Wheel bearing or CV joint issue '99

[b_radley]

Our '99 4runner w/165k miles has developed a rumble at highway speed that makes me think bad wheel bearing. Especially noticeable on right-hand curves making me think it's the LF--which it does seem to generally emanate from.

But, jacking the car and shaking the wheel it feels firm. However...the outer CV boot blew 2-3 yrs ago and my local shop replaced with a new axle unit. It's not OEM and i notice this same axle's outer boot looks dogged and ozone cracked. And...maybe cracked enough so to have leaked out all the grease. No obvious tears and greasy rim evidence but...it feels pretty hollow. The RH side axle boots all look great after 165k miles and still feel firm and full 'o grease.

Going to take it to my shop to have the wheel bearing checked and likely another axle/CV boot. I've never had a CV joint, esp on a 4wd make this bad-wheel-bearing-rumble, but could it be?

And any suggestions on brands of Axle as the parts-house version my mechanic ordered didn't cut the mus****?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[p nut]

I'm thinking it's the wheel bearing, too. A bad CV joint would eminate a popping sound while turning. But if it is a CV joint, I'd get a new axle from NAPA. They have a lifetime warranty. You can put it in yourself or have your mechanic do it. Fairly simple job, if you have the tools.

Here is a link:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/cv_axle/

I can knock one out in about 30 minutes or so.