Wheel Bearings

[samdajellybeenie14]

I have a 2002 sport edition 2wd with 143K miles on it. Since I got the truck about 4 days ago, I have noticed a semi-loud whirring noise coming from the front wheels, and it seems to be getting louder. I can even feel it jerking about as well. I took the truck to the mechanic and he said that I have bad wheel bearings. Because the noise seems to be getting louder every day, and the fact that I don't want them to be totally destroyed and therefore possibly fail, should I just get them replaced and call it a day, or just have them cleaned and repacked? I mean, I don't even really know what a wheel bearing IS. I really hope this isn't a serious problem/safety issue because I do most of my driving on the interstate (60+ mph) and I don't want them to suddenly fail (then I'd really be screwed!!). Any advice would be appreciated.

Sam

 

[Singtoe]

If it is a wheel bearing, it should make more noise when in turns. Anyway, can't repack bearing, needs to be replaced. Easy to replace. Need a press though.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

When people talk about re-greasing them it's just to keep them lubricated and stop them from drying out. When wheel bearings go "bad", they're already toast. I don't know off hand, but some Toyotas (like my old 01 Tacoma) need to have the new ones pressed in, so you may need to have a shop do it. I'm sure someone else who's done it will chime in. You might be able to use the search button for a faster answer on that though.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

If it is a wheel bearing, it should make more noise when in turns. Anyway, can't repack bearing, needs to be replaced. Easy to replace. Need a press though.

I just got ninja'd