Rotation Noise (driverside)

[maxs4runner]

I'm experiencing a rotation noise, seems to be coming from driver-side front. When I turn wheel toward left the noise goes away. From my past experience with other vehicles this would I indicate a bad hub assembly. I should add noise is not braking related. Looking for any input or ideas before I bite the bullet. TIA!

 

[maxs4runner]

Correction when I turn to right noise disappears.

 

[RonJR]

Indeed sounds like a bad wheel bearing. Generally it's the one you're turning towards when the noise disappears. So in your case, more likely the right wheel. That doesn't always hold true, however.

Jack it up and listen/feel carefully as you turn each wheel.

 

[maxs4runner]

Appreciate the quick response. The noise seems heavy on the driver-side. I'm leaning more toward driver-side hub myself but now I have a slight doubt. If I turn left the noise remains constant.

 

[RonJR]

Well, usually the noise goes away when the bearing is loaded less, due to turning toward the bearing. But, since there are two bearings on each wheel (an outer and an inner), it could be either the left inside bearing or the right outside bearing.

As I said, get the wheels off the ground and rotate them. Also grab the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and try to rock it. (Push in at the top and pull out at the bottom, and vice versa.) Shouldn't be any play, but a bad bearing may well wiggle some.

 

[maxs4runner]

There is a little bit of wiggle on driver-side wheel. Now if I could narrow it down to inner v. Outer. Thanks again.

 

[jfry008]

There is a little bit of wiggle on driver-side wheel. Now if I could narrow it down to inner v. Outer. Thanks again.

I got my hub assemblies from this guy when I had the same issues:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...wheel-bearing-assemblies-4th-gen-nj-$169.html

 

[RonJR]

From what I've read on this and other forums, you don't really want to try to replace the bearings individually. Unlike older style front wheel bearings, the 4th gen and up hubs are all pressed together as a unit and take fairly special tooling to disassemble. Complete hub assemblies as per Jfry008's link above seem to be the easiest and simplest way to deal with this.

 

[maxs4runner]

Yeah from what I've read on here, that whole assembly is the way to go. I wonder if I should replace that axle shaft while I have it apart. There are no holes in boot or anything but perhaps pinion is bad. Any thoughts?

 

[Hyaline]

Bearing

It's the bearing. And its usually the opposite. Turn to the left and noise goes away its the right bearing and vice versa. Easiest way to find out which one it is is to jack it up by the control arm and wiggle up down. IF u get a wobble its the bearing. If there are no leaks or rips in the axle, no reason to mess with it. I did left first then 2 winters later right went. I also used [MENTION=100129]nj636[/MENTION]

 

[nj636]

It's the bearing. And its usually the opposite. Turn to the left and noise goes away its the right bearing and vice versa. Easiest way to find out which one it is is to jack it up by the control arm and wiggle up down. IF u get a wobble its the bearing. If there are no leaks or rips in the axle, no reason to mess with it. I did left first then 2 winters later right went. I also used [MENTION=100129]nj636[/MENTION]

^^^He's right

 

[nj636]

There is a little bit of wiggle on driver-side wheel. Now if I could narrow it down to inner v. Outer. Thanks again.

wiggle with the truck jacked up and grabbing the tire @ 12 and 6? Push/Pull method?

Any movement using that method is in the bearing and is not good.