Need new front wheel bearings

[fishman]

I finally had the bearings replaced.

I went with all OEM stuff from Bluepit and am extremely pleased with the transaction. Good communication, super fast shipping and packaging was excellent.

Also added new 5100s to replace the old set that were very done after 90k miles. Needless to say the ride is quite improved, although I have noticed a slight decrease in mpg.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

how many miles are people getting from the originals before failure?

I have about 106k on my 2016 and everything seems fine. But I've got a cross country trip coming up next winter and was wondering if I should replace beforehand.

276k miles on OEM bearings

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

I had three second gen Tacomas and the front bearings failed pretty much like clockwork every 80k miles on all 3. One I bought with both bearings TOTALLY smoked. Like let off the gas and the thing would slow down like the calipers were severely dragging. So loud it was unbearable to drive. I got a smoking deal on the truck because of it. And drove it 2.5 hours home. So sudden failure I would say is a definite no.

Before replacement hubs were available I would take the entire spindle off the truck and press the old one out, then assemble a new bearing/hub and install it. Did this 3-4 times then the Dorman hubs came out. I had no issues with those. I usually used SKF bearings because I could get them cheap through my employer at the time. When I was extremely broke and going through my divorce one went and I used a $35 ebay bearing to fix it. It lasted 100k miles...

 

[Jetboy]

I've never had a Toyota front wheel bearing go bad. I think I've had 5 go past 200k on the originals. No issues so far on mine.

I tend to have rears go at 200k. I usually build a puller tool and just do both at the same time. Then throw the tool in the recycle bin. It's so long between them that it's not worth storing the tool that long.

I have had a catastrophic instant failure on a suburban front. Just like locking up the brakes on one tire. Not fun. But but as bad as it might seem. I never lost control or couldn't steer. Just pulled off with one tire smoking. Had to get it towed and replace the tire along with the bearing and the hub. I don't know about the design of the front failure could let the wheel come off. But I don't think so. Pretty sure the CV assembly would keep it's in place.

 

[rdruss]

My '03 is at 145K and no wheel bearing problems so far. I don't off road so maybe that helps. I don't plan to stock a wheel bearing so if mine go bad, NAPA is 1.5 miles away and i'll get theirs.

 

[Jivewalker]

I replaced both my fronts at around 200k. I think driving through water/fording lessens the life. I knew mine were bad by putting my hand on the spring with the wheel off the ground and spinning it. If you feel vibration in the spring, they are bad.

I ordered two from the guy on TW mentioned earlier in the thread. One went on with no issues, the other had play. When I took it back off it had lost it's press, so I talked the guy into letting me send back for another. He was adamant I installed it wrong. He sent the same one back after re-pressing it. Installed it, same problem. So, took it back off and put the old one on and had the dealer replace with OEM. No issues, just the price.

I am 100% positive I replaced it correctly both times, I am very meticulous in my work. The one good bearing out of the 2 saved me about 500 though, so I consider it a win. Think I paid around 300 for 2 fully pressed with NSK bearings and dirt seals.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

I replaced both my fronts at around 200k. I think driving through water/fording lessens the life. I knew mine were bad by putting my hand on the spring with the wheel off the ground and spinning it. If you feel vibration in the spring, they are bad.

I ordered two from the guy on TW mentioned earlier in the thread. One went on with no issues, the other had play. When I took it back off it had lost it's press, so I talked the guy into letting me send back for another. He was adamant I installed it wrong. He sent the same one back after re-pressing it. Installed it, same problem. So, took it back off and put the old one on and had the dealer replace with OEM. No issues, just the price.

I am 100% positive I replaced it correctly both times, I am very meticulous in my work. The one good bearing out of the 2 saved me about 500 though, so I consider it a win. Think I paid around 300 for 2 fully pressed with NSK bearings and dirt seals.

Water intrusion is pretty much the cause of all wheel bearing failures.

I’ve never had problems with Timken’s made in USA bearings.

 

[Jivewalker]

Water intrusion is pretty much the cause of all wheel bearing failures.

I’ve never had problems with Timken’s made in USA bearings.

Yep, and dust/sand/heat. They will eventually wear out, like any moving part.