskets, TGVs, turbo failures, engine failures (due to turbo failures sending shards of metal into the oil system), weak-ass 2nd gear, leaky tailshaft extension housings, and weak axle shafts... do not want.

 

[Ducmonsta]

What it sounds like to me is you have to go larger than a 285! I don't recall anyone [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] Are you guys still on stock wheel bearings?

So lesson learned.. stop with the 285s and step up to 34/35s and your wheel bearings will be fine :bolt:

 

[LawnDart]

What it sounds like to me is you have to go larger than a 285! I don't recall anyone [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] Are you guys still on stock wheel bearings?

So lesson learned.. stop with the 285s and step up to 34/35s and your wheel bearings will be fine :bolt:

No issues so far.

 

[marshal]

What it sounds like to me is you have to go larger than a 285! I don't recall anyone [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] Are you guys still on stock wheel bearings?

So lesson learned.. stop with the 285s and step up to 34/35s and your wheel bearings will be fine :bolt:

106,000 miles on the original bearings. 70,000 of which have been on 34 and 35" tires, with wheel spacers. For the last 30,000 miles I've been running high offset rims WITH wheel spacers because I like the look.

Bearings show no sign of failing anytime soon. Probably going to pick up a set as I don't expect them to make it past 150k

 

[mckennar]

This thread caught my eye as I've been wondering about mine. I get a little howl depending if the truck is leaning one way or the other, mild when centered up. I've wondered if it was my tires getting older and nosier or bearings. Thought about removing the spacer to see if it quiets down. I'm at 16K miles on Duratracs and spacers, truck is at the same mileage. Put them on within 100miles of new. It has seen some water and offroading. I reckon I'll do some digging into what may or may not be just tires getting noisy haha.

I missed this in the flurry of other posts in this thread. Sounds like we have similar mileage, though mine has probably lived a much cushier life.

I rotated the tires in the driveway to check to see if the noise followed the tire, but it remained left-front despite that tire moving to right rear.

How are those duratracs wearing for you? We already need new tires at ~20k miles (these AT20's barely stand up to rain now and are 4/32 or less, they won't make it in the winter).

 

[jtc44]

2005-2008 Subaru Legacy GT / Outback XT. I had a 5 m/t limited sedan ('05 stock), a 5 m/t wagon ('05 stage III) and a 5 a/t wagon ('08 stock). Once they all got around 90k - 120k they became more trouble than they were worth. Gorgeous cars, though.



I still see my old '05 Stage III occasionally around town and just for a second, I miss it. Then I remember fuel leaks, wheel bearings, head gaskets, ring lands, valve cover gaskets, TGVs, turbo failures, engine failures (due to turbo failures sending shards of metal into the oil system), weak-ass 2nd gear, leaky tailshaft extension housings, and weak axle shafts... do not want.

Off topic, but my wife drove a 2001 Outback that was a total nightmare in my eyes. Enough so that if it were my choice, it'd be hard for Subaru to regain my business. She makes her own decisions though and she's currently driving a 2015 Outback, which is very nice. Fingers crossed for less CONSTANT maintenance.

The 90-120k mileage that you reference is a noteworthy opening chapter that really puts Toyota miles ahead of..........really ANYTHING else I've ever owned.

Also, I'd be surprised if your dealer kicks you to the curb concerning a wheel bearing issue in a stock 2016 with 20k on the clock.

 

[guitarsail]

I missed this in the flurry of other posts in this thread. Sounds like we have similar mileage, though mine has probably lived a much cushier life.

I rotated the tires in the driveway to check to see if the noise followed the tire, but it remained left-front despite that tire moving to right rear.

How are those duratracs wearing for you? We already need new tires at ~20k miles (these AT20's barely stand up to rain now and are 4/32 or less, they won't make it in the winter).

The Duratracs are awesome. Wearing very evenly and still have great tread at 17k. They do amazing in the rain which is part of why I got them since we're in Florida. I'm however concerned that my whining is bearing related vs tires. Although if it's bearings it doesn't matter either since it'll be warrantied but slightly annoying if that's the case.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Honestly haven't seen that many wheel bearing failures on 4th or 5th gen 4Runners under 50k, a couple between 50k~100k; but usually over 100k you'll see them occasionally.

I replaced my around 120k because I thought they were failing/starting to create a vibration; one was a bit "gravely" when I turned it, but barely so.

 

[philsey]

.... I think as far as problems go this forum is a good predictor of the total 5th gen 4runner ownership.

Doubtful. As to ownership, ergo driving style/usage, this forum is 99% male while drivers I see on the road is 85% female.

And to mods, many of which lead to abnormal issues, this forum would misrepresent the actual reliability of a 4R.

 

[wfo9]

What it sounds like to me is you have to go larger than a 285! I don't recall anyone [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] [MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] [MENTION=124732]LawnDart[/MENTION] Are you guys still on stock wheel bearings?

So lesson learned.. stop with the 285s and step up to 34/35s and your wheel bearings will be fine :bolt:

I'm on the original wheel bearings 70k so far. My truck has been in some water and mud over the hubs on occasion, but I try to avoid it whenever possible.

My guess is that most bearing failures are due to contamination. I doubt many go bad in dry warm climates. There will always be flukes.

 

[Engineer]

Doubtful. As to ownership, ergo driving style/usage, this forum is 99% male while drivers I see on the road is 85% female.

And to mods, many of which lead to abnormal issues, this forum would misrepresent the actual reliability of a 4R.

I think that's the point though, if its rare to see it on here its going to be VERY rare to see it in the rest of the 4Runner population.

I love these discussions, you know you don't own a jeep when.......

 

[philsey]

I love these discussions, you know you don't own a jeep when.......

Yeah. I've owned LOTS of cars in 58 years of driving, and I've never had anything.remotely.ever. as reliable as my 4R. It's nothing but my DD/road tripper, but still; no breakage, no squeaks, no rattles, no problems. Typically, I'd be in something new before now ...... but why? I LIKE to turn a key, feel the gears change, have KNOBS to fiddle, set the AC myself, not get beeped when I drift over the line. If only I could remember to not drive with my turn signal on...

:lookout:

 

[SR5Bart]

I agree with [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION]

Im only 30 but have owned a few cars since I get bored quick. I have owned my 4R since August of 2014 and have yet to get bored of this one. I have never owned a more comfortable vehicle and I have not had 1 issue with it. By far the best vehicle I have owned.

 

[MeefZah]

What kind of douchebaggery might I be in for? The appointment is this Friday. We're covered for another 15 - 20k at least on the factory warranty.

Whoops, I missed this question in the subsequent 'having to defend myself / define "fluke" and "common" ' convo that followed.

YMMV, but the local dealer, Mid City Toyota in Eureka California, is a dickbag.

I had, at the time I went in, 48k on the truck. It was under both powertrain warranty and Toyota CPO used warranty. The passenger bearing had been making noise for about a month and was getting worse. They took the truck for a day, had a tech drive it, check the play in the wheels, and use a stethescope (whatever they are called) to listen while in motion. They didn't rotate the tires or swap tires from another unit onto it to test it (becomes relevant in a second, read on).

They agreed that the bearings were making more noise than normal and that there was minor play in the wheels, and that they could hear the noise with and without the stethescope contraption. However, they were not going to replace the bearings because they would not / could not do that as a warranty claim until the bearings actually failed, because until they failed the dealer could not be 100% sure the bearings were the issue. They said that it was quite possible the fault was my tires (same tires I had since the truck was new to me, x 1 year and 25k) and that tires often will start making noise out of the blue as they wear in, and that I should get new tires to solve the problem (which they were happy to sell me), or I should rotate them to see if the noise moved from corner to corner (which they were happy to do for $20 or so).

Now I'm no idiot when it comes to automotive stuff. I'm not Johnny ASE but I do basic maintenance, all my own mods, etc., and I know what a wheel bearing going bad feels and sounds like from experience with motorcycling bearing failures. I was less than pleased with this decision, especially considering that they hadn't even bothered to rotate the tires or try other wheels / tires from another truck for a 5 minute test run to prove / disprove the load of BS they were feeding me. But, I figured, WTF, it's not a ton of money to do them so I'll just do the bearings myself, and **** Mid City.

Except then they wanted $100 for the labor spent diagnosing the problem - the problem they didn't diagnose or fix. I was giving them $100 to basically just agree with my assessment, "yes, bearings probably going out, here's your bill". They held my keys hostage until I paid. I argued with the service adviser until I wanted to do a murder, and finally decided to just pay the bill to keep my blood pressure in check. I'll see those ****wads again on my terms and recoup my money or get $100 worth of satisfaction from ****ing with them.

Interestingly, they NEVER commented about the (then) spacer lift or the slightly larger tires; I was sure if they tried to deny the claim they would focus on those.

 

[mybabydaddy]

Yeah. I've owned LOTS of cars in 58 years of driving, and I've never had anything.remotely.ever. as reliable as my 4R. It's nothing but my DD/road tripper, but still; no breakage, no squeaks, no rattles, no problems. Typically, I'd be in something new before now ...... but why? I LIKE to turn a key, feel the gears change, have KNOBS to fiddle, set the AC myself, not get beeped when I drift over the line. If only I could remember to not drive with my turn signal on...

:lookout:

^^^THIS! This is my 10th car in 25 years of driving... and he said almost my exact thoughts to a “T”. Granted, two of my other cars were in fact 4Runners... one had zero issues, the other a quick warranty fix on the rear hatch shocks. But at my age, I’ve come to realize that driving this damn thing has made me spoiled. I walk into my garage, start the truck (which it does, every time), and drive off down the road. Freezing temps, or 110 degrees out... it starts; and everything else in it works too. Couple of squeaks or a quick rattle, I expect it & can live with. Not starting (aside from a dead battery) or major malfunctions once or twice a year, not sure I can live with at this point in my life (i.e. - the spoiled comment).

Bearing replacement above 50K due to my mods, yup, I can live with that. :cheers: