Rear Wheel Bearing Help Please - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

chewie1997 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 07:04 PM

I have an 04 highlander. Its a V6 with 4wd and ABS. It has 100k on it and I am the original owner. About a month ago I noticed a grinding noise when turning right that seemed to be coming from the rear. It has gotten progressively worse since then and now makes a grinding sound when I drive straight or turn right. If I turn left the sound goes away. I jacked the rear of the vehicle and wiggled the rear right tire. The whole assemble can be pulled in and out. I checked the lugs and they are all tight. I'm assuming its a bad wheel bearing.

Are the bearings replaceable or is it a whole hub assembly?

Any ideas how to be sure it is a wheel bearing?

Any reference on a "how to" for the rear highlander bearings? I replaced front hubs and half shafts in a few GM vehicles but thats as far as my bearing experience goes.

Thanks for reading this and your advice!

chewie1997 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 09:24 AM

come on.....I've been lurking here for a while and know you all are a fountain of knowledge! Someone has to know something.

shall36 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 09:45 AM

I'm going to try to post the applicable excerpt from the FSM.

chewie1997 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:05 AM

wow, thats good info! thanks, it will be helpful!

ddvk · #5 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 12:05 PM

Replace both the hub and bearing assembly..

By driving it for more than a month w/ the a potential bearing failure, the outer race may have damaged the hub and the inner race may have also damaged the spindle on the axle.!! That is why when you hear some sounds that are not normal (like whooooo, whooooo, that changes with speed) and one has 100K on it, no doubt getting the bearings done. That is why I think 100K PM should include replacing the bearings, else you will looking at hubs and axles as an added cost.

shall36 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 02:04 PM

The FSM doesn't show it, but the bearing MAY be serviceable without replacing the hub assembly. The hub and bearing assembly lists for about $279 at Autozone.

Should be a pretty straightforward repair, especially if replacing the whole hub.

chewie1997 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 05:03 PM

thanks for the help everyone! I'm ordering the hub kit tomorrow.