5th Gen Front Wheel Bearings - When did you replace yours?

[Randyman...]

Just looking for some centralized feedback on this. I've seen the "front wheel bearing" topic in a multitude of threads around here. Replacement seems common around 90K-100K, with fringe cases of 30K or less. I pose this thread for my own interest to get an average lifespan:

• When did you have to replace your front wheel bearings in your 5th gen?
• A brief "usage scenario" is welcomed for consideration

I'm at 130K, and believe I'm getting grumbling from the front bearings. Need to jack it up and check soon. Light offroad use, no water/mud/sand. Stock SR5 wheels & stock sized KO2/C's but with SpiderTraxx (I'm aware this accelerates bearing wear :nerd: )...

I didn't see any specific threads on expected lifespan alone - so hopefully I won't be burned at the stake for posting this inquiry :lookout:

Thanks all!!!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Haven't had to replace the front bearings on either my 5th gen or 4th gen yet but I do get a little grumbling from the front on my 4th gen so maybe it's getting close (170k miles) but there's no play at all when the front tires are jacked up off the ground. I did have to replace the rear wheel bearings on my 4th gen around 110k miles after some really deep water crossings. Water was able to get into the left rear bearing and it was howling in a matter of weeks. There was no evidence of water in the rear diff though ( the rear diff is sealed inside of the bearings).

 

[alphabeast]

Just looking for some centralized feedback on this. I've seen the "front wheel bearing" topic in a multitude of threads around here. Replacement seems common around 90K-100K, with fringe cases of 30K or less. I pose this thread for my own interest to get an average lifespan:

• When did you have to replace your front wheel bearings in your 5th gen?
• A brief "usage scenario" is welcomed for consideration

I'm at 130K, and believe I'm getting grumbling from the front bearings. Need to jack it up and check soon. Light offroad use, no water/mud/sand. Stock SR5 wheels & stock sized KO2/C's but with SpiderTraxx (I'm aware this accelerates bearing wear :nerd: )...

I didn't see any specific threads on expected lifespan alone - so hopefully I won't be burned at the stake for posting this inquiry :lookout:

Thanks all!!!

How many miles have you had the Spidertrax's installed? I am curious to see if the "wheel spacer + wheel bearing = faster failure of wheel bearing" theory is true or not..

 

[Jhalko]

How many miles have you had the Spidertrax's installed? I am curious to see if the "wheel spacer + wheel bearing = faster failure of wheel bearing" theory is true or not..

There really won't be any way to prove or disprove the theory that spacers can shorten the life of wheel bearings. Of the few folks that have replaced them and posted it seems like there is some correlation but I would speculate other factors could play a role as well.

The lack of responses may be an indication.

 

[marshal]

I have 125k on my bearings. Spidertrax spacers were installed at 45k miles along with 285/75/17E's. At 75k miles I went to 35/12.50E's. At 95k I installed deeper offset SCS F5 wheels and left the spidertrax spacers on.

I know I need to do bearings in the front purely because they should be done, but I can't hear them or feel them.

 

[Jono.ful]

I had one fail at about 90,000km but this was likely due to the fact that I was lazy and didn't replace the outer seal when I re/re'd an axle.
For those willing to DIY, I found this guy on another forum
4th & 5th Gen Front Hub Assemblies - 4x4 & 4x2

 

[CS223]

Are they tapered roller bearings or angular contact ball bearings? If they are tapered rollers, which they used in pre unibody Ford Explorers, I've seen them begin to spall at 75k miles. If they are angular contact ball bearings like Honda uses, I've replaced them 'just because' at 150k miles and they showed no signs of wear. This is after dissecting the bearings for examination.

 

[Jetboy]

I don't think there's any question that spacers or similar offset wheels shorten the wheel bearing lifespan. Anytime you offset the tire center from the center of the wheel bearing you shorten the life. I think the question is more of how much. That I'm not sure.

I sold my 3rd gen at 220k miles and it still had the original front wheel bearings. The rears had just been replaced. If the 5th is as good as the 3rd gen - I'd expect that failures are few and far between

 

[1engineer]

Just looking for some centralized feedback on this. I've seen the "front wheel bearing" topic in a multitude of threads around here. Replacement seems common around 90K-100K, with fringe cases of 30K or less. I pose this thread for my own interest to get an average lifespan:

• When did you have to replace your front wheel bearings in your 5th gen?
• A brief "usage scenario" is welcomed for consideration

I'm at 130K, and believe I'm getting grumbling from the front bearings. Need to jack it up and check soon. Light offroad use, no water/mud/sand. Stock SR5 wheels & stock sized KO2/C's but with SpiderTraxx (I'm aware this accelerates bearing wear :nerd: )...

I didn't see any specific threads on expected lifespan alone - so hopefully I won't be burned at the stake for posting this inquiry :lookout:

Thanks all!!!

There really won't be any way to prove or disprove the theory that spacers can shorten the life of wheel bearings. Of the few folks that have replaced them and posted it seems like there is some correlation but I would speculate other factors could play a role as well.

The lack of responses may be an indication.

I don't think there's any question that spacers or similar offset wheels shorten the wheel bearing lifespan. Anytime you offset the tire center from the center of the wheel bearing you shorten the life. I think the question is more of how much. That I'm not sure.

I sold my 3rd gen at 220k miles and it still had the original front wheel bearings. The rears had just been replaced. If the 5th is as good as the 3rd gen - I'd expect that failures are few and far between

[MENTION=118321]Jetboy[/MENTION] is correct. There is no question that ANY mods that increase unsprung weight (tires, wheels, spacers) or increase the moment arm length (spacers, high offset wheels, wide tires) will decrease the life of the wheel bearing, simply because of added loads.

The question is: Will it decrease bearing life enough for the average consumer to notice it? For example, your mods might only decrease life from 200K to 190K miles. Not enough to notice. However, I think it's safe to say that it doesn't half the life. Lastly, environmental factors come into play. Water crossings, mud etc.

To the OP, if they are grumbling, replace them. [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] has done his a few times and has a write up. If they aren't making a noise, continue on!

 

[Randyman...]

Thanks for all the replies! I've had the SpiderTraxx since about 5K or so.

I was just assuming bearing replacement was common around 100K-120K. I'm glad to hear many have surpassed that. It seems I will too!

Speaking of: My "Grumbling" was actually due to extremely fast-wearing TRD rear brake pads. It was really hard to source the origination of the worsening noise - really seemed like Driver's Front.

Finally got time this weekend to jack it up and check - the fronts were fine (no bearing play or noise, rotors and pads have plenty of life left). Checked the Driver's rear and whoa! Brake pad was already worn down to metal back-plate! The front TRD pads still have over 1/2 their thickness (not even past the "split" in the middle). Rear calipers seemed fine (not frozen/sticking, and fairly even wear across the rear pads). Slapped on new rear rotors and went back with stock pads.

Odd the rears would wear that fast - really took me by surprise - thus my inclination to look elsewhere for a culprit (wheel bearings). I won't be using TRD brake pads again - at least not for the rears!!! The TRD pads also squeak a lot more than I'd like (even when new)...

Thanks again - Keep on keepin' on

 

[itsdchz]

I had a grumbling noise from front end about 3 months ago. I bought a compete set of front, L&R wheel bearings from BluePitBearings in anticipation to change them. Turned out it was the brakes, and bearings are still perfect as can be. I now have the set of 2, on a shelf, unopened from shipping. Not sure which is better. Sell them and buy if/when I need them, or just let it sit until the time that may never come. At least I am prepared!

 

[Randyman...]

I had a grumbling noise from front end about 3 months ago....bearings are still perfect as can be.

How many miles ya rockin?

 

[itsdchz]

just over 60,000.
I thought with the 285 ELoads and Spidertraxx I may have put more strain on them, causing early failure...

 

[e60ral]

There really won't be any way to prove or disprove the theory that spacers can shorten the life of wheel bearings. Of the few folks that have replaced them and posted it seems like there is some correlation but I would speculate other factors could play a role as well.

The lack of responses may be an indication.

anyone who can draw a free body diagram should be able to understand why they shorten the life of your wheel bearings

 

[Jhalko]

anyone who can draw a free body diagram should be able to understand why they shorten the life of your wheel bearings

Really busting my chops here man! I can't draw whatever that diagram is, but I just don't see a reasonable way to measure this, so arguing over it seems like a no win for either side.

 

[83Mule]

It is fact that wear will increase.....simple math. The thing is if the bearing is rated to carry 50% more than its rated load and the increase is 5% from the modification is it really a concern? Would you NOT make any mods if instead of 150K on the bearing you only got 142.5K? Not ME! I do what I feel comfortable with and live with the consequences. Life's too short to sweat such a minimal issue IMO.:decision:

 

[5point9limited]

I had a grumbling noise from front end about 3 months ago. I bought a compete set of front, L&R wheel bearings from BluePitBearings in anticipation to change them. Turned out it was the brakes, and bearings are still perfect as can be. I now have the set of 2, on a shelf, unopened from shipping. Not sure which is better. Sell them and buy if/when I need them, or just let it sit until the time that may never come. At least I am prepared!

What in your brakes was causing the issue?

I have a grumbling sound. Replaced front pass bearing and still grumbling.

 

[AggieOE]

Bumping an old thread here.

I'm hearing a grumbling noise (more like a hum that I can feel) coming from the front.
I was thinking it's a wheel bearing but hoping it's a misalignment although my tires show fine. Dealer says it's the front driver bearing but this thread has me second-guessing. They want $1300 to replace the one so I'll just do it myself unless I can find another shop to do it for a more reasonable rate.

Anyone else replace their front bearings?

Mine's a 2015 with ~110k miles on it and no water crossings to date.

 

[Xtremluck]

Bumping an old thread here.

I'm hearing a grumbling noise (more like a hum that I can feel) coming from the front.
I was thinking it's a wheel bearing but hoping it's a misalignment although my tires show fine. Dealer says it's the front driver bearing but this thread has me second-guessing. They want $1300 to replace the one so I'll just do it myself unless I can find another shop to do it for a more reasonable rate.

Anyone else replace their front bearings?

Mine's a 2015 with ~110k miles on it and no water crossings to date.

Well you can always check yourself by jacking the wheel up and looking for play. I have 155,000 miles with heavy offroad use and lots of deep water crossings, mud etc. My bearings are still fine

 

[redshift83]

Bumping an old thread here.

I'm hearing a grumbling noise (more like a hum that I can feel) coming from the front.
I was thinking it's a wheel bearing but hoping it's a misalignment although my tires show fine. Dealer says it's the front driver bearing but this thread has me second-guessing. They want $1300 to replace the one so I'll just do it myself unless I can find another shop to do it for a more reasonable rate.

Anyone else replace their front bearings?

Mine's a 2015 with ~110k miles on it and no water crossings to date.

That's how mine were, it was especially noticeable when the steering wheel was centered or just off center. My passenger one went around 170k and apparently my driver side one went around 100k according to toyota's records.

$1300 is a complete joke for a wheel bearing. I'm not even kidding here, doing the wheel bearings (assuming you buy the whole wheel/hub together) is 5 more bolts than doing a rotor swap. It took me 30 mins to do and 10 of that was looking for tools haha. The hardest part is getting the axle bolt off.
Perfect "more than a brake job" project for someone who has done some work on cars, but wants to do more.